BTEC Level 3 Art and Design Course in Croydon. Classes run full-time at Croydon College, over two years. Fees apply for this course, though you may be eligible for fee remission. You'll explore fashion through workshops and projects covering research, fashion illustration, textile design, fabric manipulation, and fashion promotion. The course builds industry-relevant skills across the fashion disciplines and prepares you for employment or higher education. To apply, you'll need four GCSEs at grade 4 or above (including English and maths), or a related Level 2 vocational qualification at merit or higher, plus an art portfolio.
Who this course is for
You will explore the different disciplines within the fashion industry through workshops and projects. You will learn a number of subject areas, including: research and idea creation, fashion illustration and drawing, fashion design, textile design, fabric manipulation and fashion promotion. The aim of the course is to equip you with a broad basis of industry-relevant skills and to allow you to progress to either employment within the fashion industry or continue with higher education.
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs grade 9-4 (A*-C) or a related Level 2 vocational qualification (at merit or higher), including English and maths. Equivalence of these qualifications will be considered. Plus, an art portfolio containing recent creative work you have done.
What you will learn
You'll develop research and idea-creation skills for fashion projects.
You'll practise fashion illustration and technical drawing.
You'll learn fashion design processes from concept to finished design.
You'll explore textile design and fabric manipulation techniques.
You'll study fashion promotion and how to present creative work professionally.
How you will learn
You'll learn through workshops and project-based work in the classroom. Assessment is coursework-based, with projects and assignments building your portfolio throughout the two years. You'll also compile an art portfolio as part of your ongoing development. There are no traditional written exams for the core coursework units, though some components may include assessed tasks set by Pearson Edexcel.
What you will need to bring
You'll need to bring an art portfolio of recent creative work when you apply. The centre will provide most materials. Croydon College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Fashion design assistant: supporting designers in creating collections
Textile designer: developing patterns and fabrics for fashion or interiors
Fashion illustrator: producing drawings for brands, magazines, or agencies
Visual merchandiser: creating displays and styling for retail environments
Fashion stylist: selecting clothing and looks for shoots or clients
Fashion buyer's assistant: working with buying teams on product selection
What you could study next
BA (Hons) Fashion Design: a degree for learners wanting to specialise further and work at a higher creative level in the fashion industry.
BA (Hons) Textile Design: focuses on fabric, print, and surface design for fashion or interiors.
BA (Hons) Art and Design: a broader degree route for those whose interests span multiple creative disciplines.
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Art and Design: a two-year higher education qualification, often available at college, before moving into a degree.
