UAL LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMAFASHION
AWARD
UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Creative Practice: Art, Design & Communication
DURATION
2 Years (Full-Time)
UCAS POINTS
Up to 168 (depending on grade outcome)
CAMPUS
Middlesbrough
COURSE DETAILS
Step into the world of fashion as a designer, stylist, or communicator - developing skills in garment construction, styling, and promotion to thrive in a fast-paced, creative industry.
This two-year course gives you a deep dive into the exciting and ever-changing world of fashion. Whether you’re interested in designing garments, exploring fashion illustration, or understanding what makes a collection stand out, this course helps you develop your unique voice and style.
You will explore a variety of specialist fashion pathways in-line with the creative opportunities in industry. Learning essential skills such as drawing, pattern cutting, sewing, garment construction and fabric manipulation, you will also experiment with styling, digital design and trend research - all while building your creative and technical confidence.
Working on real-world projects, you’ll take part in fashion shows, collaborative shoots, and styling briefs. You’ll be encouraged to push boundaries, explore sustainability, and express bold ideas through the clothes you create.
Our fashion tutors are practising designers and creatives with strong industry links. You will work in specialist studios with access to professional equipment. You’ll leave with an impressive portfolio and collection pieces that reflect your talent and ambition - ready for university, fashion school or the start of a creative career.
New Pathway: Fashion Marketing & Communication
From 2026, students on the UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma in Fashion can choose to specialise in the Fashion Marketing & Communication Pathway during their second year.
This new pathway is designed for students interested in the creative and promotional side of the fashion industry. Exploring branding, styling, content creation, and digital marketing.
Students study together in the first year, then develop specialist projects and portfolios in year two, preparing for a range of progression routes in fashion design, marketing, communication and promotion.
Find out more about the Fashion Marketing & Communication Pathway here.
WHERE COULD IT TAKE YOU?
Fashion Photographer
Pattern Cutter
Fashion Designer
Stylist (TV, Film, Theatre, Editorial)
Fashion Illustrator
Brand Creator or Creative Director
COURSE INFORMATION
WHY CHOOSE THIS COURSE?
- Develop skills in fashion design, garment making and illustration
- Learn in industry-standard studios with expert tutor support
- Take part in styling shoots, shows and live briefs
- Build a professional portfolio for industry or Higher Education
- Explore sustainability, innovation and future fashion trends
ENTRY REQUIREMENTS
- 4 GCSEs (9-4/A*-C) – (if you have maths/english at grade D/3 you would be required to work towards grade C/4 for these qualifications alongside your course)
- 1 portfolio of artwork
LEARNER HOURS
Our Further Education study programmes are designed to meet the guided learner hours as per their funding bodies.
AWARDING BODY
This diploma is validated by the UAL Awarding Body, part of University of the Arts London and the UK’s leading provider of creative qualifications at FE level. The Northern College of Art is an approved centre for UAL Awarding Body qualifications. All students are awarded qualifications under their official UAL Awarding Body titles.
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
What do you enjoy most about your course?
The range of skills available to learn and develop. The freedom within briefs and tasks helps personalise and inspires creative thinking and skills.
Emily Cowell
Level 3 Fashion
VIDEO SHOWCASE
IMAGE GALLERY
OUTSTANDING Student Experience
The Northern College of Art had an exceptional history for its further education when formerly known as The Northern School of Art, and Cleveland College of Art and Design prior to that. The institution previously achieved an Ofsted rating of Outstanding in 2009, and held it consecutively across all inspections until the last inspection under the Education Inspection Framework in 2025. The institution is one of only a handful of colleges to make this achievement.
LATEST NEWS
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