The combination of the conventional and the cutting edge gives the course a unique focus and allows you to develop a strong range of skills in the areas of:
- print
- weave
- knit
- embroidery.
You'll have the chance to investigate textiles from both practical and theoretical perspectives through an exciting range of areas, spanning interiors lifestyle products, fashion, accessories and art. The course also encourages innovation through research and enables you to explore new approaches to traditional areas.
Throughout the course, your study will involve presenting research, design development, project work and written assignments. Presentations and feedback tutorials are a great opportunity to develop critical analysis and evaluation skills.
Student exchange blog
Six of our current second year Textile Design students have recently been on an exchange to Pearl Academy of Fashion, India. The students were awarded a Dean's Scholarship by the School of Art & Design to make this exchange possible. Read the blog the students kept whilst they were in India.
Art and Design Degree Shows 2012
Our final-year Art and Design Degree Shows will be taking place in May and June at the University. 20 courses will be showcasing inspirational work across the campus and the shows are open to the public.
Find out about our Degree Shows on the School of Art & Design website.
Open days
Our open days will help you find out about our courses and the University. You'll meet our lecturers and current students and get to see the fantastic facilities we have. Find out the dates of our next open day.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about the content of this course, or admissions, please contact us.
Please note the following information for applicants
Year One
- You will be introduced to the principles of design through studio and workshop learning. This will give you valuable insights into print, weave, embroidery and knit.
- You'll explore and research creative media and experience with technical processes like computer-aided design (CAD).
- The introduction to design and visual culture will enable you to explore historical and contemporary design influences, trends and directions. This encourages critical, creative thinking with a multi-disciplinary approach to visual analysis, written expression and personal research.
Year Two
- You'll develop a directional focus through industry-based project work and external and company visits.
- From your second year, you'll be able to specialise in one of more disciplines to gain a deeper understanding or embroidered, printed or woven textile design.
- You can also choose to specialise in knitted textiles, in which case you'll join the BA (Hons) Fashion Knitwear and Knitted Textile course.
- We actively encourage short periods of work experience.
Year Three
- You'll develop a personal portfolio showing a full understanding of your specialist area.
- The degree show exhibition will be an important part of presenting your final-year work.
- You'll be encouraged to take part in external competitions and projects.
Assessment
Assessment is continuous throughout this course and based on coursework.
Student gallery
Have a look at some of the work created on this course in our student gallery.
Specialist equipment and facilities
Reflecting the true diversity and specialisms of this course, facilities range from traditional hand or dobby looms and screen printing right through to leading edge, industry-standard textile technology in fully modernised studios and workshops.
- Mimaki TX2 digital fabric printers
- Barudan digital embroidery machines
- Draccup jacquard power weaving loom
- Shima and Stoll V Bed power knitting machines
- Hand screen printing and transfer printing equipment
- Fabric laser cutting technology
Take a look at our art and design facilities through 360 degree panoramas and images.
Course visits and trips
You'll have the opportunity to visit leading international design destinations and exhibitions including New York, Premier Vision in Paris, the Milan Furniture Fair, and Pitti Filati in Florence.
We also organise study visits to trade events like 100% Design, Decorex and the Chelsea Crafts Fair in London.
Competitions and shows
In your final year, you'll have the chance to take part in the prestigious New Designers show in London. We also regularly base project work around industry sponsored competitions, including those run by:
- The Royal Society of the Arts
- Bradford Textile Society
- Hand and Lock (embroidery)
- Timorous Beasties
- Como / Texprint scarf competition.
Work placements
Although this course does not offer a formal placement year, students are encouraged to undertake informal work placements and enter live industry competitions. All our courses are vocationally focused and benefit from strong links to industry.
Find out more about the course's industry links and work experience opportunities.
Giving you competitive advantage
In today's competitive job market graduates often find that a degree is no longer enough to attract employers. A work placement is a valuable addition to your education. You'll gain real-life work experience that will make you stand out from the crown and enhance your employability in your chosen field of work.
What are the benefits of a work placement?
Practical work experience has many benefits for you.It can help in your day-to-day studies and is often paid. It can enhance your commercial awareness and your ability to link theory and practice which will be an invaluable skill in your future career. Although a work placement is highly recommended, obtaining one is based on an individual's effort and is not guaranteed.
How to apply
Application for this course is through UCAS application form. For more general information on the UCAS application process please visit the UCAS website.
If you are an International (non-EU) applicant you will still need to apply to us through UCAS, but can find information and guidance about the application process on our Applying and Fees for International (non-EU) students web page.
Application deadline
- 2012 entry: 15 January 2012
- 2013 entry: 15 January 2013
Applications received after this date will be marked as 'late' and only considered if places are still available after all on time applications have been assessed.
We have a number of open days that take place throughout the year. If you'd like to visit us click on the 'Book an Open Day' button at the top right of this page.
Interviews and portfolios
Selection for this course takes place through UCAS application form and, where invited, interview and portfolio.
UK applicants
If you are invited to attend an interview at the University, you'll bring your portfolio with you for assessment. For more information about what we look for during an interview, and some useful tips for your portfolio, download our BA (Hons) Textile Design interview and portfolio information. 
Overseas applicants
If you meet the minimum entry requirements we will ask you to send us:
- 12 examples of your practical work
- a piece of written work (approximately 500 words) from your current or previous course.
When we receive your UCAS application we'll contact you to tell you how to submit your work online. Overseas applicants are not expected to attend an interview at the University.
English language requirements
English language entry requirements for courses in the School of Art & Design, and a full list of all English language qualifications accepted by the University are available on our website.
UCAS points
The 280 UCAS tariff points needed for entry to this course should be taken from a minimum of two A-levels or equivalent qualification (such as a BTEC National Diploma or art and design foundation course). Additional tariff points obtained from AS-levels, where the subject was not continued to A-level, will also be accepted towards the 280 UCAS points required.
If you are unsure whether the qualifications you have, or are currently studying for, meet the minimum entry requirements for this course please contact us before submitting an application through UCAS.
Non-standard / mature students
We welcome applications from non-standard applicants over the age of 21 for this course, and will assess candidates of this nature on an individual basis. If you're a non-standard applicant you'll still need to apply by UCAS form but you don't necessarily need to meet our minimum entry requirements - you must, however, have portfolio work to present at interview.
Any questions?
If you have any questions about the content of this course, or admissions, please contact us.
