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Benefits of accredited craft courses

What are the true benefits of choosing an accredited craft course?

We’ve previously discussed how popular TV shows like the Great British Sewing Bee have inspired the nation to embrace crafting; with over 1 million people taking up sewing in the last 3 years. Social media sites like YouTube and Pinterest have made it easier for us to access patterns and tutorials allowing us to learn basic techniques. But, if you have a professional or personal crafting ambition, then we’d always recommend choosing a course that has been accredited by a professional body.    

Today, we’re going to be taking a look at some of the many benefits of our accredited craft courses. We aim to help you make an informed decision about the different craft courses available and help you understand what you can achieve through an accredited course.

About Us

Firstly, a little introduction. At the School of Stitched Textiles we’re passionate about textiles and learning, which is why we are the UK’s largest provider of accredited courses, offering a diverse mix of textiles education. We run a wide range of textile courses including KnittingCrochetPatchwork & QuiltingStumpworkHand EmbroideryMachine EmbroideryFelting and Textiles. All of our courses are quality assured and accredited by City & Guilds of London and over the last 16 years we’ve been privileged to teach, help and support thousands of creative students.

The Benefits of Accredited Craft Courses

1. Accredited courses mean high standards are ensured

 

In order for a course to be accredited by a professional body like the City and Guilds of London, they have to go through a thorough and strict validation process to ensure courses, materials, teaching and assessments meet the highest levels of quality. In other words, we aim to ensure that students are learning the very best, from the very best.

Mary Pilsworth @Maryfaitfelt
Hand Embroidery design by Sally-Ann Duffy

2. Accredited courses develop creative thinking

 

We’ve created courses that develop independent creative thinking. Unlike other courses which may teach you how to make a specific item or follow a pattern, our courses give you the tools and knowledge required to create and develop your very own designs. So, whether you want to create unique gifts for Christmas or for paying clients, our courses will help to develop these skills.

3. Accredited courses encourage meaningful participation

 

Getting students to engage with one another and participate in our online discussions again, helps students to think critically and creatively. The aim of our group discussions and forums is to get students thinking about how they can do things better and develop ideas. This not only gets them thinking outside the box, it gives them the ability to self evaluate and develop their own diverse range of work.

4. Accredited courses are taught by highly skilled and experienced tutors

 

Accredited courses need to be taught by accredited professionals and we’re no exception. Each of our tutors make it their sole aim to impart knowledge and facilitate creative success. Plus, they’ve all completed professional qualifications, degrees and accreditations prior to teaching at the School of Stitched Textiles. Learn more about our expert tutors.  

5. Accredited craft courses provide tangible rewards

Unlike other online courses you will receive a City & Guilds of London accredited certificate, to prove successful completion. There’s nothing more satisfying when all your hard work pays off. You’ll also become an official graduate of the School of Stitched Textiles. This gives you the chance to share your very own Stitch Journey with others.

 

A selection of Hand Embroidery student work

As part of our assessments students have to produce an online gallery of completed work. These can be used to form the foundation of your very own portfolio which you can take joy in showing off to friends and family or use to attract future customers. No other course will enable you to demonstrate a greater level of diversity and understanding of your subject.

We also hold Student Excellence Awards to recognise students’ achievements in the form of online exhibitions

6. Accredited craft courses are carefully tailored to the right skill levels.

Whether you’re a bit of a crafting master or a complete needle novice our accredited courses give you the best foundations. We’ve created a range of courses from beginner to masters level and are carefully pitched at the right level of experience. Students not only learn the best possible techniques, they’re encouraged to produce a wide range of work. Work is continually assessed throughout the course.

Steph Yates - @steph.j.y

7. Accredited courses will test and motivate you like no other course can

 

Working toward something can be a great motivator. Many of our students report that the structure of the course kept them motivated as well as focused. Students can fit studies around other commitments because they are split into separate, manageable modules.

