Level 3 Diploma in Craft Skills for Creative Industries

The cost of the course is £2190. Your place can be secured with a deposit of £300. If you would like additional information, please email gill@ruralskillscentre.co.uk.

£300.00

Deposit

What will you learn?

You will learn a wide and varied range of basketry skills and techniques linked to traditional and innovative approaches to basketmaking.

You will be taught by your core tutor, Gill Jones and across the programme, have the advantage of visiting tutors, who are specialists in their own specific disciplines, to expand and extend your basketry skills. We are especially pleased to have Clare Revera as our Internal Quality Assurance verifier.

How do i pay for the course?

Your place can be secured with a non-refundable deposit of £300.

Option A:

You can pay the balance of £3900 in full at the start of the course (this is a £400 reduction for payment in full)

Option B: 

Make an additional 20 monthly payments of £215

When does the course run?

The City and Guilds Level 3 course is part-time, over two years. It will start in January 2026 and finish in the summer of 2027.

There are two study options, either 2 days a month on a Saturday and Sunday or 5 days, every other month (Monday through to Friday.

What does the workshop space look like at the Rural Skills Centre?

The workshop is a transformed stable here on our farm in Castleton. It has many of the original features but still manages to be a light and spacious learning environment. Most importantly, the workshop is accessible (ramp access/accessible toilet facilities). The workshop also includes a kitchen area for drinks and snacks. 

Each student will have an individual table/work bench as well as room to stake up baskets with ease.

At Level 3, it is anticipated that students will have a basic tool set for their basketry. Part of the experience of learning advanced basketry techniques is having the opportunity to experiment with equipment specific to a basketry discipline. You will be able to do this as part of your study, for example a shave horse (frame basketry), a square block (square work), or even a skeining machine for fine skein work.

Outside, there is a large patio area that can be used for basketry, having lunch, or simply just relaxing.

How can i be assured that my learning will meet the standards required by City and Guilds?

City and Guilds have a thorough Centre Approval process. This feeds into their systems and processes for ensuring quality learning and teaching experiences.

The Rural Skills Centre has City and Guilds Centre Approved status and is able to offer both  the Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications relating to basketry.

To meet the requirements of City and Guilds, our tutors need to be proficient in their discipline with a strong professional profile that details their excellent basketry/business skills. Visiting discipline specific tutors will have been chosen for the quality of their work and their strong business profile.

Assessors at Level 3 must have a suitable qualification relating to assessment (for example a Certificate in Education or have achieved the Assessor Award). Like Level 2, assessors for Level 3 students are overseen by Clare Revera, our Internal Quality Assurance Manager.

As with our Level 2 provision, our internal quality assurance for the Level 3 qualification is overseen by Margaret Walker, our External Verifier, appointed by City and Guilds.

Who is the course/qualification for?

The City and Guilds Level 3 qualification is suitable for those who have completed Level 2 and want to take their basketmaking forward. It is also suited to those who have already begun their basketmaking journey and are aiming to make a living from their craft, perhaps selling their work, or teaching basket making.

The City and Guilds qualification is suitable for those basketmakers wishing to develop their craft into a viable basket making business.

What are the entry requirements for the City and Guilds Level 3 course?

The Level 3 City and Guilds basketry course is suitable for those who have successfully completed Level 2 and want to take their basketmaking forward.

In some instances, prospective students are accepted on to the Level 3 course based on their prior experiences as a basketmaker. This will be part of the induction process.

What are the scheduled dates for the City and Guilds Level 3 course?

Option A
Saturday and Sunday

January 2026 17-18
February 14-15
March 14-15
April 18-19
May 16-17
June 13-14
July 4-5
September 19-20
October 17-18
November 14-15
December 12-13
January 2027 16-17
February 20-21
March 20-21
April 17-18
May 15-16
June 19-20
July 10-11

Option B
Monday to Friday

January 2026 19-23
March 16-20
May 11-15
July 6-10
October 5-9
December 7-11
February 2027 8-12
April 5-9

What does the study space look like at the Rural Skills Centre?

We have high-speed internet connection useful for individual and group research.

