Quick Summary
One of the few post-16 qualifications that combines creative practice with technical making skills in a structured, assessed programme.
The 315-hour placement provides direct operational experience and professional contacts within a working design studio, workshop, or creative business.
Suits those who learn best by making; if you prefer essays and exams over studios and workshops, this may not be the right fit.
What is this T-Level?
IN A NUTSHELL
The Craft and Design T Level is a vocational qualification for 16–19 year olds who want to work in the creative industries, whether in traditional craft, product design, fashion, textiles, jewellery, ceramics, or related fields.
It is a full-time course that blends design thinking, material knowledge, and practical making with a genuine workplace placement. It is built around what creative employers and studios actually need from entry-level practitioners.
It carries up to 168 UCAS points and is increasingly recognised by universities offering creative arts and design programmes.
Placement quality varies widely in the creative sector - some students work with independent makers, others with studios or manufacturers. Talk to your college about what placements are available in your area.
One of the few post-16 qualifications that combines creative practice with technical making skills in a structured, assessed programme
About the course
1. Core Component
Design principles, creative processes, and visual communication
Materials, tools, techniques, and making practices
The creative industries: how they are structured, how to work within them
Sustainability and ethical practice in craft and design
Business skills: pricing, client briefs, project management
Health and safety in studio and workshop environments
2. Occupational Specialism
Textiles
Jewellery and Silversmithing
Ceramics and Glass
Fashion Design and Production
Surface Pattern and Print
3D Design and Model Making
(Specialism availability depends on your college or training provider.)
3. Industry Placement
A minimum of 315 hours (roughly 45 working days) with a real employer. Not optional - it is a required part of the qualification.
Written exams covering design history, theory, and core knowledge
Employer-set project: a creative brief set by an industry employer, requiring a developed response and final outcome
Portfolio of practical work developed throughout the course
Pass/Merit/Distinction/Distinction* grading (similar to BTEC)
This could suit you if…
You enjoy making, designing, and working with materials
You are considering a career in craft, fashion, textiles, or product design
You want real industry experience as part of your qualification
You learn best through doing, experimenting, and creating
You want to build a professional portfolio during your studies
Practical making skills — hands-on technical ability across your chosen material specialism (e.g. textiles, ceramics, jewellery)
Design thinking — developing ideas from brief to finished outcome using iterative, problem-solving approaches
Material knowledge — understanding the properties, sourcing, and sustainable use of craft and design materials
Visual communication — presenting ideas clearly through drawing, sampling, prototyping, and portfolio development
Professional practice — working to client briefs, managing time and budgets, and presenting work in industry contexts
Creative industry awareness — understanding how the sector operates, from independent makers to larger design studios
Build your portfolio consistently throughout the course — do not leave it until the end; the best work comes from sustained creative development
Use your industry placement to make genuine connections; the creative industries run heavily on networks and word of mouth
Experiment widely in your specialism and do not play it safe — creative employers and admissions tutors want to see a point of view
Keep a sketchbook or process journal throughout; documenting your thinking is as important as the finished outcome
Take the business and professional practice elements seriously — understanding pricing, briefs, and client communication sets you apart from technically skilled but professionally unprepared graduates
Employment
Textile designer or maker
Jeweller or silversmith
Ceramicist or glass artist
Fashion designer or garment technologist
Surface pattern or print designer
Product designer or model maker
Craft workshop technician
Set designer or prop maker (with further experience)
Apprenticeships
Higher apprenticeships in design, craft production, and fashion technology are available at Level 4–5 and are a strong next step for T Level graduates wanting to stay in employment while continuing to develop skills.
Below are potential degree paths related to this T Level.
Please note: University acceptance of T Levels varies. Always verify individual entry requirements before applying.
Ceramics BA
Fashion Design BA
Furniture & Product Design BA
Textile Design BA
