BA (Hons) Textile Design

Program Overview

The BA (Hons) Textile Design program at Leeds Arts University provides an immersive and comprehensive undergraduate experience for individuals passionate about the creation and innovation of textile materials and surfaces. This program is meticulously designed to equip students with a strong foundation in a diverse range of textile processes, including weaving, knitting, printing, dyeing, and surface embellishment, alongside digital design and sustainable practices. It emphasizes the development of individual design aesthetics, conceptual thinking, technical proficiency, and an understanding of the social, ethical, and environmental responsibilities within the textile industry. Students are encouraged to explore diverse design approaches, experiment with innovative materials and techniques, and develop a strong personal design identity. The program fosters a collaborative and experimental learning environment, preparing graduates for a wide array of roles within the dynamic and evolving global textile industry. Students will develop a substantial portfolio of their textile design work, showcasing their creativity, technical skills, and design philosophy.

Curriculum: The curriculum of the BA (Hons) Textile Design program at Leeds Arts University is structured to provide a comprehensive and progressive understanding of textile design principles and practices. It typically encompasses core modules that delve into weave design and construction, knit design and construction, textile printing (screen, digital, resist), dyeing and coloration, surface embellishment (embroidery, embellishing), digital textile design (CAD), textile history and theory, sustainable textile practices, and professional development. A strong emphasis is placed on developing strong technical skills in various textile processes alongside creative design exploration. Students will engage with industry-standard software for digital textile design. The curriculum often incorporates project-based learning, allowing students to work individually and collaboratively on design briefs for various textile applications, such as fashion, interiors, and product design. Critical analysis of contemporary and historical textiles is integrated throughout the program to provide a robust intellectual framework for creative practice. Students are also encouraged to explore their individual design interests and to specialize in particular textile areas.

Research Focus: The BA (Hons) Textile Design program at Leeds Arts University encourages a research-informed approach to creative practice, prompting students to explore the theoretical, historical, cultural, and technological aspects of textile design. Research within the program often involves investigating textile traditions, analyzing the work of influential textile designers, exploring innovative materials and technologies, and examining the social, ethical, and environmental implications of textile production and consumption. Students are supported in developing their own research interests and using their design process as a form of inquiry. This might involve researching historical textile techniques for contemporary application, experimenting with sustainable dyeing methods, or analyzing the impact of digital printing on textile design. Practice-based research is central, with students using their developing textile designs as a means of generating new knowledge and understanding. The program fosters critical reflection on the design process and encourages students to articulate their design choices through research and analysis.

Industry Engagement: Industry engagement is a vital component of the BA (Hons) Textile Design program at Leeds Arts University, providing students with invaluable connections to the professional textile industry. The university actively fosters relationships with textile manufacturers, designers, retailers, interior design companies, and fashion brands. Students benefit from opportunities to participate in live briefs set by industry partners, workshops and masterclasses led by renowned textile designers and professionals, portfolio reviews with industry experts, and potential internships or work placements. Guest lectures from leading textile designers, manufacturers, and sustainability experts offer valuable insights into current industry trends, practices, and career pathways. The program often facilitates collaborative projects with external organizations, allowing students to gain real-world experience and build their professional networks. The annual graduate shows serve as a crucial platform for students to showcase their textile innovations to potential employers and make connections within the industry. The university's dedicated careers service provides ongoing support in preparing portfolios, developing professional skills, and navigating the job market.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Textile Design program at Leeds Arts University incorporates a global perspective by examining the international nature of the textile industry and the diverse cultural influences that shape textile traditions and design aesthetics worldwide. The curriculum often explores global textile markets, international design movements, ethical sourcing and production, and the impact of globalization on textile consumption and culture. Students are encouraged to consider diverse cultural perspectives in their design work and to understand the challenges and opportunities of operating in a globalized textile landscape. The presence of international students and faculty within the university fosters a rich and cross-cultural learning environment, promoting the exchange of global perspectives and ideas within the field of textile design. Students are encouraged to consider the global reach of their designs and to develop a portfolio that demonstrates an awareness of international textile trends, ethical considerations, and diverse cultural influences, preparing them for careers in a globalized textile industry.