Textile Design BA (Hons)

Birmingham City University

BA (Hons) Textile Design offers you an experience which celebrates the opportunities of contemporary textile practice. If you have not yet had the chance to explore and discover your specific interest or direction within textile design, this general title is the ideal choice, at this point. There are many further decision points throughout the course and you are able to update your degree title later if one of our extended titles better reflects your interests. We value diversity, nurture curiosity and recognise the urgency of placing 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 and supportive environment.All our students are introduced to print, weave, embroidery and knit processes within the first semester of the course. 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 as you progress.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.Our stunning Parkside Building is a dynamic and creative open environment that stimulates collaboration and encourages cross-school working. Our students thrive on the creative buzz and inspiring surroundings within the heart of Birmingham, and enjoy open access to both traditional and state-of-the-art facilities. They are also able to gain an international perspective through national and international trips to cities such as Paris and Florence. Our final year students get the opportunity to exhibit and promote their final major projects via a range of platforms, including 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 range of 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 design