Creative Practice: Fashion and Textiles Pathway Level 3 Diploma [Y1}

This specialist course introduces you to the fashion design industry through fashion-focused, industry-style briefs that support the development of your individual creative practice and professional portfolio. You will explore the full fashion design process, from research and trend analysis to design development, pattern cutting, toile creation, garment construction, textile experimentation, draping and final presentation.

The course is taught by experienced industry professionals with backgrounds in fashion design, fashion buying, manufacture and textiles, who will support you in developing skills in fashion illustration, visual communication, Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, professional sewing, garment sampling and surface design techniques including print, knit and weave. You will work in large, bright studios with industry-standard equipment and Mac suites using professional creative software.

During this two-year course, you will develop your unique design identity while building the key technical skills needed for successful progression into further study or employment. You will complete fashion-focused, industry-style project briefs tailored to professional fashion outcomes, develop garment designs and textile samples, learn professional sewing and garment construction methods, and gain skills in pattern cutting, toile development, garment sampling and draping. You will produce fashion design work both digitally and by hand, build an extensive professional fashion portfolio, and prepare for progression into degree-level study or fashion-related career routes. You will receive continuous professional guidance from experienced tutors and take part in specialist workshops, and educational visits to fashion and creative venues.

Assessment is project-based and portfolio-led across both years of the course. In Year 1, you will complete nine projects developing creative foundations and technical skills. In Year 2, you will complete six advanced projects, culminating in a Final Major Project. Final grades are based on research, development work, practical outcomes and professional portfolio presentation.

Minimum five grade 4-9 at GCSE or successful completion of the Level 2 course, and English or maths at grade 4. A portfolio of work will be required.

This qualification supports progression into university degree programmes including Fashion Design, Fashion & Textiles, Textile Design, Costume & Performance Design, Fashion Marketing & Styling, and Designer Maker disciplines. Progression opportunities are available locally through University Centre Hastings and at other higher-education institutions. The course may also support entry into fashion-related employment or apprenticeships, including fashion studios, garment manufacturing and sampling studios, textile production workshops, costume departments for theatre and media, and fashion retail or visual merchandising.