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Where will this course lead?

On successful completion of the course you will be qualified to enter Higher Education to pursue a UAL Level 4 Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, Higher National Diploma or Degree course. You will also develop the necessary skills to enter the workplace or apprenticeship should you choose to do so.

What will I study?

The course covers many aspects of Fashion and Textiles, and you will have the opportunity to learn core Textile design skills and theories; such as design development, a variety of textile techniques, garment construction and illustration using traditional and digital techniques. You will develop the ability to create your own dressmaking patterns by pattern drafting and draping on the stand. Throughout the course you will develop a wide range of digital and traditional art and design techniques and software skills. You will use the latest Adobe Creative Suite for some of your design work and fashion illustrations. You will learn how to use a variety of materials and become confident in a range of techniques and processes. In addition to practical textile skills, you will explore contextual influences looking at the work of historical and contemporary designers to inform your own ideas and imagination. At the end of each year you will showcase your work in an end of year showcase exhibition.

How will this course be delivered?

The course is classroom based with individual, small team and wider group workshops, exploring and developing ideas, techniques, and practical textile skills, and the use of theoretical principles in Fashion & Textiles. There will be a number of assignments each year which will allow students to work on their own choice of outcomes. Some of these assignments will be 'live', working with industry professionals. There will also be the opportunity to work with specialists during enrichment and work experience activities. 

Sketchbooks are used to document the development of your ideas throughout each assignment and should contain your initial research, visual studies, design development and experimentation, along with your final designs and evaluation. It is expected that you annotate your ideas and reflect on your development as the assignment progresses.

What qualifications will I get?

The course leads to a Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion & Textiles (equivalent to three A Levels). It is a two-year, full-time programme at level 3.

How will I be assessed?

Assignments form the basis for coursework. The lecturing staff will introduce each new assignment as the course progresses. You will be assessed all the time you are working, but your main assessment is through assignment work, where you will be graded for each assignment and then given an overall grade for the final assignment of each year. There are no exams as such.

How do I get a place on the course?

You should apply through the college application process, via the website, telephone, or open events etc.

What are the entry requirements?

You need to have 4 GCSEs at grade 4 or above, one of which should be Maths or English, and also a creative subject such as Art, Textiles, Design or Photography.

What else do I need to know?

As part of the programme you will undertake 'live' projects and competitions, which will give you an insight into the way in which professional designers work. As a department we have strong industry links with local employers and organise regular visits from professionals who work commercially and are regularly published within their field. They offer invaluable industry knowledge and skill.

At the end of the first year, and moving into the second year of the course, you will receive advice on University courses and apprenticeships, along with methods of application. Guidance regarding the job market and employment opportunities will also be available. Portfolio building will form an important part of the second year as you prepare for interviews.

What can I do after this course?

You can progress onto University, Apprenticeship, or work in Fashion & Textile related subjects. You will also learn many transferable skills.

Location

Blossomfield Campus

Start Date

Sept-2025

Day

Various

Time

TBC

Course Fee

N/A for 16 to 18 Year Olds

Course Code

CACAY092BCF0

Study Mode

Full Time

Visual Merchandiser

Merchandisers and window dressers replenish stocks of goods in stores, advise retailers on the optimum display of merchandise and create displays of merchandise in shop windows.

What’s Involved?

Visual Merchandisers monitor stock movements, consider customer requirements and assist customers in completing orders. They supply information about the product to the retailer and sales staff and deal with customer enquiries. They consult with advertising and sales staff and advise retailers on the optimal display of a product and of any promotions. They also implement plans from display designers or display managers or develop ideas and plan for merchandise display or window dressing. They prepare area for new display, construct or assemble displays from a variety of materials, and dismantle existing displays and return merchandise to relevant departments. They provide feedback about displays to senior managers.

Arts Director

Arts officers, producers and directors assume creative, financial and organisational responsibilities in the production and direction of television and radio programmes, films, stage presentations, content for other media, and the promotion and exhibition of other creative activities.

What’s Involved?

Art Officers/Producers/Directors choose writers, scripts, technical staff and performers, and assume overall responsibility for completion of project on time and within budget. They direct actors, designers, camera teams, sound crews and other production and technical staff to achieve desired effects. They break scripts into scenes and formulate a shooting schedule that will be most economical in terms of time, location and sets. They also prepare rehearsals and production schedules for main events, design of sets and costumes, technical rehearsals and dress rehearsals. They ensure necessary equipment, props, performers and technical staff are on set when required. They also manage health and safety issues. They select, contract, market and arrange for the presentation and/or distribution of performance, visual and heritage arts.

