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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?

Throughout the course we place a strong emphasis on visual research and drawing for design concept and development. You will work through a structured programme of projects that will encourage you to become self motivated and will help you to generate your own personal and creative language.

Our course is open and flexible, enabling you to cross boundaries from one discipline to another and to direct your work towards a fashion, interior or craft product outcome.

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

New Designers

Final year students are given the opportunity to showcase their work at New Designers in London along with over 4,000 other design graduates from around the UK.

New Designers brings the design industry together, helping to launch the careers of the attending design graduates. With over 18,000 visitor throughout the duration of the exhibition there is a great opportunity to be discovered.

86% of exhibiting courses had graduates receive offers of work, placements or commissions.

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

Student exchange

The academic perspective is enhanced by opportunities for you to study abroad through exchange schemes that operate with centres of excellence in many European and transatlantic countries.

In addition, the department normally organises an overseas study visit for all Level 3 students.

For examples of student work, staff profiles, and news from Textile Design, visit the DJCAD website.

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.

How you will be taught

One-to-one tuition and small group discussions and critiques are the most important features of teaching which provide essential dialogue between students and staff.

Learning occurs within a dynamic open studio where social interaction, peer and group learning and inter-year participation contributes to a stimulating environment. You will learn through a combination of lectures, tutorials, research and self-initiated projects.

What you will study

Level 1

Students can enter Textile Design after successfully completing our Art and Design (General Foundation) course (apply for course WW12) or on successful completion of a recognised Foundation Course or equivalent (apply for course W231). This is normal for many art and design courses.

In the Art and Design (General Foundation) course you will learn the core values which will enrich and expand your personal visual language, preparing you nicely for a further 3 years in Textile Design.

Level 2

  • Textile Design 1 + 2
  • CAD: An Introduction to Computer Aided Design
  • Design History, Theory and Practice

In Level 2 you will gain an initial understanding of textiles and design. You will develop your design thinking to encourage you to think differently and be creative. This involves engaging with a range of research methods. You will also further develop your design skills in relation to textiles and explore a range of textile processes such as printing, bonding and knitting.

You will be introduce you to CAD (Computer Aided Design), learn the basics and learn to appreciate how computers are used in the design process.

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

Level 3

  • Textiles in Context
  • Overseas Study Trip
  • Optional European or International Student Exchange
  • Design History, Theory and Practice

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

  • Textiles and Practice
  • Design History, Theory and Practice

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.

How you will be assessed

Project work is reviewed at the conclusion of modules and assessed at the end of each level. Some theoretical designs are assessed by supporting essays and exams.

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

Johanna Basford graduated in 2005. She is a designer who specialises in finely detailed monochrome pen and ink illustrations. Her clients have included: The Crafts Council at the Victoria and Albert Museum, DKNY, The BBC, Channel 4, H&M, The Scottish Parliament, Dazed and Confused, Creative Review, Heals, Hallmark, Queensberry Hunt, Hendricks Gin, Tate Modern, The Body Shop and Johnson & Johnson.

She was commissioned to design the cover of the 2010 Edinburgh Festival Fringe programme, and was commisioned to produce a piece of co-created illustration to promote the 2011 Duncan of Jordanstone Degree Show.

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 2011

BA/BDes Art & Design General Foundation Level 1 Entry

Qualification Grade
SQA Higher BBC/CCCC
GCE A-Level BC/DDD
ILC Higher BBC
IB Diploma 24 points
Essential Subjects Art and Design, or related subject (at SQA Higher or GCE A-Level) and English (at SQA Higher, GCE AS Level at B)

Other Qualifications

Qualification Grade
SQA An HNC in a relevant Art discipline, considered on an individual basis (General Foundation - Level 1 entry)
A recognised Foundation Course or equivalent (Specialism - Level 2 entry)
EDEXCEL A BTEC ND in a relevant Art discipline plus an acceptable qualification in English, considered on an individual basis (General Foundation - Level 1 entry)
A recognised Foundation Course or equivalent (Specialism - Level 2 entry)
Other qualifications will be reviewed on an individual basis.
Applicants with alternative overseas qualifications should visit the relevant country page on our International website.

Courses starting September 2012

BA/BDes Art & Design General Foundation Level 1 Entry

Qualification Grade
SQA Higher BBBC
GCE A-Level CCC
ILC Higher BBBC
IB Diploma 29 points (including 5, 5, 4 at Higher Level)
Essential Subjects Art and Design, or related subject (at SQA Higher, GCE A-Level, ILC H, HL) and English at B (at SQA Higher, GCE AS Level, , ILC H, HL)

Other Qualifications

Qualification Grade
SQA An HNC in a relevant Art discipline, considered on an individual basis (General Foundation - Level 1 entry)
A recognised Foundation Course or equivalent (Specialism - Level 2 entry)
EDEXCEL A BTEC ND in a relevant Art discipline plus an acceptable qualification in English, considered on an individual basis (General Foundation - Level 1 entry)
A recognised Foundation Course or equivalent (Specialism - Level 2 entry)
Other qualifications will be reviewed on an individual basis.
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 You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.
The 2012 fee will be announced in March 2012, the 2011 fee was £1,820.
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 You can apply to the Students Award Agency for Scotland (SAAS) to have your tuition fees paid by the Scottish government.
The 2012 fee will be announced in March 2012, the 2011 fee was £1,820.
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
BA/BDes Art and Design (General Foundation Level 1 entry) (1 year only) WW12
BDes Textile Design W231

UCAS Application Process

Apply to UCAS thumbnail image - linking to youtube video
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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:

Any questions?

If you have any further questions about the application process, please contact:

Home / EU applicants

Karen Simpson
Admissions & Student Recruitment
University of Dundee
Nethergate
Dundee
DD1 4HN
Scotland

Telephone: 01382 384 028 (from the UK)
Telephone: +44 1382 384 028 (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