In a sewing room, a fashion textiles student carefully works on a dress using a sewing machine, showcasing her craftsmanship.

Fashion, Textiles and Costume - HNC*

Summary

This course is currently Subject to Validation. For more information please visit our Subject to Validation, Revalidation and Approval page.

Our Creative Arts programmes have been designed to offer you a staged approach to degree-level learning, acknowledging both the evolving economic landscape in the creative industries and the need for flexibility more generally in modern life. With this in mind, our HNC in Fashion, Textile and Costume is the first step on your way to a full BA honours degree in Creative Practice.  This approach means you don't have to commit to three years right at the start. You can take it a year at a time, stop at the end of any year and still receive a formal, industry-recognised qualification which will help to secure employment within the sector or launch your career as a freelance creative. 

Taking this innovative approach to supporting you as you develop your professional and creative identity, Blackpool School of Arts provides a dynamic and versatile environment where you will gain the specialist skills and knowledge to prepare you for either further study or for starting a career in the creative industries.

Why choose us?

• You will engage with an exciting multi-disciplinary curriculum that covers many aspects of fashion, textile and costume, allowing you to explore different specialisms and develop a broad skill set.
• You will be part of a supportive creative community, working with students form other programmes to enhance your ability to share ideas, collaborate, and innovate.
• You will gain the technical know-how and practical experience needed to excel in the creative industries.
• You will benefit from expert guidance from experienced tutors and visiting lecturers who are active in the creative industries, providing real world insights and training.
• You will have access to outstanding fine art studios as well as industry-standard Adobe software, a traditional print room, photographic equipment and studios, traditional darkrooms, 3D design and technology suites.
• You will benefit from small class sizes and tutorial support that facilitate personalised learning experiences. 

What you’ll learn:

• A range of fashion, textile and costume design techniques and processes to produce industry using industry standard tools, equipment and software.
• Project management skills to effectively handle multiple projects.
• Enterprise skills such as how to market yourself, build a professional portfolio and network effectively in the creative industries.
• How to work collaboratively with others to share knowledge and ideas, preparing you for team-oriented roles in the workplace.
• How to stay updated on industry trends and continuously improve your skills for your future career.

  • Course code DA1HE0010
  • UCAS code W231
  • Duration 1 Year
  • Day/s of week Tuesday Wednesday and Thursday
  • Time 09:45 - 16:30

Next course dates

Start date Location Duration
08 Sep 2025
University Centre
1 Year
14 Sep 2026
University Centre
1 Year
  • A stunning public gallery space - offering students the opportunity to exhibit their own work
  • £28,950 Average annual salary in this sector
  • Access to state-of-the-art equipment, theatre space, recording and art studios

What Uni Reviews

Love it, best decision I've ever made. The course, tutors, and peers have all helped to make the experience enjoyable. I'm really enjoying the creative freedom on the course and how freely I am able to express my own ideas, but also enjoy taking inspiration from my peers."
- Anonymous
Excellent facilities and tutors."
- Leanne Booth
It felt like a place I could fit in and the people there were helpful in my experience at the university."
- David Cleasby

Tutor Profile - Angy Young

Industry Background:
Throughout my academic career I have also worked as a freelance designer/maker and as a collaborator on collections which have featured at London and Paris Fashion Weeks. More recently, I started CONVERT, a range of trend-led sustainable clothing.

Enjoys teaching at B&FC because:
Seeing students fulfil their creative potential and produce outstanding collections at the end of their course never fails to impress and inspire me.

Where can this subject lead?

Career progression

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. Artists and designers create work for a range of creative outputs and may be involved exhibitions, publications, commissions and in support of the wider creative industry.

Next steps at B&FC

On successful completion of the Higher National Certificate, you will be ideally placed to progress onto the Higher National Diploma (HND) in Fashion, Textile and Costume which in turn leads onto the BA (Hons) Creative Practice degree.

Employment Opportunities

Employment opportunities include:

  • Fashion Designer
  • Fashion Merchandiser
  • Textile Designer
  • Stylist
  • Costume Designer
  • Fashion Illustrator
  • Garment Technologist
  • Pattern Cutter/Grader

Key information

Entry Requirements

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. Recognised prior learning may also be considered in accordance with the awarding body’s regulations.

If English is not your first language, you will need to achieve an IELTS score of at least 5.5.

 

Fees and funding

Visit our Tuition Fees page and Financial Support for Degrees page for more information about fees and funding.

