Advanced Art and Design Practice Commercial Design (3D, Fashion and Interiors) Diploma 1 Yr
at Vision West Nottinghamshire College, Mansfield · college
What the college says
This course is structured in two distinct pathways - Image Making and Commercial Design - both are designed for progressing onto higher level study courses at university, and working directly in the creative industries. The course is a full-time programme split into two stages: Year 1 - Foundation Diploma (equivalent to 1.5 A Levels on completion of one year) Year 2 - Extended Diploma (equivalent to 3 A Levels on completion of the two years) Following successful completion of the National Diploma in year 1 you may then progress to a second year of study on the Extended Diploma. The design industry is focussed on designing, prototyping and making an object or product for a purpose. On the Commercial Design Pathway you will focus on skills for the fashion, interiors and 3D sectors but also learn the fundamentals of art and design such as drawing, art history, idea generation and professional presentation. You are encouraged to be experimental to develop innovative concepts, combine skills and push the boundaries of what design can be. Fashion - design, pattern cutting, manufacture using industrial machines and promotion. Interiors - surface design (e.g. wallpapers, fabric patterns), textiles, printmaking, illustration, digital design and trend prediction. 3D - product design (e.g. jewellery, lighting, decorative objects) ceramics, sculpture, material manipulation and working to scale.
What you need to get on
Four GCSEs at grade 4-9 OR Successful completion of a relevant Level 2 course at Merit level. Both options also require a portfolio which showcases creativity and artistic ability. If you are not studying a traditional GCSE programme, we accept alternative qualifications like Functional Skills and vocational courses.
How you are assessed
One subject in depth, assessed largely through coursework and projects.
What this level means
The A-level-equivalent step, and what universities and employers ask for.
Is it open to 16 to 18 year olds?
Approved for 16 to 18 study on the government's Section 96 list.
Where it runs
Derby Road
West Nottinghamshire College Derby Road, Mansfield, NG18 5BH
DaytimeClassroom basedCheck the journey
Start dates
- 1 September 2026 · Mansfield
Who else teaches this exact qualification
Same qualification, different college. Entry requirements and how it is taught can differ a lot between them, which is the whole reason to compare.
- Their version
Telford · West Midlands · 1 year
- Their version
Newcastle · West Midlands · 34 weeks
- Their version
Hartlepool College of Further Education
Hartlepool · North East · 490 hours
- Their version
Heart of Yorkshire Education Group
Wakefield · Yorkshire and The Humber · 2 years
- Their version
Grantham · East Midlands · 36 weeks
- Their version
Newport · South East · 72 weeks
- Their version
London · 6 months
- Their version
Nottingham · East Midlands · 2 years