UAL Level 3 Diploma in Art and Design: Fashion and Textiles pathway

Course overview

Looking to explore your creative potential within Fashion and Textiles? This one-year UAL Level 3 Diploma is equivalent to 1.5 Advanced Highers and offers a dynamic, practical introduction to the world of Fashion and Textiles. The course is suited to school leavers or adult returners looking to expand their existing skills and portfolio before moving on to study a Foundation Diploma, an HND in Textiles, or a Degree specialising in Fashion and Textiles.

Through exciting project briefs, you’ll experiment with a wide range of Fashion and Textiles techniques, develop transferable skills and learn how ethical and sustainable design principles shape the creative industries.

You will be introduced to a wide range of historical and contemporary Artists and Designers' work and encouraged to contextualise and critically evaluate your work. Reflecting on your own and other Artists' and Designers' work allows you to identify your strengths and which areas of Fashion and Textiles interest you for further exploration. 

Our experienced lecturers will guide you in creating a professional portfolio and completing a personal project for your final assessment.

Our students go on to thrive and progress to our UAL Foundation Diploma, HND Textiles, or directly to Fashion and Textiles degree-level courses across the UK.

Recent offers that our UAL level 3 students have gained in previous years:

• UAL Foundation Diploma at Edinburgh College
• HND 3D Design at Edinburgh College
• HND Textiles at Edinburgh College
• HND Visual Communications: Illustration at Edinburgh College
• BSc Hons Fashion Technology, Heriot-Watt University 
• BA Hons Design for Textiles, Heriot-Watt University 
• BA Hons Fashion Heriot-Watt University 
• BA Hons Fashion ECA
• BA Hons Fashion GSA
• BA Hons Textiles, DJCAD
• BA Hons Fashion RGU 
• BA Hons Fashion UAL LCF 

• You will receive written and verbal feedback throughout the course on portfolio submissions, in group crits, and tutorials.
• You need to pass each part of the course to progress and undertake the extended personal project in part three.
• Final grades of either Pass, Merit or Distinction are awarded on submission of your final personal project.

Number of days per week

• 3 days per week

Entry requirements

• Minimum of four National 5’s or above, including Art and Design and English

Or

• UAL Level 2 Diploma or SQA NC / FA in a related subject.

• You must submit a portfolio of practical artwork that demonstrates your creative potential.
• A good general understanding of the creative process from either a school, college, or previous study and experience.
• Adult learners with relevant employment/life experience/skills will be considered for entry to this course.

Information on Tests / Auditions / Interview Requirements

• All applicants for this course must submit a Digital Portfolio and will be invited to a portfolio review session.
• Specific information on Digital Portfolios and review Sessions for the course you have applied for will be sent to you after you submit your online application form.
• For more information and advice on your portfolio, please read the Art and Design Application and Portfolio Guide. This includes advice on the content, formatting and size of your portfolio, but also information on the portfolio review process, what to do if you don’t have a portfolio and the support available for Teachers supporting School pupils preparing portfolios for Art and Design courses. 
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English Proficiency Requirements

Progression and Articulation Routes

• The UAL 3 Diploma is equivalent to 1.5 SQA Advanced Highers
• You will gain UCAS points at Pass 36, Merit 60, Distinction 84
• UAL Foundation Diploma within the School of Art and Design at Edinburgh College - dependent on portfolio review.
• HND within the School of Art and Design at Edinburgh College - dependent on portfolio review.
• Degree-level study - dependent on each institution’s specific entry requirements.

Career options

Employment at a junior level within the creative industries 

Most UAL Level 3 Diploma students progress to either the UAL Level 3 Foundation Diploma or HND and Degree-level study before becoming successful creative practitioners.

• Fashion Designer
• Textile Designer
• Accessories Designer
• Costume Designer
• Product Designer
• Interior Designer
• Print Designer
• Fashion Retail
• Fashion Illustrator 
• Footwear Designer
• Fashion Communications/Journalism