Quick facts
| Qualification type |
Level 3 Extended Diploma |
| Duration | 2 years |
| Study times |
You will be expected to be in college for a minimum of 3 days per week, from 9:15 to 4:00. Your timetable will be confirmed at induction. |
| Entry requirements |
4 x GCSEs at Grade 4 or above. At least one of these should be Maths or English. Entry is via an interview where your commitment, enthusiasm and motivation should shine through. |
| Campus |
Leonardo House, West Suffolk College Sixth Form campus, Bury St Edmunds |
| Work placements | Work related experience |
Is it for me?
The Fashion and Textiles course introduces you to a broad range of skills that are used within the design and construction of fabrics, fibre art, garments and interior pieces. At the end of each year, you will focus on your individual interests and display this work in our End of Year Exhibition.
In Year 1, you will undertake a range of projects and workshops introducing you to the basics of design drawing, print and pattern, constructed textiles, digital design, pattern cutting and construction.
In Year 2, you will then further develop and apply these skills to a range of 'live' briefs, collaborations with industry companies, competitions and more independently focussed projects.
What you'll learn
Creative and Technical skills:
- Pattern cutting
- 3D fashion tailoring/making skills - media and processes
- 2D illustration and fashion design skills - hands-on and digital
- Colour - theory, application, method
- Printmaking - textile surface design and pattern
- Photography - studio modelling
- Digital - various software - including Adobe CC (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Idea generation
- Exploration and experimentation of media and processes
- Independent development of studio work into own unique outcomes
Professional Skills:
- Working on 'live' assignments
- Meeting deadlines
- Working with focus and independence
- Communication
- Presentation of outcomes
- Online professional social media profile
Work experience placements
Work related experience is encouraged as part of this course, this practical experience is invaluable for your creative journey and future career prospects. By actively engaging in hands-on work, you will have the opportunity to apply the knowledge and skills you acquire in the classroom to real-life situations.
Assessment
This course is assessed by deadline-driven coursework with no exams. All coursework is assessed at Pass, Merit, Distinction levels against the qualification unit criteria. We are proud to be a University of the Arts London (UAL) accredited college, the largest creative awarding body in Europe.
Further study
- Art and Design Foundation Diploma Level 3
- BA(Hons) Art Practice
- BA(Hons) Graphic Communication
Example careers
- Fashion Designer
- Interior Designer
- Menswear Designer
- Fashion Buyer
- Print Designer
- Costume Designer
Days & times
Starting September 2025