Textile Design - Course Outline

Level 1

Students can enter Textile Design after successful completion of our General Foundation in Art and Design (apply for course WW12) or on successful completion of a recognised Foundation Course or equivalent (apply for course W231).

For information on our General Foundation in Art & Design course, please click here.

Level 2

• think and explore design through level 2 project briefs
• introduction to various processes to support thinking i.e. Printing, Bonding and Knitting
• using computer programmes to support design process
• explore, discuss and write about design through history and present practice

In Level 2 you will gain an initial understanding of textiles and design.

Textile Design 1: You will develop your design thinking to encourage you to think differently and be creative. This involves engaging with a range of research methods.

Textile Design 2: You will further develop your design skills in relation to textiles and explore a range of textile processes such as printing, bonding and knitting.

CAD: This course will introduce you to Computer Aided Design. We will teach you the basics of CAD and you will begin to appreciate how computers are used in design.

Design History, Theory and Practice: This course will cover many aspects of design in todays world.

Level 3

• think and explore design through level 3 project briefs
• develop a deeper knowledge of a textile specialism
• further develop knowledge of technologies i.e. digital printing and laser cutting to support design process
• explore, discuss and write about design through history and present practice
• overseas study trip
• optional European or International exchange
• learn about professional practices within design

Level 3 allows you to decide where you want your textile design focus to be.

Textiles in Context: you will develop an understanding of design in relation to your choice of specialism. We will encourage you to risks and experiment in design thinking and practice and you will take part in national and International projects.

Overseas study trip & Optional European or International Exchange: you can choose from a wide range of destinations including France, Germany, Italy, The Netherlands, Poland, Australia, USA etc. This chance of a lifetime will allow you to see designers in action and will encourage you to decide what textiles path you want to take.

Design History, Theory and Practice: The course teaches you about professional practice within the design realm and design futures that you could be part of.

Level 4

• you develop your own personal programme of research
• you complete a dissertation that has helped to develop your research skills
• you show the world your achievements through the degree show exposition

Level 4 is the production stage.

Textiles and Practice: using the knowledge and skills that you have gained in previous levels you will plan and produce a portfolio of self-directed research and development

Design History, Theory & Practice: You will learn how to do a design dissertation and will discover the outcomes of research in history, theory and practice.