Textile Design | Part-time BA (Hons) Degree

The aim of this unit is to introduce you to the research and design methods that underpin all the textile design discipline The research process is the basis for conceptual and creative development of ideas and you will be encouraged to investigate and select from a range of historical, theoretical and contextual sources to inform and generate your own ideas.

The aim of this unit is to introduce you to the specialist processes used to produce textile outcomes. You will be inducted into specialist workshops and will be introduced to a range of technical processes to support your discipline.

You will develop experimental and exploratory approaches to the production of textile outcomes underpinned by sound use of technical processes that will be recorded with technical notes. This record of technical development will become a future log for your own reference and updating this throughout the course will support your own development and reflect good practice.

You will foster innovation and experimentation using 2D and 3D textile techniques, including the use of digital technologies. 

You will be encouraged to explore and combine techniques using a mixed media approach to produce textile outcomes that consist of increasingly complex combinations of fabric and technique. Curiosity and experimentation are actively encouraged and you will be encouraged to explore a wide range of materials and techniques.

This unit aims to encourage and develop your awareness of the historical, social and cultural context that underpins the contemporary practice of creatives in a professional and academic context.

You will be encouraged to develop critical and analytical approaches through the introduction of research skills, critical examination and investigation and how to connect this to your own practice.

This unit builds on the previous course content with a specific focus on issues of design ethics, such as environmental impact of the fashion/textile industry, sustainability, waste, closed loop systems, slow textiles etc.

Research, design development and technical skills are further explored to enable you to produce considered design solutions that demonstrate awareness of ethical issues.

This unit will introduce you to a simulated industry brief. Group seminars and discussion will inform your understanding of market levels, customer profile, the marketing mix and brand identity, culminating in you designing a collection for a specific market sector.

This unit builds on skills and knowledge developed at Level 4. You will develop specialist skills within an industry facing context (briefs set by industry or national/international competitions).

Imaginative visual research continues to form the basis of project work, which will be developed through to design outcomes linked to either fashion or interiors. You will explore and develop your use of new media applications, build digital skills in the production of textiles outcomes and presentation materials.

This unit aims to continue to develop your understanding of the historical, social and cultural environment in relation to your practice. You will continue to develop your critical and research skills through your examination of a topic, and develop your communication style in the presentation of the results of this investigation in an academic format.

This unit will focus on supporting you to research and apply for a work placement. This will enhance your professional, interpersonal and organisational skills and allow you to make appropriate industrial contacts. 

You will be encouraged to generate and develop promotional materials including a CV, covering letter and online portfolio. This body of work will showcase your skills, experience and creative potential.

This unit will enable you to demonstrate competencies in work experience or industry linked activity, self-assessment and evaluation of work placement. You will need to show competencies in decision making, goal setting, presenting oneself effectively in the transition to work, self-employment, further study and work experience.

This is an optional unit. You can choose this unit or the Industry Research & Report.

This unit will enable you to demonstrate competencies in industry linked activity, self-assessment and evaluation of your experience. You will need to show competencies in decision making, goal setting, presenting oneself effectively in the transition to work, self-employment, further study and work experience.

Concept development is central to this unit. Exploring conceptual and contextual influences you will identify, develop and explore a self initiated project.

Your research skills will be extended through wider reading, study visits and primary research to produce a body of visual research to inform design development for a market or context of your choice. 

You will inform and develop design concepts for the final major project (FMP). 

You will be expected to develop a statement of intent that demonstrates your purpose, allowing for a full investigation into exploratory research and concept development. This will also identify proposed market level, customer and end use as well as identifying the core ethics and values that inform your design practice.

This unit aims to consolidate your ability to develop a research informed examination of a topic through self-directed research and a detailed critical investigation.

In preparation for graduation and your move into the professional world, this unit will support you to produce the written, visual and personal presentation skills to prepare you to take and create opportunities within your creative field.

You will research and investigate progression opportunities (employment, self-employment, further study or training) within your industry and prepare for your next steps. 

You will prepare for interview by producing an exit portfolio and CV as well as personal promotional material.

This project will allow you to realise and produce a collection of work that demonstrates your conceptual, technical and creative analysis. Work will be developed from the Design Concept and Synthesis unit.

You will be refining and developing ideas to produce an extensive collection of textile work.