Textile Design (Hons) University of the Arts London (UAL)

Overview

Textiles are all around us – in what we wear, in the products and surfaces in our home, work, leisure and travel environments. In the current industry climate, rich with innovation and collaboration, the future of textiles has never been so exciting. Now, graduates need to be more ingenious than ever. 

They must be able to embrace the opportunities presented by constant changes in media and technologies. They also need to address the growing demand for sustainable practice and responsible design.

The BA Textile Design (Hons) program at the University of the Arts London (UAL) will teach you how to thrive within this complex working environment. You will be introduced to a wide range of professional contexts and the skills they demand. This will be addressed through project work, technical workshops and the professional practices and research of the staff team. You will also benefit from a programme of cultural studies, careers and business awareness, as well as the expertise of visiting speakers. 

The course offers three pathways: Print, Knit and Weave. These are taught alongside digital, non-traditional and sustainable approaches to textile design, concept creation and presentation. You will also have access to workshops in alternative surface treatments, media and technologies. During your first year, you will study two or three pathways to learn which most suits you. Early in your second year, you will select one to study in depth, with help from the staff team. By specialising at this stage in the course, we will encourage you to become an expert but flexible designer.  

BA Textile Design will encourage you to engage with different contexts, materials and technologies, to give a rich, diverse design education. This approach provides a broad basis of experience and an awareness of the totality of textile practice. The course will maximise your creative and intellectual potential, exploring your own creative identity alongside learning professional and practical skills. You will have the opportunity to work with students from BA and MA Fashion, BA Jewellery Design, MA Material Futures and MA Biodesign. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy College-wide, multidisciplinary events throughout your studies.