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Key details

Course area
Fashion and Textiles
Student types
16 - 18 coursesCourses for 19+ students
Course type
Full-time Further Education course
Course level
Level 3
Available options

Course introduction

This course is perfect if you see yourself working as a designer in the world of fashion, textiles, soft furnishings, costume or even in fashion accessories, within our excellently resourced Fashion and Textiles department in the Lace Market.

You’ll learn a range of fashion and textile skills in Year 1:

Fashion:

  • Womenswear/menswear design.
  • Pattern cutting
  • Construction and production
  • Sustainability in the fashion and textiles industry.
  • Computer aided design for fashion and textiles.

Textiles:

  • Surface pattern design and screen printing.
  • Dyeing fabric techniques.
  • Accessory design.
  • Knit, crochet, macrame, quilting and patchwork.
  • Embroidery both hand and machine, applique.

Year 2 will allow you to specialise further through in-depth research of design history and contemporary trends within fashion design and/or textile design, developing skills and a progression portfolio and plan.

The course is equivalent to 3 A Levels.

You can expect plenty of expert guidance on preparing a winning portfolio, and you’ll get the chance to showcase your work in an annual fashion show and static exhibition. You’ll get to grips with the complex but exciting world of the fashion industry through guest lectures, industry visits and links including trips to London and London Graduate Fashion Week, focusing on your employability skills.

You will complete 90 credits in Year 1 and gain a standalone qualification. On successful completion of this, you will progress into Year 2 to gain the full Extended Diploma.

2 Course options

16-18

Start Date:

Tuesday 1st September 2026

Location:

Adams Building Stoney Street, Nottingham, NG1 1NG

Course Code:

Parent course code:C027739 Child course code: Q027729

Apply now

19+

Start Date:

Tuesday 1st September 2026

Location:

Adams Building Stoney Street, Nottingham, NG1 1NG

Course Code:

Parent course code:C000282 Child course code: Q001637

Apply now
An industrial sewing machine with pink fabric under the foot.

You will be encouraged to participate in a 30-hour work placement while you are studying.

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Course information

2 years

Pearson BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion and Textiles

You’ll need 5 GCSEs at grades 9–4 (A*–C), including English Language and Maths – both of these must be grades 9–4 (A*–C) or Functional Skills Level 2 in English and Maths, or a relevant Level 2 vocational qualification with English and Maths GCSE grades 9–4 (A*–C).

You must also have GCSE Art or Textiles at grade 9-4.

Choose to follow with degree-level study in art, fashion, textile design, fashion marketing, interior design or other related creative industry. For example, we offer a foundation degree in Fashion and top-up degree in Art and Design.

You could also move straight into employment in a junior fashion role.

Students aged 16-18 don't have to pay tuition fees.

If you are aged 19 or over you may still be eligible for funding. Check out our Financial Help pages to find out more!

If you are an EU/EEA or Swiss National, please visit our EU Settled Status scheme page for more information.

Careers related to this course

Select career:

Clothing, Fashion and Accessories Designers

Potential Earnings

£64,823.22

Average Earnings

£34,663.37

Source: Office for National Statistics' Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings (ASHE).

Pathways

Art, Performance and Design

People in these occupations create art and fine craftwork, produce and perform plays and motion pictures, and design graphics and other products.

Skills

Active Learning

Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Mathematics

Using mathematics to solve problems.

Learning Strategies

Selecting and using training/instructional methods and procedures appropriate for the situation when learning or teaching new things.
View more about this career

Economic data for careers is provided by Lightcast and also available through our Career Coach app. Job postings, employment and earnings information is represented at the regional level for the East Midlands.

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