This course has been devised in response to industry and student-led demand for practical training in makeup and hairdressing techniques for theatre, film, TV, fashion, festival, carnival and entertainment arenas.
Level 4+
BA (Hons) Textile Design (Part-time)
COURSE OVERVIEW
Institution Code: C57
UCAS Code: W231
Unlock your potential and dive into the world of textile design.
This part-time textile design course offers a flexible and creative programme for those looking to nurture their design skills while balancing other commitments. Whether you’re looking to explore a new career or enhance your existing knowledge, this course will help you unlock your potential as an innovative and independent designer.
You’ll gain a solid foundation in core textile design and surface design skills through practical workshops. These will cover areas such as design development, printed and dyed textiles (including natural dyeing), stitch fabric manipulation, drawing, traditional and digital printmaking, and creative IT.
You’ll be encouraged to take an exploratory and experimental approach to design, with a focus on contemporary issues like sustainability, fabric knowledge, industry trends, and in-depth creative research.
As you progress, you’ll develop design solutions for various markets, including fashion textiles, interior fabrics, stationary, giftware, and art and craft applications. You’ll have the flexibility to choose your own specialist pathway, culminating in a final major project that reflects your unique creative direction.
By the end of the course, you will have built the skills needed for a career in the textile design industry, freelance work, or the possibility to continue your studies at postgraduate level. This part-time course allows you to fit your learning around your personal life, making it ideal for those looking to balance creativity and other personal commitments.
The key features of the course include:
- Tailor your degree to textiles for art, fashion, or interiors in year three
- Take part in industry projects and work placements to gain hands-on experience
- Personal and artistic development
- Technical support and regular tutorials
- Students take part in industry projects such at the Bradford Textile Society competition and complete suitable work placements during the second year
- We have flexible study options; you can choose to study full-time or part-time
You will also develop key skills in creativity, problem-solving, and technical expertise, all supported by expert tutors and industry-standard equipment. Our cutting-edge facilities include:
- Traditional and digital print facilities
- Your own studio space to refine your design practice
- Open access to campus-wide facilities, including a textile print room, laser cutter, 3D craft workshop, pattern cutting tables, sewing workshop and photo studios.
- Students can expect to have open access to facilities following induction, resulting in a flexible working environment that supports their creative studio practice.
- Our bright and airy design studio is open plan, and all students have their own personal desk space.
Modules:
Year One:
- Textiles, Techniques and Processes (20 credits)
- Research and Design for Textiles (20 credits)
- Cultural and Contextual Studies (20 credits)
- 2D/3D (20 credits)
Year Two:
- Industry Practice (20 credits)
- Ethical and Sustainable Textile Design (20 credits)
- Industry Link/Competition Brief (20 credits)
- Advanced Cultural and Contextual Studies (20 credits)
Year Three:
- Preparation for Work Placement (20 credits)
- Work Placement (20 credits)
- Concept Development (40 credits)
Year Four:
- FMP Research, Design, Concepts and Synthesis (40 credits)
- Creative and Critical Research Project (20 credits)
Year Five:
- Exit Portfolio and PDP (20 credits)
- Final Major Project Realisation (40 Credits)
Collaboration is a key element of this course. You’ll have the opportunity to work with students from different creative disciplines across the college on projects, whether through set briefs or self-directed study, preparing you to work across various sectors of the textile design industry.
FURTHER INFORMATION
Ready to stand out and secure your place on our course? Here’s how we elevate your application:
We look at each application individually, considering your grades, interview performance, portfolio and any relevant experience. While we typically expect the following qualifications:
- A relevant A-Level, or
- A Level 3 Extended Diploma
We understand that not everyone follows the same path. If you don’t meet the standard entry requirements, don’t worry – there are still plenty of ways to show us what you are capable of! Show your potential through:
- Relevant academic or work experience
- A strong, compelling personal statement
- An exceptional portfolio and interview
What do I bring to the interview?
For this course, you’ll need to bring a small portfolio of your best work, along with a sample of written work that reflects your interest and ability in this field. This is your chance to shine and show us what makes you unique.
Graduates from this course go on pursue exciting and diverse careers, including:
- Freelance or studio designer (fashion/interiors/accessories)
- Independent designer/maker
- Illustrator
- Trend forecaster
- Buying & merchandising
- Stylist
- Teacher training
- Postgraduate study
Reflecting the dynamic nature of the creative industries, many graduates enjoy flexible careers across various fields such as design commissions, exhibitions, illustration, buying and trend forecasting.
Former students have pursued further study at prestigious institutions like the Royal College of Art and the University of Brighton. Others have launched their own businesses, worked as freelance designers for couture, and high street brands, contributed to furnishing textile companies, or found rewarding roles in education.
Our teaching and assessment methods are designed to keep learning dynamic, engaging and hands-on. You’ll experience a mix of:
- Practical and creative studio-based workshops
- Discussions
- Lectures / Seminars
- Tutorials
- Small group study
- Self-directed study
- Study trips
Assessment methods are tailored to each unit and may include:
- Presentations (of practical work)
- Journals
- Research proposal
- Sketchbooks/drawings
- Written assignments
With this variety, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to grow and demonstrate your skills in ways that suit your strengths!
What are the costs of doing our textile design course?
Tuition Fees:
The tuition fee for this course is £5,721 per year.
Finance Options:
There are several options available to help manage your tuition fees:
- Student Loan
- Instalment Payment Plan
- Company Scholarship
For more information, please visit our Finance and Funding page – Funding your Course | Northbrook College
Additional Costs for Creative Degree Programmes:
When planning your studies, it’;s important to consider potential additional costs beyond tuition fees. While tuition fees cover teaching, assessment, and access to College facilities such as studios, workshops, libraries, shared IT resources, and support services, some courses may require additional investment in materials, equipment, or activities
- Textbooks: Key texts are available in our libraries, but you may choose to purchase personal copies for convenience.
- Computer Equipment: On-campus computers are available for student use, but having a personal laptop or tablet may be beneficial for flexibility and off-site study.
- Printing and Photocopying: Most coursework is submitted online, but some printed submissions may be required, along with optional binding or presentation materials.
- Materials: Creative courses may require specific art materials or equipment, and a suggested materials list will be provided upon enrolment.
- Field Trips: Some courses offer optional study visits or field trips to enhance learning.
- External Shows and Exhibitions: Students may have opportunities to participate in external exhibitions or shows, which could involve additional preparation or travel.
We aim to provide clear information about any additional costs to help you plan your studies effectively. For more information, regarding the financial support that we can offer, please visit our Financial Support page – Financial Support | Northbrook College
Validated by University of the Arts London (UAL)
This programme is validated by University of the Arts London (UAL). UAL is a leading education provider in the creative arts, ranked second in the world for art and design (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2023). They oversee the standards and quality of our curriculum, which enriches your overall learning experience.
Please note this course is undergoing revalidation
Every 5 years UAL and Chichester College Group reviews course content to ensure that our students are benefitting from a high-quality academic experience. During this process there may be some changes made to the course which are not immediately reflected in the content displayed on this page. The information on this page will be updated once the process has been completed. Please contact us if you have any questions about this or the course via enquiries-worthing@gbmc.ac.uk
BOOK AN OPEN DAY
If you want to find out more about what Northbrook College has to offer why not join us at our next open day.
Visit our one of our specialist campuses to see our industry-standard facilities and meet our expert tutors.