BA (Hons) Textile Design (with Diploma in Professional Studies)

University of the Arts London

Across three specialist pathways BA Textile Design explores traditional, digital and experimental approaches to textile design.

Specialising in Print, Knit or Weave, you will maximise your potential by developing an individual design philosophy, informed by historical, cultural, technical and sustainable knowledge. This course is part of the Jewellery, Textiles and Materials programme.

Textiles are all around us and an integral part of our lives. Beyond their practical use in how we dress ourselves and our spaces, textiles are a powerful form of communication, with the ability to encapsulate community, identity, heritage, protest, labour as well as creative outlet and innovation. The breadth of textile application is expansive, and the future of textiles has never been so exciting.

The first year of the course introduces students to Knit, Print and Weave, dye and digital processes. Alongside development of skills in these pathways students will undertake projects focusing on Research, Drawing, Colour, Composition and 2D and 3D experimentation. Students will also enhance their understanding of sustainable materials and practices, informing the evolution of their projects.

Second year encourages students to develop a personal design identity. Through risk taking and experimentation students will push their specialist skills in their chosen pathways. A focus on contemporary industry applications allows students to explore a variety of potential contexts for their work. An emphasis on professional practice and skills, prepares students for their final year and potential placement opportunities. Students are challenged to engage with ethical principles, putting sustainability into practice.

The third year of the course encourages student’s personal design direction with an emphasis on supporting students to push boundaries, expand research narratives, amplify personal expression and refine specialist skills. Design professionalism, communication and presentation are key considerations and aim to prepare for graduate life.