Fashion and Clothing Level 3 Extended Diploma

Make a start on an exciting career in the fashion industry with this highly creative Extended Diploma in Fashion and Clothing. You look at all aspects of the fashion industry including designing, pattern cutting, making garments, fashion illustration, styling and CAD design. Projects and assignments are based on the realistic situations and demands of a professional fashion studio environment.

The assignments vary and are likely to cover womenswear, menswear, childrenswear, evening wear and lingerie. The units cover the following areas:

• visual recording
• materials techniques and processes
• ideas and concepts
• visual communication
• contextual influences
• application, exploration and realisation in art and design (double award)
• personal and professional development
• techniques and technology
• pattern construction and development
• accessory production
• fashion media visualisation
• presentation
• promotion
• styling

You are also expected to attend functional skill lessons to prepare for exams in English and IT. This is a vocational course so you are assessed by the assignments set over the duration of the course.

You learn how to draw and design fashion products (e.g. garments and accessories); pattern cut, sew and make use repeat patterns, illustrate ideas and style and promote fashion. The course is equivalent to three A-levels (up to 360 UCAS points).

Applicants for a Level 3 programme will normally have at least 4 GCSEs at grade C or above (including some subjects related to the proposed area of study) and/or a completed Level 2 award, and the willingness to study for an additional Level 2 qualification in English and/or maths.

If you are interested in a Level 3 programme and have alternative qualifications you would like us to consider, please contact us with your details. Applicants will be invited to attend an interview and complete an internal assessment. All students will have their literacy and numeracy needs supported within the programme.

You can progress to a degree course. Most of our students go on to university, usually in a fashion-related subject, or you can move directly into industry. Some students complete unpaid work placements to gain experience in their selected field.