Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in Blackburn. Classes run full-time at Blackburn College, five days a week during the day, over one year. You'll need four GCSEs at grade C or 4 or above, including Maths or English Language, or a completed Level 2 course with equivalent Maths and English grades. Blackburn College is part of the University of the Arts London School and College Network, one of only ten colleges in the country to hold that status. The course builds core skills in fashion, textiles, and design, encouraging you to develop your own creative voice alongside practical techniques.
Who this course is for
This Level 3 UAL Extended Diploma in Fashion, Textiles and Design aims to provide a firm foundation in core fashion and textile practice and to encourage personal development and expression. The course helps students to find out what you enjoy, what you are good at and allows you to develop a set of valuable skills for future study and work. Blackburn College is part of the UAL School and College Network, and are one of only 10 in the country to achieve this status. This means that all our students will benefit from: Industry specialised lecturers
Invitations to a range of relevant talks and workshops - face to face and digital
Advice & guidance from a UAL representative
Help with portfolio development, creative careers and pathways to industry.
UAL set assignments
As part of the UAL network, Blackburn College tutors will also meet and share good practice with the other 9 UAL approved colleges around the country, to make sure our students are receiving the best learning experience possible. This Extended Diploma is extremely well regarded across design education in the United Kingdom and abroad. We have a first-class record in placing talented students on the best degree course at institutions such as Ravensbourne, Chelsea School of Art & Design, Ruskin School at Cambridge, Leeds College of Art, Goldsmiths, London College of Communication, The Slade, Wimbledon, Camberwell College of Art, Central Saint Martins and London College of Fashion. Many students on the programme also progress on to Blackburn University Centre.
Entry requirements
4 GCSEs at Grade C/4 including Maths or English Language or completion of a Level 2 course including GCSE Maths and English Grade C/4.
What you will learn
You'll develop practical skills in fashion and textile design.
You'll explore a range of creative materials, processes, and techniques.
You'll build a personal design practice and develop your own creative style.
You'll produce a portfolio of work that reflects your skills and ideas.
You'll learn to research, plan, and present design projects.
You'll gain experience communicating ideas visually and verbally.
How you will learn
You'll learn through studio-based practice, project work, and tutor-led sessions in the classroom. Assessment is through a portfolio of creative work and project assignments rather than written exams. You'll build your portfolio throughout the year, with feedback from tutors at each stage. Some units may include a set brief with a defined outcome.
What you will need to bring
The centre will provide most materials. Blackburn College will confirm anything else you need before you start.
Where next
Jobs you could do
Textile designer: creating patterns and fabrics for fashion or interiors
Fashion design assistant: supporting designers in a studio or retail setting
Visual merchandiser: styling product displays in shops and showrooms
Graphic designer: producing visual content for print or digital media
Illustrator: creating artwork for publishing, advertising, or fashion
Art technician: supporting creative departments in schools or studios
What you could study next
BA (Hons) in Fashion Design or Textile Design: a degree-level route for those wanting to specialise further, available at universities and UAL-affiliated institutions.
BA (Hons) in Graphic Design or Illustration: if your interests have moved toward visual communication during the course.
Higher National Diploma (HND) in Art and Design: a two-year higher-level qualification if you want a structured step before a full degree.
