Norwich University of the Arts
BA (Hons) Textile Design
Norwich, United Kingdom
BA
DURATION
4 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* we recommend that applicants apply by April of the year they are applying, but we will accept applications up until the end of August in exceptional circumstances
Key Summary
About: Explore textile design at Norwich University of the Arts, developing professional skills through creative briefs. The BA (Hons) Textile Design covers traditional and contemporary techniques including screen-printing, weaving, knit, stitch, materials research and digital design with industry-standard equipment. You'll work with practitioners to build a portfolio in surface pattern and digital fabrication.
Career Outcomes: Graduates access career opportunities in fashion, interiors, theatre, conservation, education. Career paths include textile designer, designer-maker, pattern or product designer, weaver, conservator, stylist, buyer, trend forecaster, researcher and branding. You'll get specialist careers support from the Ideas Factory NUA and exposure via international showcases worldwide.
Experiment and explore the broad context and future of textile design at NUA as you develop your professional skills and personal style through commercial and creative briefs.
Our BA (Hons) Textile Design degree course will encourage you to try a range of techniques, from traditional processes to 21st-century technology; including:
- Screen-printing
- Weaving
- Knit, stitch and material explorations
- Digital design and making with industry-standard equipment.
Year 1
- Learn a variety of key skills, which may include screenprinting, weaving, hand and machine knitting and stitching, digital imaging and printing
- Examine the history and theory of textiles, and associated aspects of design and culture
- Develop your drawing, visual research and design development skills
- Engage with the contemporary textile industry through lectures and seminars from a range of visiting lecturers, visits to trade shows and field trips.
Year 2
- Broaden your understanding of traditional techniques and explore advanced applications of digital and CAD tools for design and manufacture
- Examine contemporary textile design topics including ethical and sustainability issues
- Collaborate with other students on projects exploring a variety of textile-related contexts
- Continue your engagement with the textile industry through placements, national competitions, visiting professionals and field trips.
Year 3
- Undertake self-negotiated projects offering opportunities to showcase your design and technical skills
- Develop a Research Report around a topic of your choice and underpinned by individual studio practice
- Consolidate your professional portfolio of work and create promotional material targeted toward future employment and career opportunities.
Career inspiration for textile designers
As your skills evolve, you will gain insight into the industry through lectures and workshops with guests like Deborah Bowness, Karen Nicol and Margo Selby.
The breadth of design experiences throughout the course means that NUA is a source of talent ready for a variety of industries and careers, including:
- Fashion
- Interiors
- Theatre
- Conservation
- Education
- Manufacturing
Your work will gain a wider audience through opportunities for exposure at national and international showcases, competitions and events.
Our graduates are award-winners in the UK and beyond, including the 2018 winner of the SDC International Design Competition, and winners at the i-dott and Bradford Textile Society Awards.
Graduates work in a broad range of careers including
- Textile Designer
- Designer Maker
- Pattern Designer
- Product Designer
- Buyer
- Stylist Materials Producer
- Interior Designer
- Researcher
- Stationery Designer
- Branding Executive
- Conservator
- Trend Forecaster
- Weaver
You’ll also get specialist creative careers advice from our team in the Ideas FactoryNUA to help support you as you plan your career.
