MSc Public Health and Social Care in Practice
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), United Kingdom, offers an MSc Publ...
MA Textiles – Contemporary Dialogues
Swansea
INTAKE: October
Program Overview
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), situated in the United Kingdom, offers an engaging MA Textiles – Contemporary Dialogues program through its renowned Swansea College of Art. This Master's degree provides a distinctive opportunity for students to deeply explore the material and immaterial aspects of textiles, pushing the boundaries of conventional understanding and production techniques. As an integral part of the broader "Contemporary Dialogues" portfolio, the program encourages an interdisciplinary approach, allowing students to engage with diverse workshops spanning photography, glass, ceramics, and surface pattern, alongside their textile-focused studies. The curriculum is designed to encourage critical engagement with contemporary issues and material investigations, with a strong emphasis on innovative and sustainable solutions within the textile discipline.
Curriculum: The MA Textiles – Contemporary Dialogues curriculum at UWTSD is structured to foster advanced critical thinking and innovative practice. The program begins with a series of taught modules that include "Coexistent Perspectives," "The Thought Experiment," "Collaborative Dialogues," "Explorative Research & Praxis," and "Confirmative Praxis." These modules encourage students to engage in multidisciplinary exchanges through seminars and lectures, stimulating new perspectives and challenging existing approaches to textile design and making. Throughout the program, students are expected to undertake rigorous material investigations and research into contemporary themes, giving careful consideration to environmental, economic, social, and cultural issues relevant to textile practice. Hand-made as well as digital processes are explored, alongside the potential of writing and text as forms of textile making and thinking.
Research Focus: The research focus within the MA Textiles – Contemporary Dialogues program at UWTSD is deeply rooted in challenging the role of the 21st-century textiles practitioner and exploring the intersection of design, craft, and fine art. The research environment is significantly enriched by the contributions of research-active artists, designers, and theoreticians who comprise the teaching staff and visiting lecturers, many of whom hold national and international significance. The program promotes practice-led research, where new insights are uncovered through material and process exploration in both physical and digital domains. Students are encouraged to engage in critical and theoretical dialogues as fundamental to their individual practice and progression, often exploring contemporary issues and material investigations with a view towards innovative and sustainable solutions.
Industry Engagement: UWTSD places a strong emphasis on career-focused degrees with robust industry links, and the MA Textiles – Contemporary Dialogues program at Swansea College of Art benefits significantly from this approach. While specific mandatory placements are not explicitly outlined, the curriculum is designed to prepare graduates for a variety of creative jobs and enterprises. Students are encouraged to develop their unique design identity and are introduced to crucial entrepreneurial skills necessary for self-promotion and employability within the creative sector. The program offers access to excellently equipped workshops with industry-standard facilities, including textile screen printing, dye studios, digital application suites, and laser cutters. Graduates of related programs often engage with live projects, exhibition experiences, and industry liaisons, which are defining features aimed at enhancing professional skills and industry readiness.
Global Perspective: The MA Textiles – Contemporary Dialogues program at UWTSD inherently incorporates a global perspective, recognizing the universal nature of textiles and their role in various cultural and commercial contexts worldwide. The curriculum encourages students to develop innovative and sustainable textile solutions, addressing global environmental and social challenges related to textile production and consumption. The program's exploration of both material and immaterial aspects of textiles, along with its multidisciplinary approach, fosters an understanding of diverse global practices and aesthetic sensibilities. The presence of an international student body within the "Contemporary Dialogues" portfolio further enriches this global outlook, promoting cross-cultural dialogue and preparing graduates for a globalized creative landscape.
Location
Swansea
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
£ 15000
Postgraduate Entry Requirements
Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.
English language proficiency:
- IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.0.
- TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 72.
- PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 59.
- Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.
The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) is supporting international students by providing a range of scholarships and financial aid options to help reduce the cost of tuition fees and make studying in the UK more accessible. UWTSD offers various scholarships based on academic merit, country of origin, and specific program requirements.
International Postgraduate Scholarships: UWTSD offers International Postgraduate Scholarships to support international students enrolling in postgraduate taught programs. These scholarships are awarded to high-achieving students and can provide substantial financial assistance. International students from countries outside the EU are eligible to apply, and the scholarships are awarded based on academic excellence and the strength of their application.
Country-Specific Scholarships: UWTSD offers Country-Specific Scholarships for students from particular regions or countries. These scholarships are tailored to students from countries with strong links to the university or who are studying specific courses. The scholarships can range from partial fee waivers to more substantial financial support and are typically awarded based on academic merit and the applicant’s background.
Alumni Loyalty Scholarship: UWTSD offers an Alumni Loyalty Scholarship for international students who are returning to study at the university for a second degree or postgraduate qualification. The scholarship is a way of recognizing the continued alumni to the university, with a discount on tuition fees as a gesture of appreciation.
Early Payment Discounts: Students who pay their tuition fees early can benefit from an early payment discount. This discount is available to international students who pay their tuition fees in full before the specified deadline. The early payment discount typically depending on the program and level of study.
An MA in Textiles – Contemporary Dialogues from the University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD) prepares graduates for a dynamic and evolving career within the creative industries, encompassing both traditional and innovative approaches to textiles. This specialized Master's degree equips students with advanced skills in material investigation, critical thinking, and the development of sustainable solutions, allowing them to push the boundaries of textile design and practice. The program's interdisciplinary nature, fostering engagement with diverse creative fields, alongside UWTSD's strong industry connections, ensures that alumni are not only highly skilled practitioners but also innovative and adaptable professionals ready for a wide range of opportunities.
Textile Designer: Creating innovative patterns, prints, textures, and structures for fabrics used in fashion, interiors (e.g., upholstery, curtains, bedding), and other product categories, often specializing in digital or traditional techniques.
Freelance Textile Artist/Designer-Maker: Establishing an independent practice to create unique textile artworks, commissions, and limited-edition products for galleries, exhibitions, and direct sales, often exploring conceptual and material-based approaches.
Sustainable Textiles Consultant: Advising fashion brands, manufacturers, or organizations on ethical sourcing, eco-friendly production methods, circular design principles, and supply chain transparency to reduce environmental impact.
Textile Technologist: Researching and developing new fibers, fabrics, and production processes, ensuring the technical performance, quality, and sustainability of textile products from concept to manufacturing.
Fashion Designer (with Textile Specialization): Focusing on the creation of garments and accessories with a deep understanding of fabric properties, drape, and surface embellishment, often innovating with new textile applications.
Textile Conservator/Restorer: Specializing in the preservation, analysis, and restoration of historical textiles, tapestries, costumes, or contemporary textile artworks for museums, galleries, or private collections.
Arts Administrator/Project Manager (Textiles Focus): Working in arts organizations, cultural institutions, or non-profits to manage textile-related projects, exhibitions, workshops, or community initiatives.
Textile Researcher/Academic: Pursuing further research through MPhil or PhD programs, teaching in higher education, or contributing to academic publications on contemporary textile theory, history, or new material development.
Surface Pattern Designer: Creating designs and patterns for a wide range of surfaces beyond traditional textiles, including wallpapers, ceramics, packaging, and digital media, leveraging a strong understanding of visual elements.
Trend Forecaster (Textiles/Fashion): Analyzing social, cultural, and economic trends to predict future directions in textile design, color palettes, and material innovations for fashion and interior industries.
