Textile Design, Technology and Innovation MSc

Term one core modules

Research Methods (Compulsory)

Teaches you a range of conceptual and practical research skills, such as questionnaire design and interview techniques. As part of this module, you will formulate your major project proposal, specifying your aims, objectives, research methods and expected outcomes. You will also learn how to undertake the literature review for your major project.

Key Textile Technologies (Core)

This module builds on your foundation knowledge of textile materials with a focus on conventional and new innovative materials. Through lecture seminars, hands-on practical sessions and off site trips your knowledge to be challenged to allow exploration into diverse and novel applications for textile materials.

Design, innovation and Sustainability (Core)

This module takes an integrated approach to the complex issues surrounding sustainability and the role of design and innovation as a driver for change. Students will critically examine both the ethical and environmental impact of design and explore a variety of innovative materials and processes.

Term one optional modules (Choose one)

Marketing for the Creative Entrepreneur

Examines the key marketing and corporate strategy issues that affect a designer. You will develop your own marketing strategy and carry out an analysis of the competitive environment.

Fashion Promotion and Marketing

The module reviews both theoretical concepts & current approaches to communication and commerce in global fashion markets. Exploring key aspects of fashion marketing and promotion via case studies of retailers, brands and designers, to enable you to develop creative strategies and commercial solutions to real-life industry challenges.

Design as a Strategic Business Tool

Looks at how design itself can be the driving force behind the strategic management and development of digital design and creative businesses. You will audit the use of design, design management and design thinking in the creative industries and business.

Term two core modules

Performance and Analysis (Core)

This module explores the importance of quality assessment and fitness for purpose in the creation of new innovative textile products. Through a combination of theoretical and practical sessions undertaken on site using industrial test laboratory apparatus different end uses will be examined enabling students to focus attention on areas of personal interest. Off site visits will provide an appreciation of both commercial testing processes and technical textile R&D.

Manufacturing Processes and Technologies (Core)

Innovation in product development will be explored from a foundation of the core methods used in design and manufacture for textile apparel and merchandise. You will select an area for development and be supported by experts from intimate apparel, leisurewear, fashion clothing and product development. Your focus will be on improving the design, function, quality and fitness for purpose for your selection. Dependent upon education and experience you will follow a mainly theoretical or practical route for the product analysis and development brief.

Global Markets: Designing businesses for international growth

Examines the key issues involved in developing new international markets and the role of the design manager and entrepreneur in enabling design and creative businesses to compete effectively in the global economy.

Term two optional modules (Choose one)

Business Planning for the Creative Entrepreneur

Develops your business knowledge and planning skills enabling you to identify the potential for a new product or service. You will study the key issues in starting a business and covers topics such as business plans, leadership, investment and risk management.

Managing Business Web Presence

Teaches you how to critically appraise website designs, social media activity and wider networking channels while learning about creative production and management processes. You will learn how best to evaluate the role of website design in business, marketing and the creative industries, while examining advances in web architecture, technology, interface and management.

Technology for Design

Provides a platform for designers from various fields to explore a range technology and potentially help to advance their knowledge and practise in this area. This module recognises that digital technology and the development of new equipment, materials, artefacts and devices are all growing exponentially.

Supply and Sourcing

This module deals with the mechanics of the garment industry from product development and planning of the ‘Critical Path’ to production. You will explore supply chain dynamics as well as how and when to source. This module includes potential networking and linking opportunities with manufacturers. There will also be the opportunity of a trade fair visit to Paris, to experience the specialist Interfiliere/Salon Internationale de la Lingerie. As within most modules, sustainable practice will be examined. This module is particularly relevant for those wanting to pursue careers or gain knowledge related to design led contour and intimate apparel garments, and sports/performance driven product development where sourcing relevant materials and understanding the supply chain mechanism would prove invaluable.

Term three

The final module will be one of four options: developing a design concept; design/practice-based project with practical outcomes; dissertation; work-based project/live-project. Final projects will allow you to focus on an area of personal interest taking this forward in a design/practical led format or theoretical/ research context. There is also the option to undertake a work based project for those wanting to gain industrial experience at a host company.

Note: All modules are subject to change in order to keep content current.

Teaching and assessments

The programme is delivered primarily through lectures, seminars and practical workshops as well as tutorial guidance.

Lectures deliver a discourse on a particular subject followed by seminars, which are used for holding discussions or for the exchanging of information in a smaller group.

Practical workshops allow you to engage in hands-on design and development work using a range of specialist equipment.

Tutorials are provided usually to discuss a subject on a one to one basis between the tutor and yourself; however you may find yourself in a small tutorial group to benefit from the contribution of others.

Throughout the programme the curriculum is enhanced by offsite visits and onsite visiting industry professionals. Offsite visits allow you to experience a range of companies, factories and facilities, who play a critical role in the textile industry relevant to the module curriculum. Visiting industry professionals from a variety of business experiences will form the basis of some lecture sessions onsite, where appropriate to the module curriculum.

Contact hours

In your first two terms you will normally attend around 12 hours of timetabled taught sessions including lectures, tutorials and workshop and studio sessions each week, and be expected to undertake at least 23 hours of independent study each week. Your third term will be pre-dominantly self-directed (including meetings with your supervisor), during which you can expect to undertake 35 hours of independent study each week.

Part-time study is normally undertaken on a half-time basis.