Course Overview
Have you always wanted to design a runway collection? Or do you see yourself fashion styling for Vogue, buying and marketing for a top fashion house, or designing accessories and textiles for the high street? Creative practitioners develop and learn by constantly trying out new ideas and solutions. You should be curious about the world, enjoy creating independent work and want to develop a deep understanding of fashion and confidence in your practice. Studying fashion and textiles will build your understanding of the creative industries, with styling and trends workshops and live projects to develop your business and marketing knowledge, helping you to make a choice about your career and apply to university. Our Level 3 Fashion and Textiles course is one of the specialist pathways on our Level 3 Art, Design and Communication: Creative Practice course. You will be able to focus on fashion in the final term of year one, and in year two.
What will I learn?
The Art, Design & Communication: Creative Practice course is a nine-unit qualification, which covers the core skills necessary to develop your creative practice. You will learn these transferable skills through exploring creative approaches to:
• Drawing, sketchbook work and fashion illustration
• Fashion and textile exploration, including pattern cutting, draping, fabric manipulation, garment construction and print
• 2D and 3D mixed media and digital manipulation
• Photography, fashion styling and project development
• Application of research and contextual studies
• Work Experience, ‘Live’ design projects and portfolio building
You’ll be taught by experienced and dedicated lecturers who are themselves creative practitioners with relevant professional experience. You’ll be supported by technicians while working in industry-standard studios and workshops. You’ll build practical evidence of your skills, reflecting your individual strengths and your interests in the creative industries.
There will be opportunities to design and construct a capsule collection using specialist fashion equipment, and the end of year show is a chance to showcase your work and a highlight of the year.
The course includes visits to exhibitions, both regionally and to London, with opportunities to take part in competitions and public events.
Study, Assessment and Qualifications
Progression is a key part of the Extended Diploma, and this course will emphasise personal ambition, directed self-study and individual goals, preparing you for applications to employment, apprenticeships, further and higher education.
This qualification will provide you with opportunities to become a versatile and employable individual in the creative industries. Our creative department has an excellent record of progression and past students have successfully gained places on a wide variety of prestigious degree courses and then gained employment as fashion designers, stylists, buyers, illustrators, multimedia designers, editors, textiles designers in print/knit/weave fashion photographers, set and costume designers.
Entry Requirements
• 4 GCSEs at grade 9-4 (A*-C) including English and maths (or equivalent) or Merit or Distinction in a related subject at Level 2.
• A recent portfolio of work.
• A good reference.
• A satisfactory interview.
Additional Costs and Information
At the start of the year, you will be shown how to use the online shop where you can pay the studio fee of £175. This will provide access to additional materials in the design and construction workshops, sketchbooks and trips to London etc.
