Textile design offers the opportunity for a wide range of career outcomes. This course celebrates this diversity.

The course combines personal choices available at each level with a structured specialist approach. Embracing digital technology and traditional craft skills, your creativity, personal talents and professional awareness will be developed throughout the course, leading to a textile design degree in one of five exit pathways – constructed textiles, embroidery, printed textiles, surface design or textile retail management.

Supportive tuition in specialist and combined groups throughout the course fosters the interchange of ideas. The diverse experience of the academic staff reflects the course ethos – all are practising designers/visual artists, many working internationally.

Key Facts

• Blends digital technology and traditional craft skills with professional awareness and entrepreneurial vision – you emerge as a confident, competent and credible designer.
• Enjoy the flexibility of a course offering no less than twenty options for second year electives.
• We maintain close contact with over forty companies/designer-makers and companies/organisations involved with live projects.
• Contemporary live project and professional experience module lets you put your skills to work and get useful contacts with prospective employers.
• Optional international study visit helps widen your professional and personal outlook, bringing inspiration from unexpected quarters.
• Refine and then showcase your talents, just like Frances Bleksley, winner of Tektura Innovation Award for Wallcovering 2010.

"If I could give any advice, it would be to undertake as much work experience in a design related area as possible. Also, try and get a part-time job in companies you want to target when you graduate as it shows a great sign of commitment.
Carla Hubbard, First Class Honours, Designer at Next

Further Studies

For further information on courses Tel: +44(0)121 331 5595 or go direct to the courses section of the website.

Employment Opportunities

Graduates will have employment opportunities as in-house designers (constructed textiles/surface design/embroidery/printed textiles), stylists, freelance designers, designer/makers, marketing, journalism, arts administration, conservation, trainee buyers, visual merchandisers and retail managers.

Course Structure

Features of the course include:

• An intensive experience circulating through Constructed Textiles, Embroidery and Printed Textiles followed by a personally chosen specialist focus

• In the second year an elective selected from approximately 20 options offered across the faculty (typical examples currently include Jewellery, Ceramics and Glass, and Fashion Photography)

• Contemporary awareness of Fashion and Interior trends and predictions

• A Contemporary live project and a professional experience module provide a realistic work experience and contact with prospective employers

• An optional international study visit

Students complete their degree in one of five pathways: Constructed Textiles, Embroidery, Printed Textiles, Surface Design or Retail Management. The retail pathway offers an alternative opportunity for design students interested in a career in the retail sector. Cultural awareness and business studies support the practical and conceptual aspects of design.

Your Learning Experience

The supportive learning environment includes a wide range of learning and teaching methods, an experienced teaching team engaged in current research/practice, and studio/workshop experiences supported by e-learning. There is access to both digital technology and traditional textile craft workshops. Equipment includes a Mimaki digital printer, jacquard loom, computerised AVL studio looms, embroidery machines, laser cutting, ceramics and glass kilns, faculty computer provision in addition to traditional facilities including print tables, transfer press, knitting machines, looms and rug tufting guns.

The course actively fosters links with organisations (including museums and galleries) and industry, providing a continuously updated contemporary educational experience.

Entry Requirements

A good portfolio, plus one of the following:

• 280 tariff points
• BTEC National Diploma with an overall grade of DMM
• Level 3 Diploma in Foundation Studies (Art and Design), with merit or distinction in the final stage
• International Baccalaureate with 28 points
• Equivalent qualification or experience

Application Details

UCAS Code: W223

Search for this course on UCAS.

Fees Notes

If you already have an equivalent level qualification, you may be charged a higher fee for your course. For further information visit the fees area of the Student Info section.

Enquiries

Prospective students from the UK or EU may enquire online by using the Course Enquiry Form or call +44 (0)121 331 5595.

Prospective students from non-EU countries may enquire via the International Enquiry Form or call +44 (0)121 331 6714.