Additionally, unlike other courses that may ask students to follow along online or in a classroom setting, students studying for a City and Guilds of London accreditation have to complete and pass modules. Our expert tutors continually provide feedback and advice, aiding successful completion step by step.

8. Accredited courses count towards professional qualifications

 

In the future you may look to enhance your skills further by completing a university or college qualification. Learning institutions favour students who have previously completed an accredited course. Also you’ll have already established a substantial and innovative portfolio to show them. This is particularly useful for mature students looking to study something new. Especially if they do not have the academic entry level criteria.

9. Accredited courses give you the ability to launch a new career or business venture

City and Guilds courses are recognised as the best possible achievement within the textile field. We therefore find that many of our successful students feel empowered to take the next step. Accredited courses not only give students the knowledge and skills they require, but also a huge confidence boost and belief in their own abilities. Many go on to pursue dream jobs or use their skills to develop their hobby further.

But don’t just take our word for it. Why not take a look through some of our graduate stories. Many have embarked on exciting new careers, gained important skills and exceeded their personal ambitions.

Graduates of our accredited courses

Are you ready to begin a City and Guilds of London accredited craft course in stitched textiles? Register your interest in a course today for further information about our courses, tutors and graduates or contact us for more information

Joan Harrison Bursary

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Apply for a bursary to study one of our skill Stage 2 accredited courses for FREE!

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18 Comments

  1. Pingback: A Guide to Choosing the Right City and Guilds Accredited Craft Course

    1. Hello. The easiest thing to do is register your interest in the course you’re interested in and the level you wish to study and we’ll send you full details about the course, along with the prices. You can register here: https://www.sofst.org/#register

      Many thanks
      Sarah

    1. Hi Jane and thanks for your question. Costings can vary depending on the amount of materials you already have or need to purchase. We’d be happy to send you a list of materials for each module if you could let us know what course you are interested in taking. Please email this information to info@sofst.org. You can work as quickly or slowly as you like through the course materials and depending on the level you want to study we allow up to 2 years to complete. I hope that helps.

  2. As this is an accredited course with tuition fees, does it qualify me to defer my Guaranteed Student Loan repayments, and how can it be applied towards my existing HND art qualification to increase its value in the workplace?

    1. Hi Norma, price will depend on the level you wish to study, but you can find all of the information here: https://www.sofst.org/payment-options/. There are options to pay in instalments and you might also find this helpful https://www.sofst.org/accredited-courses-worth-the-money/. Let me know if there is anything else that I can help you with.

  3. How can I judge what level I should aim for, I am an older student, and have done embroidered and tapestry projects for a great many years. I would now like to take a structured course, and to have projects and time frames to work too.

    1. Hi Pat, many thanks for your question. We have a handy guide to choosing the right level which you can find here https://www.sofst.org/choosing-your-city-and-guilds-accredited-craft-course/. If you still cannot decide then please do let us know and we’d be happy to help further.

  4. Is there a lot of work involved with working on laptop /computer? I’m a bit of a technophobe, I’m not at all good at anything technical (unless it sews). Please can you advise about this please.

    1. Hello and thanks for your message – this is a really good question.
      We’ve had students complete courses using only an iPad or tablet before so if you can use a tablet you will be ok. The things you will need to be able to do are: take pictures (you can use a table for this too), upload them, email your tutor, participate in online group chats via Facebook (optional), and lastly, you will need to be able to write up your work/research which can be done using PowerPoint or Keynote, or Word. We will provide full tutorials and support on how to do this. I hope that helps but feel free to email with any further questions – info@sofst.org. Many thanks, Sarah

  5. hi is there any way of getting help with paying for the course?
    i’m looking at the crochet skills level 2 and 3 as i wish to teach crocheting as a business in my community as well as making my own items to sell and i feel that a city and guilds qualification would help with doing this

    1. Hi Jemmah, we are running a bursary scheme at the moment. You can find out how it works and how to apply here: https://www.sofst.org/joan-harrison-creative-bursary-award/ Best of luck.

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