Level 3
Level 3 Diploma in Fashion Design with SEND Support Package for schools and local authorities
EXCELLENT
4.6 of 5 on 209 Reviews
Online Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design
(Fashion Design Pathway)
Create Your Future in Fashion – Flexible, Inclusive Online Education
Our Online Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, specialising in Fashion Design, offers a creative, accessible, and career-focused route into the world of fashion. Perfect for aspiring fashion designers, stylists, textile artists, or costume creators, this flexible online course empowers students to explore their personal style, build professional portfolios, and prepare for higher education or industry roles.
This programme is fully inclusive and meets the requirements of the UK Equality Act 2010, while aligning with educational and safeguarding legislation including the Children and Families Act 2014, the Education Act 1996, the SEND Code of Practice, and KCSIE (Keeping Children Safe in Education).
We recognise the individual needs of each learner and offer two tailored study options:
This self-contained, accredited course is open to all students, including those with SEND, and provides equal access to high-quality fashion education. Delivered entirely online and compliant with the UK Equality Act 2010, students explore design principles, textile experimentation, garment construction, and more.
Ideal for schools, local authorities, and educational care providers, this option includes both the course and a comprehensive support package:
Dedicated SENDCO support
EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) guidance
Enhanced DBS-checked teaching team
Annual reviews and individual impact tracking
Rapid onboarding and course access
Real-time attendance and engagement monitoring
Structured termly progress reports
Involvement in CIN, TACs, and other multi-agency meetings
GDPR-compliant systems
Public liability insurance
UKRLP registration
Direct collaboration with schools, carers, and families
Targeted interventions and learner assessments
We work with many local authorities across the UK and can be named as a provider on EHCPs.
Delivered by expert tutors with real-world experience in fashion, textiles, and design education, this online programme combines creative freedom with professional guidance. Students will develop essential skills in:
Fashion illustration and design development
Textiles, pattern cutting, and garment design
Live, one-to-one tuition and mentoring
Completion of a university-ready fashion portfolio
Choose your study pace:
Full-time over one academic year
Part-time over two years (no extra cost)
At OCAD, we’re committed to inclusivity, diversity, and accessibility. Every course is carefully designed to ensure all students—regardless of background, ability, or location—have the opportunity to thrive in a supportive online environment.
Start Your Fashion Design Journey Today
Enrol now to gain a nationally recognised qualification in fashion design and take your first step towards a future in the fashion industry—all from the comfort of home, with expert support every step of the way.
This exciting online SEND fashion design course, made specifically for students with special educational needs and/or disabilities develops not just knowledge and understanding of fashion design and design theory, but also professional design skills.
As with all of our fashion design courses, our SEND foundation fashion design diploma is based in the UK and is fully online. It lasts one year but can be extended for an additional fee.
Successful graduates earn a nationally recognised fashion design diploma qualification that is equivalent to 3 A-Levels in terms of UCAS points. It is nationally accredited by one of the UK’s largest vocational awarding bodies, SEG ABC Awards.
Graduates holding OCAD’s fashion design diploma gain equal value by acquiring a specialised portfolio that showcases their unique fashion design style, providing them with opportunities to enter prestigious universities.
Entry Criteria
To enrol on the Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Fashion Design Pathway), applicants must meet the following criteria:
Mature students (aged 19+) do not need formal qualifications, but must demonstrate a basic ability in drawing or painting and a strong motivation to succeed. If you’re unsure of your level, you’re encouraged to submit a sample of your work for feedback.
Study Options & Start Dates
Course Requirements
To participate, students will need:
Progression & Qualifications
Level 3 or Level 4? Explained
The qualification awarded is a Level 3 Diploma, which prepares students for entry to university and is eligible for local authority funding. It is recognised as a further education (FE) qualification and carries UCAS points, making it suitable for students progressing to higher education.
As part of the course, students will complete a final graded unit at Level 4, giving them valuable experience at a higher academic level. This Level 4 unit will appear on the final transcript, but the overall award remains at Level 3.
While the exam board also offers a full Level 4 Foundation Diploma, this does not carry UCAS points and is not typically recommended for students seeking university admission. If desired, students can discuss the Level 4 route after enrolment.
Next Step
Apply now or contact us with your portfolio for a free eligibility review.
When you enrol in one of our online fashion courses in the UK, you’ll gain access to a personalised Online Studio – a dedicated digital workspace where you can manage and complete all aspects of your coursework.
Within your Online Studio, you’ll find:
This platform is designed to make learning flexible, accessible, and engaging—allowing you to progress at your own pace while receiving the guidance you need to succeed.
Your Digital Portfolio
As you complete your projects, you’ll upload photographs and digital versions of your work to your e-portfolio. This digital portfolio forms a key part of your assessment and showcases your creative development.
Each submission receives constructive, friendly written feedback from your tutor, providing you with clear next steps and encouragement to refine and improve your work.
Dedicated One-to-One Support
All students receive ongoing personal support from a qualified and experienced tutor. You’ll have access to live, one-to-one online sessions where you can:
This personal interaction ensures you feel supported throughout your creative journey.
Peer Interaction and Community
Although learning is online, you’re never alone. Students can choose to:
This optional community feature fosters inspiration, collaboration, and a true sense of belonging within our creative learning environment.
Join our online course today and start building your future in design with expert guidance, peer support, and a professional portfolio that opens doors to university and industry.
The course is divided into three key stages, each designed to help you build confidence, develop practical skills, and specialise in your chosen creative pathway.
🎨 1. Exploratory Stage
The Exploratory Stage is the starting point of your creative journey. This phase introduces you to the foundations of art and design, allowing you to work across a variety of disciplines to discover your strengths and interests.
You will gain hands-on experience using different materials, techniques, and digital tools. Emphasis is placed on drawing and photography as essential starting points for all creative work.
You will choose three projects from the five disciplines below, including Photography, which is mandatory:
This stage helps broaden your understanding of creative practices while giving you the chance to experiment and build a strong foundation for specialisation.
🧭 2. Pathway Stage
In the Pathway Stage, you’ll select one specialist area from the Exploratory Stage to explore in greater depth.
Your tutors will guide you through a review of your exploratory work and help you identify where your strengths and interests align. You will then focus on your chosen creative pathway, developing a more advanced skillset and building work that reflects your personal style and goals.
The final decision is yours, with full support from your course tutors.
🏁 3. Confirmatory Stage
The Confirmatory Stage is the final phase of the diploma and the only component that contributes directly to your final grade.
You will produce a Final Major Project (FMP) based on a subject of your choosing. With guidance from your tutor, you will first submit a Statement of Intent, outlining your concept, aims, and creative approach.
Your FMP is entirely practical and can take any creative form, including but not limited to:
This is your opportunity to showcase your individuality, creativity, and professional potential as an emerging artist or designer.
Ready to start your creative journey? Enrol today and begin building a portfolio that opens the door to university and industry success.
Annual course fees (renewable if required following annual review): £10,000 GBP – Must be able to communicate in English both verbally and in writing.
Annual course fees (renewable if required following annual review): £10,000 GBP – Must be able to communicate in English both verbally and in writing.
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