Textiles & Surface Design

This degree produces highly skilled, industry-ready, award-winning graduates. Blending traditional craftsmanship and innovative techniques, you will develop skills in drawing, repeat pattern, dyeing, print, embroidery, and digital design, creating work for fashion, interiors, textile art, and the gift industry.

This hands-on programme offers access to state-of-the-art workshops and studios, where you’ll explore your unique style under the guidance of experienced lecturers and industry professionals. From rug tufting and fabric manipulation to digital visualisation, you’ll gain the expertise to craft a professional portfolio that sets you apart.

With opportunities to work on live briefs, collaborate with design companies, and showcase your creations at exhibitions or trade shows, this degree prepares you for success. Whether pursuing employment or self-employment, you’ll graduate ready to thrive in the textiles and surface design industries or continue your journey with postgraduate study.

This creative-industry-focused programme typically provides 16 hours of contact time per week across the academic year. Students can typically expect to receive 10 hours of taught sessions and 6 hours of supervised open studio time, supported by specialist technicians, and have open access to studios and workshops (subject to School opening times and availability). In the final year, students typically engage in a higher proportion of supervised, independent study, reflecting the increased focus on self‑directed practice and specialist project work at this level.

Exhibitions & Trade Shows
Work is exhibited and sold at trade fairs and exhibitions such as:

Premiére Vision, Paris;
Surtex, New York;
New Designers, London;
London Print Design Fair;
Indigo MoOD Brussels and;
The Bowes Museum.

Course Modules

Year One - Textiles Foundation and Orientation
In your first year (Level 4), you will be introduced to the core skills and design processes required of the textiles industry. You’ll explore a wide range of approaches to textiles and surface pattern through core skills in drawing, print, embroidery, embellishment, rug tufting and more, to fully integrate you into the exciting possibilities the textiles industry has to offer. This year focuses on developing your technical ability as well as and your communication skills, and overall awareness of the creative industry.

• Drawing
• Print
• Stitch
• Design Outcome
• Creative Thinking

Year Two - Development and Exploration
Your second year (Level 5) builds on this foundation, allowing you to develop more advanced, industry-standard commercial skills and a deeper understanding of the textiles sector. You will begin to define your specialist areas of textiles, whether this is through fashion, interiors, product or print, or an even mix of them all, through live briefs and self-directed projects, while building a professional portfolio that reflects your distinct textiles specialism. During this stage, you are also encouraged to seek relevant work experience or external collaborations where suitable opportunities arise.

• Digital Design for Fashion
• Design for Interiors
• Creative Discussion
• Practice

Year Three - Consolidation and Expertise
In your final year (Level 6), you will consolidate your skills, experience, and creative identity to prepare you to enter the global textiles industry. Working on self-initiated collections and projects, you will refine your practice and explore your future professional direction. This year provides the opportunity to realise your creative ambitions, demonstrate independence and originality, and prepare for a successful transition into professional practice or further study.

• Specialist Practice 1
• Specialist Practice 2
• Professional Futures and Final Show
• Dissertation and Report

https://northernart.ac.uk/ba-hons-textiles-surface-design-2/

In course assessment. Each module is assessed upon completion and given a percentage mark.