Fashion & Textile Design Introductory Diploma
OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3
Why Study Fashion Design?
This inspirational and practical course encourages the development of ideas, experimentation and creative approaches to fashion and textile design, and production, which underpin and define the spirit of fashion now. This course will enable you to develop a fashion portfolio and you will learn how to use create and make textile and fashion based work to prepare you for a career in the fashion industry.
Entry Requirements
In addition to our general entry requirements, you must have:
- GCSE English – grade 3
- GCSE Art – grade 4 (or Merit in Level 2 Art & Design)
We will also consider GCSE Art & Design Fashion or textiles grade 4 together with a portfolio at initial College interviews.
The Course
This course explores the wide range of areas that are used day to day in the fashion and textiles industry. Students will cover the creative elements of fashion and textiles which are delivered practically, through studio sessions, workshops and demonstrations. The course makes use of activities to give you a comprehensive understanding of topics covered
Course Activities
Lessons will be predominantly practically based. You will be given clear demonstrations of processes and you will be given time to explore these both in small groups and independently. You will be encouraged to talk about your work using specialist vocabulary and to discuss your ideas and your understanding of other designers’ work with your teacher and fellow students.
You should be prepared to write about both your ideas and the work of others. Written evaluation forms an extremely important part of this course. Your sketchbooks or work boards should be thoroughly annotated
Career and Progression Opportunities
After successfully gaining the Level 3 qualification you can progress onto a foundation or honours degree, associated HE programmes or internships. Careers are many and varied but include: fashion and textile design, fashion buying, fashion forecasting, fashion journalism, fashion merchandising, fashion promotion and PR, fashion retail, visual merchandising and fashion communication.
Course and Structure Assessment
After successfully gaining the Level 3 qualification you can progress onto a foundation or honours degree, associated HE programmes or internships. Careers are many and varied but include: fashion and textile design, fashion buying, fashion forecasting, fashion journalism, fashion merchandising, fashion promotion and PR, fashion retail, visual merchandising and fashion communication.
Course Structure and Assessment
This is a two-year course and is the equivalent of one A Level. The course is made up of 6 units that are all assessed internally and moderated by the exam board. Good time management skills and the ability to meet deadlines are needed for this course.
Unit 1: Art & Design in Context
This unit looks at key trends, movements and events in the context of a chosen fashion or textile discipline.
Unit 10: How Artists and Designers Use 2D Materials, Techniques and Processes This unit enables students to look at the work of artists or designers and characteristics and working properties of 2D design materials, techniques and processes.
You will study a further four specialist Fashion and Textile Design units selected to meet the needs of the class, from a list that includes:
- Upcycling fashion products
- Fashion Design
- Fashion Production
- Fine Art Textiles
- Fashion Illustration
Additional Information
Examination Board: OCR