Textile Design BDes (Hons)

You can enter Textile Design after completing our Art and Design (General Foundation) course (apply for course WW12) or on successful completion of a recognised Foundation Course or equivalent (apply for course W231). This is normal for many art and design courses.

In the Art and Design (General Foundation) course you will learn the core values which will enrich and expand your personal visual language, preparing you for a further 3 years in Textile Design.

Level 2

You will develop an understanding of the design process through studio practice and a series of structured workshops, lectures and seminars. You will learn core skills in printed and knitted textile design and will be introduced to a range of mixed media textile techniques, new materials and processes. By the end of Level 2, you will then specialise in print or knit. You will also engage with the impact that design can have in tackling complex problems.

• Material Matters
• The 21st Century Designer
• Border Crossings
• Change by Design

Level 3

You will hone your drawing, research, material understanding, colour, structure and composition skills. You will gain advanced technical skills in printed and knitted textile design and will be introduced to smart materials, smart textile processes and digital technologies. You will focus on live industry briefs and national and international competitions that may deal with issues around sustainable design and innovation in a range of social and economic contexts.

• Partnerships, Networks and Connections 1 and 2
• Alternative Futures elective study option (Research and Creative Practice, Design Enterprise, Communication Futures)
• Elective modules such as Critical Making, Print and Printability, Design Ethics
• Optional one semester of exchange study at an international institution

Level 4

You will write your own brief, which forms your final year major project as part of the Degree Show. You will be guided through this year with regular group tutorials, lectures, visiting tutors, portfolio appraisals, student presentations, interim exhibitions, professional practice sessions and one to one reviews. Additionally you are required to complete a written component in the final year, which will contribute to your final year degree award. This can be linked to your future aspirations and can work in unison with your studio practice.

• Alternative Futures elective study option
• Design in Action Honours Project