Artist

Artists create artistic works using appropriate techniques, materials and media; design artwork and illustrations; and restore damaged pieces of art.

What’s Involved?

Independant Artists conceive and develop ideas and ways of working for artistic composition. They select appropriate materials, medium and method. They prepare sketches, scale drawings or colour schemes. They also build up compositions into finished work by carving, sculpting, etching, painting, engraving, drawing, etc. They approach managers of galleries and exhibitions in order to get finished work displayed. They use artistic skills to restore damaged artworks. They liaise with writers and publishers to produce book illustrations. They also market and sell finished work directly to customers. They produce work on commission basis for clients.

Graphic Designer

Graphic designers use illustrative, sound, visual and multimedia techniques to convey a message for information, entertainment, advertising, promotion or publicity purposes, and create special visual effects and animations for computer games, film, interactive and other media.

What’s Involved?

Graphic Designers liaise with clients to clarify aims of project brief, discuss media, software and technology to be used, establish timetable for project and define budgetary constraints; They undertake research into project, consider previous related projects and compare costs of using different processes; They prepare sketches, scale drawings, models, colour schemes and other mock-ups to show clients and discuss any required alterations; They also prepare specifications and instructions for realisation of the project; They liaise with other parts of the production team to ensure graphic design fits with other elements, processes and timescales; They produce or oversee creation of the final product.

Journalist

Jobholders in this unit group investigate and write up stories and features for broadcasting and for newspapers, magazines and other periodicals, evaluate and manage their style and content and oversee the editorial direction of these types of output and publication.

What’s Involved?

Journalists determine subject matter and undertake research by interviewing, attending public events, seeking out records, reviewing written work, attending film and stage performances etc. They write articles and features and submit draft manuscripts to newspaper, magazine, periodical or programme editor. They select material for broadcast or publication, check style, grammar, accuracy and legality of content and arrange for any necessary revisions. They also liaise with production staff in checking final proof copies immediately prior to printing.

Fashion Designer

Product, clothing and related designers plan, direct and undertake the creation of designs for new industrial and commercial products, clothing and related fashion accessories, costumes and wigs, and for building interiors and stage sets.

What’s Involved?

A designer liaises with client to determine the purpose, cost, technical specification and potential uses/users of product; undertakes research to determine market trends, production requirements, availability of resources and formulates design concepts; prepares sketches, designs, patterns or prototypes for textiles, clothing, footwear, jewellery, fashion accessories, set props, wigs, ceramics, plastics, motor vehicles, domestic appliances and engineering products; prepares sketches, designs, mock-ups and storyboards; submits design to management, sales department or client for approval, communicates design rationale and makes any necessary alterations; specifies materials, production method and finish for aesthetic or functional effect, and oversees production of sample and/or finished product; observes and manages intellectual property issues.

CAD Technician/Draughtsperson

CAD Technicians or Draughtspersons prepare technical drawings, plans, maps, charts and similar items.

What’s Involved?

A CAD Technician examines design specification to determine general requirements. They consider the suitability of different materials with regard to the dimensions and weight and calculate the likely fatigue, stresses, tolerances, bonds and threads. They prepare design drawings, plans or sketches and checks feasibility of construction and compliance with safety regulations. They prepare detailed drawings, plans, charts or maps that include natural features, desired surface finish, elevations, electrical circuitry and other details as required. They arrange for completed drawings to be reproduced for use as working drawings.

Shopkeeper

Shopkeepers and proprietors in this unit group co-ordinate, direct and undertake the activities in the running of small, independent retail and wholesale establishments.

What’s Involved?

A shopkeeper defines the market position for the business, decides what to sell, forecasts demand and develops the brand image of the business; determines staffing, financial, material and other short- and long-term requirements; oversees staff training, rotas and the allocation of work; provides information about merchandise to staff and customers and ensures customer complaints are appropriately dealt with; ensures that adequate reserves of merchandise are held and orders new stock as required; maintains financial and other shop records and controls security arrangements for the premises; authorises payment for supplies received and decides on vending price and credit terms; examines quality of merchandise and ensures that effective use is made of advertising and display facilities.

Predicted Employment

How much can I earn?

£17,680
NATIONAL AVERAGE

Employment by Region

The career paths provided are to give you an idea of the careers that you could progress onto in the future. However, for some, you may need to complete higher level qualifications and gain experience before your dream job becomes a reality. The information provided is to support further research and to generate some initial career ideas when choosing a course. Please check entry requirements to degree courses, apprenticeships, and jobs as this may vary from year to year and across providers. For further advice and guidance, please contact: careers@solihull.ac.uk.