Textile Design
BDes
Textile design is a multidisciplinary course that fully integrates theory with practice through the medium of textiles. We focus on live issues and research-led teaching through which students use and develop their textiles knowledge of craft, materials and design to demonstrate a critical understanding of textiles within the context of wearable and interior products.
Why study Textile Design at Dundee?
Textile design at Dundee offers you the opportunity to investigate textile design in a broad sense by encouraging you to consider both the practical and relevant way textiles can be applied and used within society.
You will learn and develop visual and practical skills through making and exploring a diverse range of materials. Exposure to making processes which use cutting edge technologies will help you build in-depth technical, sensory and aesthetic knowledge of colour, structure, pattern and texture.
The course aims to develop students who can contextualise practical knowledge and the decorative philosophy that is inherent within textile design, through a range of applications. This includes developing innovative textile design ideas and prototypes for industry as well as exploring the ways that practical knowledge can help solve problems such as sustainability, the ageing population, crime etc.
Textiles are synonymous with domesticity and the body and you will be actively encouraged to challenge perceived definitions within these traditional parameters and beyond.
At the end of the course you will be able to:
- think assertively for yourself
- understand what you have learned on your course
- express design ideas in a professional way
- demonstrate a confident and appropriate use of a range of textile processes and materials
- understand how textile design can be applied in a contemporary context
Who should study Textile Design?
You:
- are creative
- are interested in design
- are interested in researching past and present textile design areas
- enjoy drawing and photography
- are interested in exploring all sorts of materials
- like to make things using hands/technology/machinery
- like to engage with contemporary culture i.e. fashion, trends and technologies
You want to:
- learn how to Design
- have a career in a textiles related field
- develop yourself in a supportive environment
- be part of an exciting university with great student facilities
For examples of student work, staff profiles, and news from Textile Design, visit the DJCAD website.
Related courses
Teaching & Assessment
Flexibility within the programme allows you to develop a personal creative 'language' in undertaking your work. Project work forms the backbone of the course, which is augmented by creative studies in drawing and CAD as well as theoretical topics such as design history and business design. Our programmes combine individual project work with team-based creative learning that is so essential in gaining the skills required in the world of work.
Careers
Our programmes of study prepare graduates for employment in a wide range of careers or to progress into postgraduate study. Placements, live project work and participation in national and international competitions all hone the employability and aspirations of our students.
Graduates from BDes (Hons) Textile Design have gone on to have successful careers in the following fields:
- designers for fashion and interior products
- surface designers for cloth, ceramic and paper products
- trend forecasting
- buying
- book illustration
- theatre costume design
- textile conservation
- art therapy
- arts administration
- design education
- develop own business
Our graduates have gone on to provide work for companies such as:
- Levi Strauss and Co.
- IKEA
- Clinton Cards
- English National Ballet
- Ted Baker
- Macys
Postgraduate study
Some graduates choose to continue their studies at postgraduate level on our taught Masters degree or PhD programmes.
Enterprise/Freelance
Others have gone on to freelance and establishing their own successful businesses. Extra curriculum activities such as the Enterprise Gym help students cultivate entrepreneurial skills. The Greenhouse Business Pre-Incubator facility provides ambitious students with an office space to explore their business idea.
Entry Requirements
Students applying for Textile Design must successfully complete our 1 year Art and Design (General Foundation) course. In this instance you should apply using the UCAS code WW12.
Alternatively, if you have already completed a recognised foundation course or equivalent elsewhere then apply directly to Textile Design.
The following are the minimum requirements, please note qualifications have to be obtained at the first sitting of examinations.
Selection notes
All applicants must submit a comprehensive portfolio of art and design work. The qualifications listed may be modified for an applicant presenting an exceptional portfolio.
Students are selected by assessing the contents of a portfolio of work that should convey a measure of creative, practical skill and intellectual/enthusiastic engagement in the practice of art and design.
