Textile Design Cert HE / Dip HE / BA (Hons)
Rapid changes in fashion trends and technological advances provide textile designers with opportunities to influence taste and life-style. The course promotes a conceptual approach to designing, professionalism and business awareness in fashion textiles, interior textiles and textile art.
The course offers a choice of subject pathways to suit a wide range of career ambitions. The choice of specialist pathway is made during Level 1. The course offers three pathways: Constructed Textiles; Embroidery and Printed Textiles. An additional subject route in Level 3 aims to provide for a career in Retail Management.
The course provides an awareness of contemporary practice, traditional and advanced materials and production methods. A wide range of industrial contacts, through live projects with industry, and professional designers including placements give professional support to the course.
Students are encouraged to participate in national and international competitions, in which the course has a high rate of success.
Textile Design
Rapid changes in fashion trends and technological advances provide textile designers with many opportunities to influence future taste and lifestyle using a misture of creative flair, technical relevance and professionalism.
Students are encouraged to develop conceptual and analytical skills and to maximise the potential of using advanced and traditional materials and processes in the production of innovative textile design for both the fashion and interior markets and for individual designer-makers.
A contemporary view of practice is fostered through opportunities to undertake live projects and a work experience programme supported by leading members of the profession and industry. Many of our graduates hold key positions within the international textile industry.
Course Content
The course is based on research studio/workshop practice, lectures, seminars, projects and personal study. Visual studies and the practical aspects of design are supported by a theoretical background in historical, cultural, computer, business and management studies.
Each level comprises approximately 80% studio-based study and 20% theoretical, historical & business studies, except Retail Management, which has a higher theoretical bias.
Level 1 The course provides an introduction to the breadth of textiles. Visual studies and drawing provides the means for exploring ideas. Fundamental elements of colour, pattern, image , form and technical processes and materials are studied across three textile pathways to enable students to develop their design skills and to make an informed choice of specialism. .
Level 2 Students study in their chosen pathway, developing specialist design and practical skills. The emphasis is on a balance between individual flair and commercial and professional awareness. A Faculty elective module and work experience placements are incorporated into the programme.
Level 3 Knowledge and skills are extended to more complex design problems. Students, with tutorial guidance, negotiate a personal programme of study and are responsible for the management of the project from initial concept to final stage. A dissertation is a requirement of the final award and in many cases links with the main study programme.
Assessment
Each module is separately assessed contributing credits to the achievement of stage awards.
Entry Requirements
280 points plus a good portfolio, successful completion of a Foundation course in art and design.
Careers
Graduates achieve highly successful careers in creative and managerial positions as designers, design managers, stylists, freelance designers, designer-makers, buyers and in marketing, the media, journalism, education, conservation, museums etc.
The opportunity exists within the Department for students to continue their education at PGDip/MA levels.
More Information
Should you require further infomation on the above course please click on Faculty Website.
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