Qualification obtained

BTEC Higher National Certificate in Fashion and Textiles

Extra costs and equipment

Equipment needed and costs

You will need to spend approximately £250 p.a. on basic materials, as well as an SD card and hard drive. A full list of material requirements will be issued to you after enrolment. You should also be aware that there may be additional costs to consider such as optional educational visits and photocopying/printing.

There will be a variety of trips and other activities that may incur a small fee, as well as the cost of materials and basic equipment listed above.

 

Regulation and accreditation

Accrediting Institution: N/A

Awarding Body: Pearson

Regulatory Body: Office for Students (OfS)

What will I learn?

What will I learn?

The programme provides work-related learning opportunities which are designed to embed and develop a range of transferrable skills to prepare you for employment opportunities in a range of related creative professions. These include skills in spoken, written and visual communication, the ability to manage collaborative and independent projects, creative problem-solving. Assessments are designed and created with industry professionals, meaning they are all related to scenarios that occur in the industry.

The curriculum team are also working professionals engaged in various aspects of the industry, alongside the expertise of the team, local employers are engaged in certain aspects of the course which will be tailored to your development, skill set and knowledge. External engagement with industry representatives may include:

  • Field trips to local destinations and environments
  • Inviting members of the local creative communities to present guest lectures
  • Using employers to judge the quality of assessed presentations and/or products
  • Establishing a panel of experts who students can pitch ideas to

Essential skills: English and Maths

A grade 4 GCSE or a Functional Skills Level 2 or above in maths and English are required for this programme. If you don't have any of the qualifications listed, please contact us to discuss your options. 

Industry placement, field trips and guest speakers

While work-based learning isn't compulsory for this programme, the programme offers invaluable work-related learning opportunities aimed at honing a diverse range of transferable and graduate skills. These opportunities are strategically designed to equip you with the necessary tools to thrive in a variety of academic, creative, and digital professions. By engaging in these experiences, you will gain practical insights and hands-on experience that will set you apart in the competitive job market.

Trips and guest speakers are frequently distributed throughout the programme and will give you the opportunity to experience the industry from several perspectives. Industry professionals will feed into the delivery of the programme, enriching your experience and supporting your development and understanding. 

  • Modules at level 4

    Module title Code Credits Optional
    Concept and Development DA4MD0015 85 No
    Creative Project DA4MD0016 35 No

Study Support - at a glance

We offer a range of services to support you across all areas of student life, with specialist support available for students with disabilities.

  • Higher Education Learning Mentors (HELMs)
  • One-to-one and group study support sessions
  • Pre-degree preparation workshops
  • IT Support
Discover available Study Support

Student case study - Alexia

Why did you choose B&FC?
I chose B&FC as I had previously studied an art course here and felt comfortable when being interviewed by my future tutor she made me feel very welcomed and helped ease my nerves. 

What have been the benefits of studying here?
One of the main benefits of studying here are the great resources. I have been able to learn how to use all the different sewing machines and other industry focused equipment which is an excellent basis for my future career.

How will I learn?

Throughout this programme, you will take an active role in your learning through a combination of enquiry, project and problem-based learning by working collaboratively and in partnership with your fellow students, lecturers and specialist practitioners to take ownership of your personal and professional development. Working in partnership will support your learning processes and enable you to develop as an independent creative practitioner, peer to peer review, class discussions and seminars encourage the development of analysis, reflective thinking and self-evaluation.

Collaboration with other programmes across Blackpool School of Arts, formally and informally, will enrich the learning environment, supporting the discursive approach to learning. You will acquire an insight into industry through lectures, seminars and live briefs, this will support you in the transition from student to industry practitioner. Sessions will be delivered through tutor led demonstrations, one to one development workshops and group work.

Learning Methods

Learning Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Scheduled 480 0 0
Independent 720 0 0
Placement 0 0 0
Total 1200 0 0
Ready to take the next step? Navigate to the top of the page and click Apply Now to continue your degree-level journey.

Not the course for you?

Take a look at some of our other degree-level study options and see what sparks your imagination.

How will I be assessed?

How will I be assessed?

Module A: Process and Practice

A1: Concept and Development (340 GLH – 85 credits)

A2: Creative Project (140 GLH – 35 credits)

How will I be assessed?

Assessment Method Level 4 Level 5 Level 6
Coursework 100% 0% 0%
Exam 0% 0% 0%
Practical 0% 0% 0%