Courses starting September 2013
BA/BDes Art & Design Specialisms Level 2 Entry
| Qualification | Grade |
| SQA Advanced Higher | BB (Advanced Higher) + BB (Higher) in different subjects |
| GCE A-Level | ABB |
| IB Diploma | 34 points (including 6, 6, 5, at Higher level) |
| Other | Foundation Degree in Art & Design |
| Other | HND in an Art & Design subject with BB in the Graded Units |
| Essential Subjects | Art and Design, or related subject (at SQA Advanced Higher, GCE A-Level, IB Higher Level), an appropriate literate subject (at SQA Advanced Higher, GCE A Level, IB Higher Level) and one other subject outside art & design subjects (at SQA Higher, GCE A Level, IB Higher Level). |
| All applicants must also submit a comprehensive portfolio of art/design/creative work. | |
| Applicants may be invited to attend an interview and visit the course. | |
Other Qualifications
| Qualification | Grade |
| SQA | A recognised Foundation Course or a relevant HND with BB in the Graded Units |
| Scottish Baccalaureate | Pass with BB at AH |
| EDEXCEL | A recognised Foundation Course or a relevant BTEC Extended Diploma with DDM |
| Advanced Diploma | Grade B with ASL A-levels in appropriate subjects at AB |
| Welsh Baccalaureate | Pass with A-levels in appropriate subjects at AB |
| All qualifications will be considered on an individual basis. All qualifications should include a relevant Art & Design subject & a literate subject. A comprehensive portfolio of creative work is required, and an interview may be required. | |
| Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website. | |
Fees and Funding
There have been many changes to the arrangements for funding students entering higher education in recent years, yet a degree from the University of Dundee, with its high rate of employment success, remains a cost-effective option.
The fees you pay will, in most cases, depend on your current country of residence.
| Fee category | Fees for students starting September 2012 | Scholarships & Bursaries applicable |
|---|---|---|
| Scottish students | £1,820 per year of study. You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. |
|
| Students from the rest of the UK | £9,000 per year of study. You can apply for financial assistance, including a loan to cover the full cost of the tuition fees, from the Student Loan Company. |
|
| EU students | £1,820 per year of study. You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government. |
|
| Overseas students (non-EU) | £11,461 per year. |
The fee shown is annual, and may be subject to an increase each year.
Living Costs
- Dundee is ranked as one of the most affordable places for students to live in the UK, and the cost of living is around 15% cheaper than the UK average.
- Increasing numbers of students are successfully undertaking part-time work to supplement their income. You can get advice from our Careers Service, both about job opportunities and how to find a suitable study/work/life balance. EU and international students are also allowed to work up to 20 hours per week.
- As a student in Scotland, you have free access to the National Health Service. Visits to doctors and hospitals, as well as prescriptions, sight tests and dental checkups, are available free of charge.
Your Application
Students applying for Textile Design must successfully complete our 1 year Art and Design (General Foundation) course. In this instance you should apply using the UCAS code WW12.
Alternatively, if you have already completed a recognised foundation course or equivalent elsewhere then apply directly to Textile Design.
All applications must be made through UCAS
UCAS Codes
Institution Code: D65
| Degree | UCAS Codes | KIS data |
|---|---|---|
| BA/BDes Art and Design (General Foundation Level 1 entry) (1 year only) |
WW12 | View KIS data for this course |
| BDes Textile Design | W231 | View KIS data for this course |
UCAS Application Process
Admissions procedure
All applicants must submit a comprehensive portfolio of art and design work. The qualifications listed may be modified for an applicant presenting an exceptional portfolio.
Students are selected by assessing the contents of a portfolio of work that should convey a measure of creative, practical skill and intellectual/enthusiastic engagement in the practice of art and design.
What skills, qualities and experience do I need?
Enthusiasm and commitment to Textile Design are essential. You should possess an understanding and appreciation of contemporary art and design inspired by visits to exhibitions and galleries. We look for well-presented portfolios and lively sketchbooks that demonstrate evidence of drawing ability and visual material exploration. Additionally we feel that the energy and character of a student is important, so we are interested in the way you speak about your work and the understanding you have of your subject.
Tips for your application
Your portfolio of work should show individuality and versatility, a willingness to push the boundaries and explore concepts, media and materials. A variety of work, both finished and in progress, personal and course work, is appreciated. Additionally we expect potential students to have a knowledgeable appreciation of contemporary design.
International Applicants
We have information specifically for international applicants on our International website:
- Your Home Country - including information about qualifications from individual countries
- Fees and Funding
- English Language Requirements
- International Student Support
Any questions?
If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact:
Home / EU applicants
Undergraduate Admissions
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland
Telephone: 01382 384370/ 388074/ 388585 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 384370/ 388074/ 388585 (from outside the UK)
Email: ContactUs@dundee.ac.uk
International applicants
International Office
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland
Telephone: 01382 388 111 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 388 111 (from outside the UK)
Email: ContactUs@dundee.ac.uk
del.icio.us
digg
reddit
facebook
stumbleupon