BA (Hons) Textiles

Program Overview

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Textiles BA (Hons)

Overview

The BA (Hons) Textiles degree course at UCA Epsom focuses on sustainable practice, teaching students how to design smartly and make mindfully. The course covers a combination of specialist textile subjects, including natural eco dyes and printing, sustainable material making, and 3D constructed techniques.

Course Structure

The course is divided into three years, with the following units:

• Year 1:
  • Guest Speakers' Series
  • Textiles - Sustainable Fundamentals, Colour and Materials
  • Equality, Diversity and Inclusion - Creative Identities
  • Textiles Discovery 1
  • Hackathon
  • Textiles Discovery 2
  • Industry connections
  • Business of Fashion
  • ATOM Activities
  • PLE Digital Outcome
• Year 2:
  • Career Week
  • Advanced textiles
  • Reflective Practitioner
  • Dragon's Den
  • Textiles industry focus
  • Sustainability, careers and industry
  • Placement
  • ATOM Activities and PLE Digital Outcome
  • Elective units (choose one):
    • Business Start-up
    • Product Styling and e-Commerce
    • Digital Fashion
    • Global Fashion Cultures
    • Fashion Film
    • Design for Print
• Year 3:
  • Project Pitch
  • Creative Innovation for Industry
  • Brand, Career and Professional Development
  • Graduate Career Fair
  • Directional Creative Portfolio

Entry Requirements

• Standard entry requirements:
  • 112 UCAS tariff points
  • Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4)
  • Distinction, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma / BTEC National Extended Diploma
  • Merit at UAL Extended Diploma
  • 112 UCAS tariff points from an accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma in appropriate subject
  • 27-30 total points in the International Baccalaureate Diploma with at least 15 IB points at Higher level
  • Four GCSE passes at grade 9-4/A*-C including English (or Functional Skills English/Key Skills Communication Level 2)
• Foundation year requirements:
  • 32 UCAS tariff points
  • Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art & Design (Level 3 or 4)
  • Pass, Pass, Pass at BTEC Extended Diploma / BTEC National Extended Diploma
  • Pass at UAL Extended Diploma
  • 32 UCAS tariff points from an accredited Access to Higher Education Diploma in appropriate subject
  • 24 points from the International Baccalaureate
  • Four GCSE passes at grade 9-4/A*-C including English (or Functional Skills English/Key Skills Communication Level 2)

Fees and Funding

• Tuition fees:
  • UK/EU: £9,535 (Integrated Foundation Year), £9,535 (BA course)
  • International: £16,950 (Integrated International Foundation Year), £17,500 (BA course)
• Professional Practice Year:
  • UK/EU: £1,900 (reduced tuition fee)
  • International: £3,390 (reduced tuition fee)

Facilities and Equipment

• Dedicated studio spaces
• Screen-printing tables
• Dye baths
• Large heat press
• Pattern cutting tables
• Sewing machine
• Computers and scanners
• Digital textile printer
• Dye sublimation printer
• Drying racks
• Well-stocked cloth and yarn shops

Career Opportunities

• Print designers
• Fabric technologists
• Public art practitioners
• Weave interior fabric designers
• Fabric and accessories coordinators
• Designer-makers
• Textile designers and stylists
• Textile conservators and curators
• Art educators and teachers
• Fashion buyers and retailers
• Arts administrators
• Gallery directors

Industry Links

• Ben Sherman Design
• Courtaulds Textiles
• Colefax and Fowler
• David Linley
• Debenhams Design Department
• Dedar
• Esquel Apparel Ltd
• Ivo Prints
• Jaeger
• John Lewis Design Studio
• Ratti Spa Design Studio Italy
• Sandersons UK Designer Fabric and Wallpaper
• Sacho Hesslein Museum
• Savoir Beds, