Textile Design BA(Hons)

Why study BA(Hons) Textile Design at University College Falmouth?

BA(Hons) Textile Design course leaflet (1.82 MB)

At Falmouth, you'll be encouraged to follow your instincts and develop your own pathway as a designer. We'll provide the facilities and technology, the experience and knowledge, so that you can create and design new and exciting fabrics for a variety of uses.

From initial drawings to making cloth, you'll engage in the design process from conception to the final production. Working on live projects and client briefs will introduce you to the industry, allowing you to gain professional experience and contacts throughout your studies. Previous graduates are now working for Liberty (London), Tom Cody (New York) and Adili Ethical Interiors (New Zealand).

University College Falmouth is working closely with the Design Council on Design of the Times (DOTT) Cornwall; a programme where professional designers work. with stakeholders and communities to tackle social, economic and environmental issues from the bottom up. Our students and graduates get the chance to work alongside senior design professionals on DOTT projects as part of internships and work placements.

Tell me more about the BA(Hons) Textile Design course

Great textile design combines many elements including imagination, creativity and an understanding of technical considerations. At Falmouth, you'll learn what it takes to design exciting new fabrics for a variety of uses, from fashion to interiors.

We seek to maintain the vital balance between the inspirational and the technical, bringing together conceptual, production and critical experiences. For us, textile design is about personal development; we want you to grow both creatively and practically so that you develop your own focus and approach to design.

You'll produce samples, fabric lengths and one-off pieces, learning above all to critically and aesthetically evaluate your work, aided by your study of social, environmental, ethical and economic issues and the influences they have on textile design.

With our Design Centre providing a fantastic working environment, you'll have the latest technology at your disposal - from computer-controlled handlooms to dedicated dyeing and printing rooms - allowing you to develop the key skills you need to begin your career in this dynamic profession.

The opportunity to work on live projects with established businesses will increase your understanding of the industry and provide professional contacts that will help your future career. Our students have won numerous awards, helping to consolidate our position as a leading producer of outstanding design talent. These include: awards for both colour and innovation at Texprint, which recognises the top graduates in the country; success at the RSA Design Directions awards and in the Hand and Lock international couture embroidery competition.

"The whole feel of the Design Centre is exuberant and contemporary. Falmouth's Textile Design course provides a wealth of opportunity for students wishing to make a contribution to the world of design once they graduate, as well as providing a good balance between the technical elements of the subject and the inspirational elements." Dr Graham Worth, Senior Lecturer in Textile Design at Manchester Metropolitan University

Facilities

High-specification Design Centre boasting traditional and state-of-the-art equipment including:

• Specially imported hand looms
• Computer controlled Jacquard loom
• Industrial embroidery machine
• Manual and digital printing facilities
• Dedicated dyeing workshops

Course outline

Level 1

• Process & Production
• Contextualising & Articulating Practice 1
• Design & Make
• Contextualising & Articulating Practice 2

Level 2

• Designing for a Specific Audience
• Historical, Social, Professional & Contextual Contexts
• External Engagement
• Theories & Methodologies

Level 3

• Professional Portfolio
• Dissertation

Answers and advice about the course

If you have any queries about the course please visit our HelpMe Forum

HelpMe Forum

Open Design: UCF for design tutors

Friday 12 November 2010

At our first Open Design event in February, Heads of Department and Pathway Leaders from Foundation level courses around the UK spent the day with design staff and students at University College Falmouth, learning more about our facilities and courses.

Click here for more information and to register for the next Open Design event

Career opportunities

The textile design course prepares you for employment in design studios; freelance work designing commercial textiles; establishing your own workshop as a designer-maker; producing work for sale through galleries or exhibitions. Career options include:

• Freelance designer
• In-house designer
• Stylist
• Buyer
• Colourist
• Curator
• Postgraduate study

Course entry requirements

Foundation Diploma; or National Diploma, 14-19 Specialist Diploma, or other appropriate level 3 qualifications/experience.

For further information about BA(Hons) Textile Design at University College Falmouth, please email admissions@falmouth.ac.uk or telephone Admissions on 01326 214385.

Interview dates and selection process

Interviews will commence in February.

The interview will include a campus tour while portfolios are assessed, followed by an individual interview. Applicants will be expected to bring a portfolio, which demonstrates good drawing skills, investigative work and visual exploration. Applicants will be asked to display their portfolios for review by the course team.

Location: Tremough Campus

Related courses

• Fashion BA(Hons)
• Performance Sportswear Design BA(Hons)