We also have a camera/screen useful for practical research.

There is also a substantial library with current and classic foundational texts relating to basketry.

For those of you interested in our willow growing endeavours, there is also access to our willow beds and our willow barn.

If i am travelling a distance, where could i look for accommodation close by?

On site:
Camping (tent/caravan/campervan) in our fields (overlooking the River Severn)
Farmhouse stay (1 ensuite)

Local Hotels:
Coach and Horses by Martinez

Holiday Inn (Lakeside Drive, Coedkernew)

 

Local Self Catering Accommodation:

Lodge on a Lake (Cefn Mably)

The Coach House (Bassaleg)

How much does the City and Guilds Level 3 Cost?

The cost of the course is £4600.

What is included in the course fee?

This includes all City and Guilds registration and certification fees as well as lunch/refreshments.  

You will also be provided with the learning materials to support your study, including a Student Handbook and relevant subject specific handouts.

You will need to purchase your own basketry materials (willow, rush etc.).

What will i be studying as part of the City and Guilds Level 3 Programme?

There are TEN units that make up the Diploma in Craft Skills for Creative Industries qualification.

SIX of the units are mandatory. Two have been selected from the optional units in Group A and two from the optional units in Group B.

Unit 301 – Select and use techniques, materials, tools and equipment for craft
Unit 302 – Use safe working practices and spaces for craft
Unit 303- Complete the craft making process
Unit 304 – Manage time for craft work and practice
Unit 305 – Contribute to the design process for craft
Unit 306- Keep up to date with the craft sector
Unit 307-Present and display craft
Unit 310-Work effectively with others in craft
Unit 404- Use digital technologies for craftwork
Unit 405-Use copyright law to protect creativity and innovation in craft

Who will be teaching the City and Guilds Level 3 qualification at the Rural Skills Centre??

Your level 3 tutor/assessors will include:
Gill Jones
Kate Jones

Visiting level 3 tutors across the two years will include:
Fiona Arnold (Skein work)
Alisha Davidson (Advanced techniques)
Ruth Denison (Innovation with cycle tyres)
Clare Revera (frame work)

What will you learn?

You will learn a wide and varied range of basketry skills and techniques linked to traditional and innovative approaches to basketmaking.

You will be taught by your core tutor, Gill Jones and across the programme, have the advantage of visiting tutors, who are specialists in their own specific disciplines, to expand and extend your basketry skills. We are especially pleased to have Clare Revera as our Internal Quality Assurance verifier.

Who is the course/qualification for?

The City and Guilds Level 3 qualification is suitable for those who have completed Level 2 and want to take their basketmaking forward. It is also suited to those who have already begun their basketmaking journey and are aiming to make a living from their craft, perhaps selling their work, or teaching basket making.

The City and Guilds qualification is suitable for those basketmakers wishing to develop their craft into a viable basket making business.

How much does the City and Guilds Level 3 Cost?

The cost of the course is £4600.

How do i pay for the course?

Your place can be secured with a non-refundable deposit of £300.

Option A:

You can pay the balance of £3900 in full at the start of the course (this is a £400 reduction for payment in full)

Option B: 

Make an additional 20 monthly payments of £215

What are the entry requirements for the City and Guilds Level 3 course?

The Level 3 City and Guilds basketry course is suitable for those who have successfully completed Level 2 and want to take their basketmaking forward.

In some instances, prospective students are accepted on to the Level 3 course based on their prior experiences as a basketmaker. This will be part of the induction process.

In some instances, prospective students are accepted on to the Level 3 course based on their prior experiences as a basketmaker. This will be part of the induction process.

What is included in the course fee?

This includes all City and Guilds registration and certification fees as well as lunch/refreshments.  

You will also be provided with the learning materials to support your study, including a Student Handbook and relevant subject specific handouts.

You will need to purchase your own basketry materials (willow, rush etc.).

When does the course run?

The City and Guilds Level 3 course is part-time, over two years. It will start in January 2026 and finish in the summer of 2027.

There are two study options, either 2 days a month on a Saturday and Sunday or 5 days, every other month (Monday through to Friday.

