Where will this course lead?

On successful completion of the course you will be qualified to enter Higher Education to pursue a UAL Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, Higher National Diploma or Degree course. You will also develop the necessary skills to enter the workplace or apprenticeship should you choose to do so.

What will I study?

The course covers many aspects of Fashion and Textiles, and you will have the opportunity to learn core Textile design skills and theories; such as design development, a variety of textile techniques, garment construction and illustration using traditional and digital techniques. You will develop the ability to create your own dressmaking patterns by pattern drafting and draping on the stand. Throughout the course you will develop a wide range of digital and traditional art and design techniques and software skills. You will use the latest Adobe Creative Suite for some of your design work and fashion illustrations. You will learn how to use a variety of materials and become confident in a range of techniques and processes. In addition to practical textile skills, you will explore contextual influences looking at the work of historical and contemporary designers to inform your own ideas and imagination. At the end of each year you will showcase your work in an end of year showcase exhibition.

How will this course be delivered?

The course is classroom based with individual, small team and wider group workshops, exploring and developing ideas, techniques, and practical textile skills, and the use of theoretical principles in Fashion & Textiles. There will be a number of assignments each year which will allow students to work on their own choice of outcomes. Some of these assignments will be 'live', working with industry professionals. There will also be the opportunity to work with specialists during enrichment and work experience activities. 

Sketchbooks are used to document the development of your ideas throughout each assignment and should contain your initial research, visual studies, design development and experimentation, along with your final designs and evaluation. It is expected that you annotate your ideas and reflect on your development as the assignment progresses.

What qualifications will I get?

The course leads to a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion & Textiles (equivalent to three A Levels). It is a two-year, full-time programme at level 3.

How will I be assessed?

Assignments form the basis for coursework. The lecturing staff will introduce each new assignment as the course progresses. You will be assessed all the time you are working, but your main assessment is through assignment work, where you will be graded for each assignment and then given an overall grade for the final assignment of each year. There are no exams as such.

How do I get a place on the course?

You should apply through the college application process, via the website, telephone, or open events etc.

What are the entry requirements?

You need to have 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, one of which should be Maths or English, and also a creative subject such as Art, Textiles, Design or Photography.

What else do I need to know?

As part of the programme you will undertake 'live' projects and competitions, which will give you an insight into the way in which professional designers work. As a department we have strong industry links with local employers and organise regular visits from professionals who work commercially and are regularly published within their field. They offer invaluable industry knowledge and skill.

At the end of the first year, and moving into the second year of the course, you will receive advice on University courses and apprenticeships, along with methods of application. Guidance regarding the job market and employment opportunities will also be available. Portfolio building will form an important part of the second year as you prepare for interviews.

What can I do after this course?

You can progress onto University, Apprenticeship, or work in Fashion & Textile related subjects. You will also learn many transferable skills.