Textile Design

Textile Design explores the potential of fibres, yarns and processes to create cloth and materials with distinctive qualities and properties. It is a highly creative field with the potential to impact and enrich all aspects of our lives. Knowledge in this area is key in making informed choices that will reduce the environmental and social impact of products, and can be used artistically to raise awareness and inspire behavioural change.

Our course nurtures fresh thinking and industry-ready designers and practitioners with expertise in the craftsmanship of Textile Design across the disciplines of Print, Weave, Knit, Embroidery and Material Innovation. The exciting potential of cross-disciplinary practice is supported and encouraged, giving you the option to either specialise or combine disciplines, embracing both digital technologies and traditional craft skills.

Through experimentation in dedicated textile workshops equipped with cutting-edge industry fa-cilities, you will develop the specialist skills, knowledge and experiences required to thrive in a growing field of industry roles and opportunities. Creative play and problem-solving is at the heart of learning and you will be guided by passionate and experienced staff as you discover your own personal expression through the language of design – colour, pattern, surface, texture and image. Birmingham is a vibrant and multi-cultural city providing exposure to diverse perspectives and opportunities. Our inclusive creative community prioritises and celebrates individuality, empowering and supporting you to embrace and embed this within your practice.

Career-focused teaching, industry live-briefs and integrated work-placements within the first two years of study will support you in identifying professional aspirations amongst the breadth of opportunities within textile design industry and other related fields. Choice points help you focus your experience and collaborative opportunities build your confidence and professionalism. You will develop a portfolio of responsible and future-thinking design concepts to drive the industry’s transition to a circular sustainable economy and build healthy communities.

In your final year, you will have the autonomy to celebrate your individual practice and interests. Our Next Step module at the end bridges the gap between study and industry, helping you plan to achieve your ambitions within the support of your university network.

You will graduate with a clear vision of where you personally fit in the industry and a tailored professional portfolio to get started. Our award-winning graduates emerge as innovative practitioners leading the way working for prestigious established brands or as influential entrepreneurs.

Professional Placement Year

This course offers an optional professional placement year. This allows you to spend a whole year with an employer, following successful completion of your second year, and is a great way to find out more about your chosen career. Some students even return to the same employers after completing their studies.

If you choose to pursue a placement year, you will need to find a suitable placement to complement your chosen area of study. You will be able to draw on the University’s extensive network of local, regional, and national employers, and the support of our Careers teams. If you are able to secure a placement, you can request to be transferred to the placement version of the course.