Free BTEC Level 3 Art and Design Foundation Course in Southend-on-Sea. Classes run at South Essex College Southend Campus, full-time over two years. This is a free btec art and design foundation course for learners under 19 who are not in employment. You'll work across design, illustration, pattern cutting, garment construction, tailoring, textiles, and costume. Live briefs and industry trips are part of the programme. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including maths, English, and an art-related subject, plus a portfolio and an interview.
Who this course is for
This course is designed to take you through a comprehensive range of different fashion and design techniques and disciplines either in preparation for study at a higher level or future employment. * design * illustration * pattern cutting * garment construction * tailoring techniques * textiles * costume * fabric knowledge * research skills * fashion forecasting and trend prediction * live briefs working with professionals in the industry * trips may include; exhibitions, factories, museums & international * computer applications in fashion * analysis and evaluation skills * work experience * maths & English In your second year you have the opportunity to specialise in your chosen field (this is subject to applicant numbers). Specialism 1: Fashion Design and Production * concept development and creative research skills * fashion design * fashion illustration * technical drawing * lay plan * budgeting * pattern cutting * toiling * fitting * garment production & construction * textiles and fabric manipulation * analysis and evaluation skills * introduction to advanced pattern cutting skills * portfolio building * curating an exhibition and fashion show * work experience * maths & English Specialism 2: Fashion Business * fashion marketing * fashion promotion * fashion visualisation and communication * styling * introduction to fashion photography * fashion media, techniques and technology * fashion buying * trend predictions * introduction to starting up a fashion business * analysis and evaluation skills * portfolio building * curating an exhibition and fashion show * work experience * maths & English
Entry requirements
four GCSEs at grade four/grade C or above, including maths, English and an art-related subject, or * Art and Design Level 2 Extended Certificate plus maths and English at grade four or above, or equivalent * you will be asked to provide evidence of your ability in the subject which could be in the form of a portfolio * successful attendance at interview event
What you will learn
You'll develop skills in design, illustration, and fashion forecasting
You'll practise pattern cutting, toiling, and garment construction
You'll explore tailoring techniques, textiles, and fabric manipulation
You'll build research skills and learn to analyse and evaluate your work
You'll work on live briefs with industry professionals
You'll visit exhibitions, factories, museums, and international locations
You'll use computer applications relevant to fashion and design
You'll develop work experience alongside your studies
How you will learn
You'll learn through practical, project-based work in the classroom. Projects are designed around current industry briefs, giving you hands-on experience with real design challenges. Assessment is through coursework, portfolio development, and project submissions. In your second year, you can specialise in a chosen area such as Fashion Construction, subject to applicant numbers.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. South Essex College Southend Campus will confirm anything else you need before you start. You will need to bring a portfolio of your work as part of the application and interview process.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Fashion designer: creating garments and collections for brands
Fashion illustrator: producing technical and creative fashion drawings
Costume designer: designing costumes for theatre, film, or TV
Textile designer: developing fabrics and surface patterns
Pattern cutter: producing technical patterns for garment production
Visual merchandiser: styling and displaying products in retail
Stylist: selecting clothing and accessories for shoots or clients
What you could study next
HNC or HND in Fashion and Textiles: a higher-level qualification for deeper technical and creative study
BA (Hons) in Fashion Design or Textile Design: a degree route at university, for which this BTEC Foundation Diploma is a recognised entry qualification
Foundation Degree in Art and Design: a two-year higher education option combining study and work-based learning
Level 3 Extended Diploma in Art and Design: a broader qualification if you want to explore other creative disciplines before specialising
