Textile Design (Extended Degree)

If you want to pursue a creative degree at Arts University Plymouth but feel you have yet to acquire the experience and range of skills necessary, our Extended BA programme will prepare you for entry to one of our BA (Hons) undergraduate courses.

What is Extended BA?
Our Extended BA (Hons) Degrees offers a unique four-year route for students aiming to delve into the diverse realm of art, design, and media. This programme provides an initial exploratory year, where you'll cultivate insight into various creative skills and approaches, laying a robust foundation before advancing to a specialised degree of your choice. Whether you're returning to education after a hiatus or entering without formal qualifications, our Extended BA equips you with the requisite skills, knowledge, and experience to secure a place in our full undergraduate program.

Our Intensive Extended Degree program is a dynamic blend of lectures, workshops, and practical studio sessions designed to challenge and inspire. Our diverse student body spans from fresh-faced eighteen-year-olds to seasoned creatives in their seventies, fostering a rich collaborative environment. With the freedom to take risks and experiment, you'll develop a diverse skill set through hands-on experimentation with materials, processes, and methodologies. This transformative journey hones critical skills essential for degree-level study, expanding your proficiency in drawing, visual research, contextual studies, digital imaging, and design methods. Gain invaluable experience in a supportive atmosphere that encourages creativity, collaboration, and innovation.

Blending traditional, digital and experimental practice, BA (Hons) Textile Design at Arts University Plymouth is built around innovation and sustainable thinking. Explore regenerative and circular design through hands-on, non-toxic processes, from natural dyes and biomaterials to AI, 3D modelling and digital prototyping.

The textile industry is evolving rapidly. We see this as an exciting opportunity to nurture independently minded designers ready to meet the demands of a dynamic, forward-thinking industry.

At a glance

• Degree: BA (Hons) Textile Design

• UCAS codes: 3-year degree WYC2 / 4-year extended degree J400

• Typical UCAS points: 104–120

• Course approach: project-based, student-led and collaborative

Sustainable thinking, colour and material innovation

You will explore regenerative and circular design through hands-on, non-toxic processes, alongside the creative science of colour and material development. This includes experimenting with natural dyes, responding to projects that explore biomaterials, and developing innovative applications that shape the future of textiles.

You will also work with our natural dye garden and locally sourced materials, supporting an ethos of environmentally responsible design.

Why choose this course?

• Create with purpose: explore non-toxic processes, natural dyes and future-facing sustainable design.

• Get hands-on: access specialist textile studios and cutting-edge digital tools in our Fab Lab.

• Be inspired by place: work with materials and ideas rooted in our coast, moors and natural dye garden.

• Connect with industry: collaborate on live projects and gain experience through global trips and events.

• Shape your future: graduate with the skills, mindset and adaptability to thrive across fashion, interiors and material innovation.

Careers and future opportunities

Career opportunities include: Textile Designers, Surface Pattern Designers, Design Stylists, Trend Forecasters, Materials Researchers, Textile Buyers and Sustainable Design Consultants.

Our graduates leave with an interdisciplinary mindset. They are adaptable, critical thinkers ready to innovate across the design industries, from fashion and interiors to material research and beyond.

Course Modules

The first year of an Extended Degree is not a qualification in its own right, but when you successfully complete it you are guaranteed a place on our full undergraduate programme.

You’ll develop confidence in your use of drawing, visual research, contextual studies, digital imaging and design methods, and you’ll have the chance to experiment with a range of materials, equipment, processes and software.

As the year goes by you’ll specialise in your chosen undergraduate subject (illustration, graphic design, fine art, etc.), helping you to become a confident, independent and creative artist, designer or maker.