Practical Vs Theory
Course overview
Take your first steps towards a career in the fashion industry with this attractive alternative to A Levels. You will build critical and contextual awareness through a series of live projects and have the opportunity to showcase your own designs in our annual Fashion Show and through responding to real, live briefs from businesses. Through a series of live projects you will develop your visual language, research skills, project proposal and realisation and building your critical and contextual awareness of the fashion industry.
What Does The Programme Include
Throughout this course you will develop and apply a broad range of transferable skills. You will be able to demonstrate:
- Initiative
- Independent inquiry
- Creative thinking
- Reflective learning
- Team working
- Self-management
- Effective participation
- Problem solving
- Communication.
You will have the opportunity to take part in weekly life drawing classes to develop your observational, figurative and mixed media skills. Specialist lecturers on the Level 3 Creative Arts Diplomas offer regular workshops to widen your skills which in turn can be applied to your project work.
Entry Requirements
5 GCSEs at grades 4/C or above including English and preferably maths, and an arts-based subject at grade 6/B or above.
Alternatively a Merit in a relevant Level 2 Diploma, and a GCSE grade 4/C or a pass for functional skills Level 2 English.
A Merit in your first year is required to enter the second year Extended Diploma.
Need to re-sit? No problem. If you don’t achieve a Grade 4/C in GCSE maths and English, you’ll resit the exams with us and we’ll help you prepare.
Worried about your grades?
Whatever your results, we want to assure you that extenuating circumstances will be considered should you not have the grades indicated above.
We will review each application on a case-by-case basis to ensure you get a place on the course most suitable for you.
One of the ways we do this is through a very effective ‘6 weeks to success programme’ that operates from the first day you start your course. This includes support such as (but not limited to):
- Allowing you to change courses if you change your mind in the first 6 weeks
- Moving you between course levels if you are finding your current level too easy /too hard
- Incorporating English and maths GCSE resits in to your timetable if you don’t meet the grades you need
- One-to-one reviews with your academic tutor to ensure you are progressing and achieving well
Our course enquiries and admissions team are available remotely throughout this unprecedented period. They can be contacted at enquiries@stamford.ac.uk should you have any further questions.
How The Course Will Be Assessed
Assessment is completed through a portfolio of evidence which will be internally assessed. You can utilise your portfolio to take to University or job interviews to showcase your abilities.
Additional Information
There is an annual £60 studio fee for this course payable in September which ensures that you have access to the appropriate materials. You will also be expected to provide various materials necessary for the successful completion of coursework including sketch books, mount board etc.
Potential Future Career
Former students have progressed to some of the top fashion universities in the world such as Ravensbourne and Central St Martins. You could progress to study a degree in Art, Design or Fashion or enter employment as a Fashion Designer, Textile Designer, Pattern Cutter, Stylist, Costume Designer, Seamstress or Print Designer.
Course Content
In the diploma you will study a range of units including:
Unit 01: The Creative Process
In this unit, you will develop an in-depth understanding of the creative process as a creative tool used and adapted by professionals across a full spectrum of creative practices.
Unit 02: Developing Creative Practice
This unit requires you to gain knowledge of a range of 2D, 3D and 4D creative practices and explore and use materials, methods, techniques and processes in a safe and professional manner.
Unit 03: Responding to a set Brief
You will learn how to manage and fulfil the expectations of an exciting and industry relevant project brief.
The extened diploma modules include:
Unit 04: Researching a Specialist Industry Practice
Unit 05: Specialist Technical skills Development
Unit 06: Specialist Creative Outcome
Learners who have high needs make good progress in programmes specially designed for them, and those who participate in other courses progress in line with their peers.
