The subject of textiles can cover a very wide range of specialisms, from surface pattern design for industry through to one off contemporary art/crafts work. The international market for textile products in fashion, interiors and accessories is huge and this programme aims to help you identify your areas of interest.
Our BA (Hons) Textile degree has been designed for those interested in practical making skills and exploration of the potential of textiles using innovative and traditional hand crafted and digital techniques. These may include surface manipulation, knitting, embroidery, printing and surface pattern design depending on individual interests and market opportunities.
Programme Overview
During Year 1 you will be introduced to various textile techniques such as knit, surface manipulation and decoration, machine and hand embroidery, felt, fabric and yarn printing and & dyeing using both traditional and contemporary digital processes.
You will be given assignments, which explore the nature of textiles for industry and one off or ‘studio’ making. This will introduce design development, contemporary issues & conceptual approaches, which you will then explore through practical outcomes. You will be expected to develop your visual awareness and communication skills in the Drawing Development module, which introduces a range of processes to help develop skills. The use of digital technology is encouraged for design and manufacture, e-commerce and online networking. The first year also shares common elements of study with our other Craft provision at the College.
Materials are considered a means of expression and you are encouraged to develop a strong concept base to underpin your practice. Alongside your practical work, you will develop awareness of the theory behind the practice as well as visit museums and galleries.
During Year 2 you will have the opportunity to specialise within the areas of printed, embellished, knitted, stitched and digital textiles and design. Building on the knowledge and skills developed so far, you will work on developing your own creative practice considering sustainability and work within the public realm. This will be enhanced further through working on live briefs and undertaking work placements or preparing for internships, to help you identify possible career directions.
During year 3, the BA (Hons) Final year, you will be expected to review your practice, develop your skills, further explore ideas and techniques, and demonstrate your professional identity. You will have an opportunity to increase your critical and analytical skills, as well as your practical and professional skills. You will be supported by our expert teaching and technical staff, and by visiting lecturers. The final year culminates with the opportunity to exhibit a body of your own work in the Annual Degree show and national shows such as “New Designers”. This section of the course is also offered as a BA (Hons) Top-up for those who already have a relevant Foundation Degree or HND.
Industry links and career opportunities
Students pursue their career aspirations through live projects with real clients and career-related activities such as work placements and curatorial assignments. The South West region is a centre for craft based businesses, so there are many opportunities to work with practitioners and galleries in related industries. In addition, Plymouth College of Art has, and its students benefit from, strong links with The Crafts Council, The Devon Guild of Craftsmen and Textiles Forum Southwest.
Students are also encouraged to take part in craft fairs and exhibitions. These include the Devon based (and now nationally important) Bovey Tracey Craft Fair and the New Designers exhibition in London. By utilising our links with industry and an excellent programme of visiting lecturers, our students are provided with opportunities to enter into a wide variety of positions within creative industry. Post qualification destinations could include for example; commercial design for fashion or furnishing fabrics, interior surface pattern such as wall-coverings, gift-wrap and gift products, accessories, styling, retail, one-off artefacts in self employed practice, teaching or post graduate studies.
Resources
Our studios provide a vast range of specialist facilities and expertise and there are built in opportunities for cross-disciplinary activity.
Textile specific resources include digital embroidery and knitting machines, a textile dyeing and printing facility supported by highly experienced technical staff. Our state of the art Mimaki printer and laser cutter offer exciting options for fabric design and surface embellishments. You will also have access to a wide range of other facilities from fashion to jewellery workshops to support your specialism as part of our Craft provision at the College.
All the College's Higher Education provision is validated by the Open University.
