BA (Hons) Textile Design: Print and Surface Design

Our Print and Surface Design option is perfect if you love drawing, but are also intrigued by how pattern can transform a surface. You will explore the possibilities of image generation, working across hand and digital processes, and become confident with working with a range of dye and print technologies. You will uncover the potential of hybrid approaches, incorporating heat-treatment and laser-cutting technologies, testing out how pattern can work on a variety of material bases, textiles and beyond. You will become confident with creating different design compositions and working with colour. Previous students on the course have secured placements at design studios, trend prediction companies, manufacturers and designer makers, companies large and small, where pattern is key. Our graduates have gone on to work as Studio Designers, Designer Makers, Material Designers and Illustrator.We value diversity, nurture curiosity and place sustainability at the heart of decision making. Embracing digital technology and traditional craft skills our students develop their creativity, personal talents and professional awareness in a stimulating, supportive environment. All students are introduced to print, weave, embroidery and knit processes in the first semester, enabling you to experiment with different methods to identify strengths and interests. In second year, we teach in career-focused groups, reflecting the nature of contemporary employment needs within the industry. This provides you with further opportunity to tailor your learning experience and fulfil your own personal and professional aspirations. It also provides scope for cross-disciplinary working which has become increasingly prominent in Textile Design. The following career-focused pathways that you choose from in your second year reflect the breadth of professional paths that our graduates go on to pursue:- Styling and Trend Forecasting- Contemporary Culture and Craft- Surface Pattern and Technologies- Bespoke Fashion Textiles- Retail and PromotionYou will be taught by passionate and experienced tutors and supported by highly skilled technicians; many of whom have their own practice in Textile Design. Guest speakers, visiting tutors and alumni enrich the learning experience and provide additional industry insights. Employability is at the heart of our course and collaborative work, live projects, competitions and work placements help you to develop professional experience. Students have undertaken work experience in the UK and abroad at companies such as Mary Katrantzou, John Lewis, Trend Bible and Zara. Our strong links with industries including trend agencies, design studios, museums and galleries, provide opportunities that equip students with the skills for increasingly diverse career paths.Our Parkside Building is a dynamic and creative open environment that encourages cross-school collaboration. Our students thrive on the creative buzz and inspiring surroundings in the heart of Birmingham, and enjoy access to traditional and state-of-the-art facilities. They are also able to gain an international perspective through trips to cities such as Paris and Florence.Final year students get the opportunity to exhibit and promote their final major projects at our Inspired Festival, the end of year degree show at Birmingham City University and at the New Designers exhibition in London. The diverse and innovative work on show exemplifies the unique identity of the course. Our aim is that you will graduate as a confident, industry-ready, independent and highly employable textile artist with a clear career ambition.