Fashion and Textiles - Level 3 Extended Diploma

If you are interested in the fashion and textiles industry, this course provides an opportunity to explore, develop and extend your creativity with stimulating and challenging study. You will increase your skills and knowledge by completing projects and assignments that are based on realistic fashion workplace situations, activities and demands.

You will learn a range of disciplines such as fashion illustration, pattern cutting and sewing skills, digital and screen printed textile design, styling and photography. Research and idea development are central to your study in the visual arts and you will also learn different types of drawing styles. This will be underpinned by an understanding of cultural and historical influences. You will be introduced to relevant software and computer aided design to support you in your future career.

Day-to-day, you will engage in practical workshops, lectures, debates, gallery visits and independent research. You will learn new skills and develop experience using a number of specialist materials, techniques and processes. You will also develop your English and communication skills through contextual studies, ideas and concepts, and visual communication and through presentations to tutors and peer group.

You will develop your creative potential while working on your own fashion application, exploration and realisation. When experimenting with specialist techniques and processes, you will improve your understanding of the visual language in fashion and design.

Each term you will work on a number of assignments, and will exhibit your practical work around the college through an end-of-year exhibition/fashion show.

This course consists of two separate qualifications. In your first year of study, you will work towards the Level 3 90-Credit Diploma. Following successful completion of this qualification, you will be able to progress to the Extended Diploma. Our Extended Diplomas offer equivalent UCAS points to studying 3 A Levels.

Topics covered can include:

• Pattern cutting
• Garment construction
• Drawing
• Textiles
• Mixed media
• Photography
• Visual recording
• Digital design and editing (using Adobe Photoshop and Adobe Illustrator)

You will need:

• Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language and Maths or an equivalent Level 2 qualification at Merit or above
• A portfolio of your art and design work

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

The course is assessed throughout the year and with an end-of-course portfolio, as well as contribution to end-of-term student showcase exhibitions of work and a fashion show.

School Leavers

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31 August in the year you begin your course, and have been resident in the UK/EU/EEA for the past 3 years, it will be free. Some courses will have other costs associated, such as for materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support when studying at college – please click here for more information.

This course will help you to move on to higher level courses, such as a Bachelor of Arts, an apprenticeship or other employment.