BA (Hons) Textile Design with Foundation Year

The foundation course is an exciting step towards your chosen degree. It provides an opportunity to develop skills to equip you on your professional journey into the creative industries. The programme encompasses elements of fashion design, fashion business and textile design degree routes. It provides a platform for you to share with and learn from others, while developing visual communication skills and processes. It will help you in building confidence and independence ready for the next stage of your degree.We aim to excite, engage and challenge you, pushing you to develop into a capable student with a great fashion and textiles aesthetic as well as an enthusiasm to learn. This four-year programme has been specifically designed to allow you to undertake additional level three study, to ensure you are successful on your chosen degree programme. After successful completion of your foundation year, you will have the flexibility to switch (should you wish to change direction) onto a number of related undergraduate degree programmes within the School of Fashion and Textiles.BA (Hons) Textile Design celebrates the opportunities of contemporary textile practice. If you have not yet had the chance to explore and discover your specific interest or direction, this general title is the ideal choice. We value diversity, nurture curiosity and place sustainability at the heart of decision making. These core beliefs are reflected throughout the course. Embracing both digital technology and traditional craft skills our students develop their creativity, personal talents and professional awareness within a stimulating, supportive environment.All students are introduced to print, weave, embroidery and knit processes in the first semester. This enables you to explore and experiment with different textiles working methods to identify strengths and interests. Throughout the course you are able to shape your skills towards your career interests, focusing on one or more technical areas. 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 in conversation with the academic staff team, in order to fulfil your own personal and professional aspirations. It also provides scope for a cross-disciplinary way of working which has become increasingly prominent within the field of Textile Design. The following career-focussed pathways that you choose from in your second year reflect the breadth of professional opportunities 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 which have their own practices in various fields relating to Textile Design. Guest speakers, visiting tutors and alumni involvement 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 skills and experience. Students have undertaken work experience in the UK at companies such as Mary Katrantzou, John Lewis and Trend Bible, whilst others have gone abroad, for example Zara in Spain. Our strong links with a range of industries; including trend agencies, design studios, museums and galleries enable us to provide opportunities that equip students with the skills appropriate for increasingly diverse career paths.