What are the scheduled dates for the City and Guilds Level 3 course?

Option A
Saturday and Sunday

January 2026 17*18
February 14-15
March 14-15
April 18-19
May 16-17
June 13-14
July 4-5
September 19-20
October 17-18
November 14-15
December 12-13
January 2027 16-17
February 20-21
March 20-21
April 17-18
May 15-16
June 19-20
July 10-11

Option B
Monday to Friday

January 2026 19-23
March 16-20
May 11-15
July 6-10
October 5-9
December 7-11
February 2027 8-12
April 5-9

What will i be studying as part of the City and Guilds Level 3 Programme?

There are TEN units that make up the Diploma in Craft Skills for Creative Industries qualification.

SIX of the units are mandatory. Two have been selected from the optional units in Group A and two from the optional units in Group B.

Unit 301 – Select and use techniques, materials, tools and equipment for craft
Unit 302 – Use safe working practices and spaces for craft
Unit 303- Complete the craft making process
Unit 304 – Manage time for craft work and practice
Unit 305 – Contribute to the design process for craft
Unit 306- Keep up to date with the craft sector
Unit 307-Present and display craft
Unit 310-Work effectively with others in craft
Unit 404- Use digital technologies for craftwork
Unit 405-Use copyright law to protect creativity and innovation in craft

What does the workshop space look like at the Rural Skills Centre?

The workshop is a transformed stable here on our farm in Castleton. It has many of the original features but still manages to be a light and spacious learning environment. Most importantly, the workshop is accessible (ramp access/accessible toilet facilities). The workshop also includes a kitchen area for drinks and snacks. 

Each student will have an individual table/work bench as well as room to stake up baskets with ease.

At Level 3, it is anticipated that students will have a basic tool set for their basketry. Part of the experience of learning advanced basketry techniques is having the opportunity to experiment with equipment specific to a basketry discipline. You will be able to do this as part of your study, for example a shave horse (frame basketry), a square block (square work), or even a skeining machine for fine skein work.

Outside, there is a large patio area that can be used for basketry, having lunch, or simply just relaxing.

What does the study space look like at the Rural Skills Centre?

We have high-speed internet connection useful for individual and group research.

We also have a camera/screen useful for practical research.

There is also a substantial library with current and classic foundational texts relating to basketry.

For those of you interested in our willow growing endeavours, there is also access to our willow beds and our willow barn.

Who will be teaching the City and Guilds Level 3 qualification at the Rural Skills Centre??

Your level 3 tutor/assessors will include:
Gill Jones
Kate Jones

Visiting level 3 tutors across the two years will include:
Fiona Arnold (Skein work)
Alisha Davidson (Advanced techniques)
Ruth Denison (Innovation with cycle tyres)
Clare Revera (Frame work)

How can i be assured that my learning will meet the standards required by City and Guilds?

City and Guilds have a thorough Centre Approval process. This feeds into their systems and processes for ensuring quality learning and teaching experiences.

The Rural Skills Centre has City and Guilds Centre Approved status and is able to offer both  the Level 2 and Level 3 qualifications relating to basketry.

To meet the requirements of City and Guilds, our tutors need to be proficient in their discipline with a strong professional profile that details their excellent basketry/business skills. Visiting discipline specific tutors will have been chosen for the quality of their work and their strong business profile.

Assessors at Level 3 must have a suitable qualification relating to assessment (for example a Certificate in Education or have achieved the Assessor Award). Like Level 2, assessors for Level 3 students are overseen by Clare Revera, our Internal Quality Assurance Manager.

As with our Level 2 provision, our internal quality assurance for the Level 3 qualification is overseen by Margaret Walker, our External Verifier, appointed by City and Guilds.

If i am travelling a distance, where could i look for accommodation close by?

On site:
Camping (tent/caravan/campervan) in our fields (overlooking the River Severn)
Farmhouse stay (1 ensuite)

Local Hotels:
Coach and Horses by Martinez

Holiday Inn (Lakeside Drive, Coedkernew)

 

Local Self Catering Accommodation:

Lodge on a Lake (Cefn Mably)

The Coach House (Bassaleg)