Fashion Styling & Visual Merchandising
Students will learn the essential theory and concepts of Fashion Styling & Visual Merchandising and gain an understanding of brand image and consumer behaviour.
| Award Name | Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | QQI |
| NFQ Level | Level 5 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Level 5 Certificate (Level 5 NFQ) | Major | QQI | Level 5 NFQ |
Duration
1 year full-time.
Entry Requirements
Any student over 16 years seeking entry to this programme does not need a previous formal qualification. Should the student have previous qualifications, one of the following may be advantageous for admission to the programme:
• Leaving Certificate/LCA
• QQI Level 4 Award
• Mature students welcome
• If English is not your first language you may be asked to complete an English assessment
• Students who may not have formal academic requirements but who have the ability to successfully participate on the course will be considered. (RPL Recognition of Prior Learning)
Careers / Further progression
Careers/Progression
Career Opportunities: Visual Merchandiser, Window Display Designer, Fashion & Interiors Stylist, Creative Director, Retail Management, Fashion PA, Fashion Stylist.
Past students have gone on to study Visual Merchandising & Display Degree in TU Dublin (TU795). Fashion & Retail Business (TU925). Fashion Buying & Merchandising @ Portobello Institute.
Further information
Start Date: September 2026.
Registration Fee: €100 / Course Materials: €50.
Student Grants
Eligible students can apply for a SUSI Grant to assist with course costs. Please contact SUSI.ie for further information.
View https://www.cathalbrughafet.ie/general-information for other grants and supports.
Apply online. Please see "Application Weblink" above.
Fashion Styling And Visual Merchandising (North Strand Campus).
How Will I Learn?
You will have a mixture of classroom-based subjects, studio-based design work, work placement and independent study. We produce editorial Fashion Shoots, a Fashion Show and Retail Window Displays throughout the year.
Students will learn the essential theory and concepts of Fashion Styling & Visual Merchandising and gain an understanding of brand image and consumer behaviour. Through practical projects and educational trips, learners will study the principles underpinning trend forecasting and how to translate those trends into a commercially visually appealing display.
Students will also learn the importance of photography as a visual medium and will style and photograph fashion shoots. They will create eye-catching product displays and store layouts designed to attract customers. This course will also prepare learners for the variety of the VM industry from in-store visual merchandising / styling photoshoots / content creation for digital media / product launches / in-store client events / window display and exhibition design.
You can view previous work on our social media platforms:
Instagram: @vmfashioncbfet
TikTok: @vmfashioncbfet
What We Would Like From You!
A Passion for Fashion! A Styling Secret Power! We ask that you bring your passion and enthusiasm for the industry to class, and we will foster it. Together we will create innovative designs and produce an imaginative original portfolio of work.
Certification: QQI Level 5 Award in Fashion Styling and Visual Merchandising 5M3865.
What Will I Study?
Retail Display
Fashion Styling
Fashion Buying & Merchandising
Fashion Industry & Design Studies
Event Management
Design Skills
Drawing
Communications
Work Experience
Please note the components listed above may vary occasionally.
A full Award is granted on passing the relevant eight components. You will be assessed throughout and at the end of the year (Continuous Assessment). On successful completion of each component, you will be awarded a Pass, a Merit or a Distinction grade.
5M3865 - Fashion Design
North Strand Campus
171 North Strand Road, Dublin 1, D01 Y160
T: 01 855 7116
F: 01 855 4064
Enquiries: cathy.deegan@marino.cdetb.ie