Fashion, Textiles and Costume - HNC

The HNC in Fashion, Textile and Costume is the first step on a flexible pathway towards a BA (Hons) degree in Creative Practice. Designed around the realities of the creative industries and modern life, this course allows you to build your degree one year at a time. You can pause, progress or change direction, while still gaining a recognised, industry‑relevant qualification at each stage. Our staged approach means you don't have to commit to three full years of study from the outset. The course helps you to: develop your creative identity and professional confidence; gain recognised qualifications year by year; build skills that support employment or freelance practice. You can step away at the end of any year and still leave with a meaningful qualification that supports work in the creative industries or progression to further study. Based at Blackpool School of Arts, you'll study in a dynamic and supportive environment designed to encourage experimentation, collaboration and creative risk‑taking. You'll benefit from: a multi‑disciplinary curriculum covering fashion, textiles and costume; opportunities to collaborate with students across other creative programmes; small class sizes and personalised tutorial support. This community approach helps you share ideas, refine your practice and develop as a confident creative professional. Across the course, you'll build both creative and practical skills that matter in the fashion and creative sectors. You'll learn how to: use fashion, textile and costume design techniques with industry‑standard tools and software; manage multiple creative projects effectively; build enterprise skills, including self‑promotion, portfolio development and networking; work collaboratively, reflecting real creative industry practice.

Grade 4/C in both GCSE Maths and English, of L2 equivalent; A minimum of 48 UCAS points in an appropriate discipline; 2x A Levels in an appropriate discipline or Level 3 Extended Diploma or Merit from Level 3 Diploma in an appropriate discipline or Level 3 Access to Higher Education Diploma or Foundation Diploma Art & Design or An international equivalent of the above qualifications. Anyone who can demonstrate relevant work/life skills or knowledge can also be considered on an individual basis.

Module A: Process and PracticeA1: Concept and Development (340 GLH - 85 credits) A2: Creative Project (140 GLH - 35 credits)

Most courses are assessed via a combination of coursework, exams and practical assessments. Exams are formal, timed written assessments, carried out in a controlled environment and overseen by one or more invigilators. Coursework differs from exams in that it is usually non-timed and carried out independently. Practical assessments involve observation of your practical skills and competencies by a trained assessor. Please contact us for further details about the course.

The College is well known for its friendly and supportive environment. We have dedicated tutors to help you achieve your learning goals. We also have an experienced team of advisers who can provide additional support along with advice and guidance on a whole range of issues, free of charge. The important thing is that you make the most of your time with us and if we can help with that in any way, we will. Please contact us for further details about the course.

Most courses are assessed via a combination of coursework, exams and practical assessments. Exams are formal, timed written assessments, carried out in a controlled environment and overseen by one or more invigilators. Coursework differs from exams in that it is usually non-timed and carried out independently. Practical assessments involve observation of your practical skills and competencies by a trained assessor.

The Level 4 Higher National Certificate provides a solid grounding in Art & Design, along with the specialist pathways, which students can build on, should they decide to continue their studies beyond the Certificate stage. Live art and design production covers several careers in the art and design industries and there are different routes to follow.