Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion Design & Marketing

Applications Open - Monday 2 November 2026

Applications Close - Open all year

How to Apply - Please apply through KentChoices and use your KentChoices login which your school should provide.

PLEASE NOTE - Popular courses can fill up quickly so apply early to avoid disappointment

If you have any queries regarding the courses, please contact EKC Folkestone College

You can make up to 5 applications to Colleges within the EKC Group, that is:

• EKC Ashford College
• EKC Broadstairs College*
• EKC Canterbury College*
• EKC Dover College
• EKC Folkestone College*
• EKC Sheppey College

*Junior Colleges exist in these locations.

Please only add one course or T Level per application, except for A Levels at EKC Canterbury College, where up to 4 A Level courses can be added per application. At your interview, you and the tutors can discuss the best level and courses in order for you to progress.

Imagine designing your own clothing collection, experimenting with textiles and developing a brand to showcase your work. From your first sketches to the final garment, you’ll explore how fashion design and marketing work together to bring creative ideas to life. If you’re passionate about fashion, enjoy expressing your own style and want to develop your creative skills, this two-year course is a great next step. You’ll explore fashion design, garment construction and marketing while developing your own ideas, building your portfolio and discovering the different opportunities available across the fashion industry.

You’ll build on your creative skills and develop a deeper understanding of fashion design and marketing. Through practical projects, you’ll explore how to turn your ideas into designs and how fashion brands develop, promote and communicate their identity. You’ll explore areas including: • Developing fashion concepts through research, drawing and design development • Experimenting with textiles, fabrics, patterns and garment construction • Exploring fashion illustration, styling and visual presentation • Understanding fashion trends, designers and the wider fashion industry • Learning about branding, marketing and promoting fashion products • Exploring photography and digital content to present and promote your work • Considering sustainability and ethical practices within fashion • Developing your own creative style and building a professional portfolio Alongside your studies, you’ll complete a tailored work experience placement with a leading industry specialist. Our dedicated Industry Liaison Officers will match you with a placement that supports your interests and career goals, with many students going on to secure paid work as a result.

This course will be assessed with multiple projects that will build your skills in several areas. Throughout the year you will complete regular assessments, providing you with detailed feedback to help you improve your skills and knowledge. This is a highly supportive course, designed to guide your progress with clear, practical advice so you can continue building your skills and confidence.

To study at Level 3, you will need an average entry score of 5.0 from your best 6 GCSE subjects, ideally including English and Maths. You will also be required to show a portfolio of work when you apply. This could include drawings, sketches, models or creative projects that demonstrate your interest and potential. In instances where little or no portfolio and/or performance experience is shown, we will guide you towards the best course to help you build your portfolio and develop the skills and knowledge you need to succeed at higher levels. This study programme is designed to help you move quickly toward advanced jobs, higher education, or apprenticeship opportunities if you know what you want to do next and meet the entry requirements needed for success.

By the end of your course, you’ll be ready to take your next step into higher education or the creative industries. This course opens the door to a range of career paths, including: • Fashion Design • Fashion Marketing • Merchandising You can progress onto university, specialist design courses or apprenticeships, using the portfolio you’ve built to stand out and move forward with confidence. You will also be able to apply for entry level roles within the industry.