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Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in Wakefield – Wakefield College

CostFREE
Duration2 years
LevelLevel 3
DeliveryClassroom based
Start30 Sep 2026
Study modeFull-time
AttendanceDaytime
Awarding bodyUAL Awarding Body
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About this course

Free Level 3 Art and Design Course in Wakefield. Classes run at Wakefield College, full-time during the day, over two years. This is a University of the Arts London Extended Diploma focused on fashion and textiles. In year one you work toward the Diploma, exploring surface design, textile techniques, and fashion projects. In year two you progress to the Extended Diploma, developing a more specialised body of work. You'll need four GCSEs at grade 9 to 4, including English or Maths, plus a portfolio and interview.

Who this course is for

BTEC Level 3 Fashion and Textiles is aimed at developing your artistic skills in surface design, fashion and textiles. In Year 1 you will study towards the Diploma and explore a wide range of techniques, with the creation of textiles and fashion being central to every project. We also look closely at the work of others and strive to create exciting, experimental outcome that are supported by innovative sketchbooks. In Year 2 you will progress to the Extended Diploma and focus on creating more specialist fashion and textile pieces. You will begin to work more independently, developing ideas of a more personal nature, the course culminates in a final self-initiated project and exhibition to showcase your collection of creative work.

The course is aimed at anyone who has a creative mind, wants to develop their design knowledge and skills and has a real passion and desire to work in the creative industries. You will gain self confidence in your portfolio work and a range of personal skills, such as, working within a group, independence and advise on completing application forms for employment and university, you will be guided through interview processes this will equip you for applications and interviews at university, apprenticeships or employment.

The course will be delivered through a series of assignments and practical workshops, led by friendly, supportive and experienced staff. Level 3 students will have practical lessons taught in workshops and studios, where you will be introduced to new textile techniques, you will experiment with a variety of media and develop your skills and ideas in fashion and textile design.

Enrichment You'll have the opportunity to work with local organisations on a variety of live projects, these are aimed at developing your professional skills and encourage you to work as expected in industry. Past engagements have been: Burberry, The History centre, West Yorkshire Archive Services, the Ridings shopping centre and The Art House.

Entry requirements

4 GCSEs at Grade 9-4, including English or Maths and a Grade 3 in either English or Maths. OR 4 GCSEs at Grade 9-4 including English or Maths and a Level 2 in either English or Maths. OR Successful completion of Level 2 at Merit Grade and GCSE English or Maths at Grade 4 and Level 2 English or Maths.

PLUS Satisfactory interview and a portfolio of work for all options above.

What you will learn

  • You'll develop skills in surface design, including print, stitch, and mixed media techniques.
  • You'll create fashion and textiles projects from initial concept through to finished outcome.
  • You'll build and present sketchbooks that document your ideas and creative process.
  • You'll analyse the work of other designers and artists to inform your own practice.
  • You'll experiment with a wide range of materials and construction methods.
  • You'll produce a specialist body of work in year two, reflecting your chosen direction within fashion and textiles.

How you will learn

Learning is studio-based and project-led. You'll work through set briefs and self-directed projects, producing practical outcomes alongside supporting sketchbooks and written research. Assessment is portfolio-based, with your work reviewed at key points across both years. The Extended Diploma is graded Pass, Merit, or Distinction.

What you will need to bring

The centre will provide most materials. Wakefield College will confirm anything else you need before you start.

Where next

Jobs you could do

  • Fashion designer: create clothing and textile collections for brands or independently.
  • Textile designer: develop surface patterns and fabrics for fashion or interiors.
  • Visual merchandiser: design in-store displays and brand environments.
  • Costume designer: create costumes for theatre, film, or television productions.
  • Fashion stylist: select and coordinate clothing for shoots, events, or clients.
  • Illustrator: produce artwork for fashion, publishing, or commercial clients.

What you could study next

  • BA (Hons) Fashion Design or Textile Design: a degree at a university or arts college, building directly on your Extended Diploma portfolio.
  • BA (Hons) Fine Art or Graphic Design: if your interests broaden beyond fashion and textiles during the course.
  • Foundation Diploma in Art and Design: some learners use this as a bridge year before applying to degree courses, to strengthen their portfolio and university application.
Apply on heartofyorkshire.ac.uk →
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