Q. Why does retail need a Diploma?
A. Retail is the UK’s single biggest private sector employer - it currently provides around three million jobs, plus around 2 million jobs in logistics in England. Even in the face of the current economic downturn people will always be needed to fill retail jobs.  Retail encompasses a huge array of skills in areas such as buying, merchandising, logistics, supply chain, business management, marketing, accounting and IT. This gives Diploma students a wide choice of challenging, rewarding options to build a successful career in the retail business. Some of the most successful business people are in retail.

Academics and leading retailers have developed the Diploma so that it fully meets the demands of both higher education and the retail sector. The Diploma provides structured learning within the context of the retail business. Students will learn functional skills of English, maths and ICT that are demanded by employers. For example, maths may be learned by calculating profit margins, product pricing and which stores should receive more stock. English language skills can be acquired by writing promotional materials and sales presentations.

Q. The Diploma in Retail Business can be taken at various levels: what are they?
A. Foundation Level (equivalent to 5 GCSEs achieved at grades D-G), Higher Level (equivalent to 7 GCSEs achieved at grades A*-C); Advanced Level (equivalent to 3.5 A-levels and 420 tariff points at the highest level of attainment).

Q. How will the Diploma in Retail Business equip students to deal with the challenges of Higher education?
A. The Diploma in Retail Business has been designed with extensive input from academics to ensure it has the breadth and depth that supports progression to higher learning. Learners who have studied the Advanced Diploma will have the critical thinking and cognitive skills that are highly valued by HE institutions. The integration of personal, learning and thinking skills at all three levels (Foundation, Higher, Advanced) will ensure students are equipped to think broadly and to apply their knowledge across a range of situations. Students achieving a Diploma in Retail Business will possess more life skills, having experienced the world of work, giving them a head start in higher education.

Q. How can my institution get involved in the delivery of the Diploma in Retail Business?
 A. There are many way in which your HE institution could be involved. For example joining a local Diploma Consortia, opening up resources such as museums, art galleries, libraries and IT suites for the use of school and college students for the extended project work they will do as part of the Diploma qualification to providing taster days, summer schools and workshops for diploma candidates. For more information please contact Diploma Partnership Manager Fiona Stubbs (see above for info).

Q. What is the UCAS tariff allocated to the Advanced Diploma in Retail Business?
A. The UCAS tariff for Advanced Diploma at the highest level of attainment is 420 tariff points. For a further breakdown of UCAS tariff points according to grades please go to the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority (QCA) website

Q. Can a student taking an Advanced Diploma in Retail Business also undertake an A level?
A. Yes, absolutely. The Diploma in Retail Business is a composite and flexible qualification. Learners can choose any A level as part of their additional and specialist learning component. If you have specific demands about what A levels are essential for students to gain entry to your institution then please contact richard.thompson@skillsmartretail.com (Diploma Project Manager) on 020 7462 5085 so that learners can be given advice and guidance on entry requirements.