Clothing, Fashion and Accessories Designers
Up to £80,098Clothing, fashion and accessories designers plan, direct and undertake the creation of designs for new clothing and related fashion accessories.
Admissions
Entry Requirements
What You'll Need
- Five GCSEs at Grade 4 or above, including English and Maths
- A portfolio to show your creative abilities at interview
- A genuine love of fashion and self-expression
- Successful interview with our team
Not sure about your portfolio? Don't worry. Bring what you have, and we'll talk it through with you at your interview.
What You'll Learn
From First Sketch to Final Stitch.
This course takes you through the whole process of making fashion. You’ll develop your own ideas into collections of garments through research, experimentation and real practical skills. You’ll learn garment construction and pattern cutting using traditional sewing techniques alongside digital design, all on industry-standard equipment in our fashion studio.
Fashion is a broad world, and this year helps you find your lane, whether that’s design, styling or production. You’ll build a strong portfolio, get real experience through live projects, and show your work on the catwalk. You’ll finish ready for your next step: university, an apprenticeship, or straight into the industry.
What You'll Study
- Visual language in art and design
- Research skills in art and design
- Critical and contextual awareness in art and design
- Material processes and technical skills in art and design
- Opportunities for progression in art, design and media
How You're Assessed
Assessment Methods
Coursework
Written assignments, research projects, and case studies that let you explore topics in depth.
Practical Assessment
Hands-on tasks and practical demonstrations in realistic working environments.
Portfolio
Build a portfolio of evidence showcasing your skills and achievements throughout the course.
Coursework and a portfolio of your own work.
Career Destinations
Where This Course Takes You
/year
Textiles, Garments and Related Trades
Up to £36,489Job holders in this unit group perform a variety of textiles and related craft occupations.
Your progression pathway
Before this Level 2 or GCSEs
This course Level 3 UAL Level 3 Diploma in Creative Practice: Art Design & Communication – Fashion
Where next Higher Apprenticeship, University, or Employment
Life on the Course
See What It's Really Like
Our Facilities
Your Fashion Studio
An industry-standard fashion studio with the machinery and resources to take a design from first sketch to finished garment, led by tutors with real industry experience.
Industry-Standard Fashion Studio
Machinery and resources to take your designs from first sketch to final stitch.
The End-of-Year Catwalk
Show your designs in our fashion show and exhibition.
Expert Tutors and Live Projects
Learn from tutors with real industry experience, on real briefs.
Industry-Standard Studio · End-of-Year Catwalk
Student Voice
“
College has helped me find what I want to do and express myself. I've met amazing people and always felt supported by my tutors. I plan to start my own freelance fashion styling business and feel confident about going into the industry.
For Parents & Carers
Supporting Your Child's Journey
A Friendly, Welcoming Place
Students are often surprised by how friendly and welcoming college is. It's a supportive community where they'll build genuine friendships and feel part of something.
About student lifeGCSE Support Built In
If your child needs to resit GCSE English or Maths, it's built into the timetable — not bolted on as an extra. They'll get structured support alongside their main course.
About student supportTutors With Real Experience
Our tutors bring real industry experience into the classroom. They teach what's actually used in the world of work, and students consistently say this is what makes the course work.
For Careers Advisers
Quick Reference Guide
Level
Level 3
Duration
1 Year
Study Mode
Full-Time
Awarding Body
University of the Arts London (UAL)
Entry
5 GCSEs Grade 4+ incl. English and Maths, plus a portfolio
Assessment
Coursework + Practical Assessment + Portfolio
Age
16+
Ready to Design Your Future?
Applications for September 2026 are open. Apply online in 10 minutes.
Questions? Call 0800 358 7575