Level 3
Level 3 Diploma in Textile 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
(Textile Design Pathway)
Explore Colour, Pattern, and Surface – Flexible Online Learning for Future Textile Designers
Our Online Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design, with a specialism in Textile Design, offers an inclusive, creative, and fully online qualification for students passionate about fabrics, materials, and surface design. Whether your interest lies in fashion textiles, interiors, printmaking, or sustainable design, this course is the perfect pathway to university-level study or a creative career.
The programme is fully compliant with the UK Equality Act 2010 and supports inclusive education through adherence to the Children and Families Act 2014, the Education Act 1996, the SEND Code of Practice, and KCSIE (Keeping Children Safe in Education) safeguarding standards.
To meet the unique needs of every learner, we offer two distinct pathways:
An independent, accredited online course suitable for all learners—including those with SEND. This option provides access to a full creative curriculum in textile design and ensures equal opportunity in line with the UK Equality Act 2010.
Developed for schools, local authorities, and care providers, this package includes both the course and extensive support services for schools, local authorities, care homes and other organisations with statutory duties for the education of children:
Dedicated SENDCO support
EHCP (Education, Health and Care Plan) assistance
Enhanced DBS-checked team
Annual reviews and personalised progress tracking
Fast onboarding process
Attendance and engagement monitoring
Termly reports for stakeholders
Involvement in TACs, CIN, and other multi-agency meetings
GDPR-compliant systems
Full public liability insurance
UKRLP registration
Active collaboration with families, schools, and professionals
Targeted interventions and measurable impact assessments
We are registered with multiple local authorities and can be formally named as a provider on EHCPs.
This course is taught by experienced tutors with backgrounds in textiles, surface pattern design, fashion, and education. Students gain valuable skills and build an industry-ready portfolio through:
Live one-to-one online tutorials
Creative projects and design briefs reflecting real-world practice
Development of a professional textile portfolio for university or job applications
Study options:
Full-time (complete in one academic year)
Part-time (over two years, with no extra fees)
OCAD is committed to inclusive education, accessibility, and learner success. Our online platform and teaching model are designed to support diverse learning needs, ensuring every student can achieve their potential in a safe, supportive environment.
Begin Your Journey in Textile Design Today
Enrol today to earn a nationally recognised creative qualification in textile design, taught online by professionals, and supported every step of the way—ideal for individuals and institutional partners alike
This exciting and transformative one year course (can be extended at extra cost) gives students the skills they need, providing them with unique insights into the dynamics of this ever-evolving industry.
This stimulating course has a strong practical focus, developing not just skills, knowledge and understanding of cultures, design and design theory, but also the development of challenging ideas.
Successful graduates earn a Foundation Diploma qualification that is equivalent to 2 or 3 A Levels in terms of UCAS points, depending on final grade attained and is nationally accredited by one of the UK’s largest vocational awarding bodies, SEG ABC Awards.
Equally valuable, graduates achieve a specialist textiles portfolio that expresses their personal artistic style, their ideas and skills, enabling them to access top universities and employment as a professional qualified textile designer.
Entry Criteria
To enrol on the Level 3 Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Textile 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 textiles 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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