National Diploma Fashion, Clothing & Textile Design

What it's all about?

This course will take you through a range of modules to help you to develop practical, creative and theoretical knowledge and skills. It will also prepare you for progression to Higher Education, including a BA (Hons) degree in Fashion here at the College, and will help students prepare for employment in the fashion industry.ç

Course content
First year

Modules include Visual Recording in Art & Design, Computer Applications in Fashion, Design Methods, Pattern Construction, Production Techniques, Ideas and Concepts, Visual Communication, Materials, Techniques and Processes, and Contextual Influences in Art and Design.

Second year

Modules include Design Exploration, Design Application and Realisation, Pattern Development, Garment and Accessory Production, Personal & Professional Development, Fashion Presentation Techniques, Fashion Visualisation, Specialist Contextual Investigation, and Exploring Textiles.

Assessment

There are assessments at the end of each term and at the end of each module.

Live briefs

You'll have opportunities to complete live briefs and to enter fashion design competitions. Students are also encouraged to undertake fashion-related work experience.

Resources

The College has excellent facilities, which include purpose-built studios and fully equipped workshops with industrial sewing equipment and specialist computer-aided design facilities.

Study visits

There is an optional study visit to Italy or London, and trips are organised to a variety of UK events and exhibitions.

Progression & career opportunities

The majority of students choose to progress to a fashion-related degree or foundation degree, including BA (Hons) Fashion here at the College, while some go straight into employment in a variety of fashion-related areas, such as designer-makers, bridal and evening wear, visual merchandising, theatre wardrobe, fashion retail and management training.