Online SEND Foundation Fashion Course

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Our specialised SEND online Level 3 Diploma in Fashion Design is designed to cater for the individual needs of SEND students. This course offers a SENDCO, more tutor time, additional bespoke learning materials, progress reports and access to online meetings with local authorities. OCAD works with most local authorities in the UK and can be added as a named provider to EHCPs. The course is a one year three-stage, full-time or part-time programme designed for serious career-oriented students who wish to be fashion designers. Our foundation SEND fashion course gives students the skills they need to be set up for a career in the ever-evolving fashion industry.

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 Requirements: 16 years or over, 5 GCSEs / IGCSEs including Maths, English and an Art or Photography-related subject linked to an appropriate portfolio (or equivalent international qualifications). Mature students require no exam qualifications, but some ability to draw and paint and a desire to succeed are required. Send an example of your work if unsure of your level.
Part-time programmes (2 years): available all year around – enroling now
Full-time programmes (1 year): start December to January and September to October. Exceptions may apply.
Requirements: computer with broadband connection / basic art materials
Progression: to any University / BA Honours Degree
Accreditation: SEG ABC Awards
OFQUAL Regulated: Yes (Ofqual number 500/8476/8)
UCAS Tarif: up to 112 points – equivalent to two A Levels at A* grade in terms of points – university entry requires 80 -100 UCAS points
UCAS application supported: Yes
Portfolio support: Yes Tuition: Face to face, one to one – unlimited

Level 3 or Level 4?

The qualification that students will receive is a Level 3 Diploma. Level 3 qualifications are FE (further education) and prepare for University. LEAs fund students up to this level and the qualification carries UCAS points for entry into HE (higher education).

There is a final graded unit which is actually a Level 4 unit, which helps students prepare for HE, as it gives experience at this slightly higher level. This unit shows on your transcript for the qualification (the sheet that breaks down all units, credits and grade) as a Level 4 unit. However, the qualification is awarded as a Level 3 qualification overall.

The exam board do offer a Level 4 foundation diploma, but it does not carry any UCAS points whatsoever, so it is unlikely to be useful to any of our students. (This is because Level 4 is seen as HE and not FE.) If students want to go for a Level 4 version of the course, they can, but this is to be discussed once enrolled, as it will mean no UCAS points! The degree that students go on to study will be level 4+, so there is no need to gain a Level 4 qualification at this stage.

Students receive access to their own online studio where they can work through their course. Units and assignments are listed along with supporting resources, video tutorials for skills development, step by step guides etc. Photographs of students’ completed work are uploaded to their college e portfolio for assessment and constructive, friendly written feedback on how to progress. Additionally students are invited to discuss with an experienced and qualified personal tutor their progress and receive face to face verbal feedback, encouragement and support. Students may also benefit from relationships with their fellow online students as they can view profiles and comment on each others’ art work if they wish.

The course comprises three distinct stages; Exploratory stage, Pathway stage and finally Confirmatory stage. Each stage is 12 to 24 weeks in duration depending on whether you study full-time or part-time. These can be extended if required.

The Exploratory stage is the first stage of the course and as the title suggests it gives you the opportunity to understand at a deeper level what art and design is and to experience working in a number of disciplines. Within each discipline you will use a range of materials and processes and learn the value of drawing and photography as a starting point.

You are offered 5 projects from which you study 3.

Photography (mandatory)
Fine Art
Graphic Design and Illustration
3D (Architecture, 3d Design, Sculpture)
Fashion and Textiles

The Pathway stage is where you choose which pathway / discipline you wish to explore further and at a greater depth. Your tutors will review with you your work from the exploratory phase and this will inform your decision. The final decision is of course yours.

The Confirmatory stage is the final stage of the foundation diploma and the only stage that will decide your final grade. You will be asked to write a statement of intent with the support of your tutor. This document will outline your chosen final major project.Your final major project is practical and can be in any form you choose; show reel, a dress, a series of photographs, a painting, an animation, a design for an interior, architectural design, a video game etc.