BA (Hons) Textile Design Degree

Course Content

You will learn fundamental skills and techniques in creative workshops focusing on design development, printed textiles, fabric manipulation, and more. The approach to design is exploratory and experimental, addressing contemporary issues such as sustainability and industry trends. You will create design solutions for various markets and develop skills for employment, freelance opportunities, or further study at the postgraduate level.

Teaching Method

We use a variety of teaching methods, including: 

• practical and creative studio-based workshops
• discussions
• lectures/seminars
• tutorials
• small group study
• self-directed study
• study trips

Key Features

• Tailor your degree to textiles for art, fashion or interiors in year three.
• Take part in industry projects and work placements to gain hands-on experience.
• Your own studio space to refine your design practice.
• Open access to campus-wide facilities, including a textile print room, laser cutter, 3D craft workshop, pattern cutting tables, sewing workshop and photo studios

Year One

The first year of a BA Textile program equips you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in the textile design field. Hands-on workshops teach you how to research trends, translate ideas into designs, and explore textile techniques. The program also covers ethical considerations in the industry and gives you a taste of real-world design through industry simulations. You'll round out the year with a deeper understanding of the theoretical background of design.

• Unit 1: Research and Design Processes for Textiles
• Unit 2: Materials & Methods
• Unit 3: 2D and 3D Textiles
• Unit 4: Ethical Values in Design
• Unit 5: Industry Design Practice
• Unit 6: Cultural and Contextual Studies

Year Two

The course focuses on developing industry-ready skills through project work, cultural studies, and professional development. You'll gain fashion or interior design expertise while exploring new media and sustainable practices. The program culminates in choosing between a work placement or an industry research project, followed by workshops on concept development for your future career.

• Unit 7: Industry/Competition Linked Project
• Unit 8: Advanced Cultural and Contextual Studies
• Unit 10: Optional Unit
• Unit 11: Concept Development

Year Three

The third year will prepare you for your culminating project and launch your design career.

You'll develop your final major project by crafting a statement outlining its purpose, target market, and core values. You'll perform technical testing through prototypes and source materials to produce final design samples.

You will conduct a thorough research project on a topic, analysing and presenting your findings in a formal document such as a dissertation, report, or case study.

Finally, the course prepares you for your design career. You'll build a strong portfolio and craft an impactful CV. Explore career opportunities in design, learn interview techniques, and develop self-promotion and personal branding skills to make a smooth transition from student to professional designer.

• Unit 12: FMP - Design Concepts and Synthesis
• Unit 13: Creative and Critical Research Project (Dissertation)
• Unit 14: Exit Portfolio and PDP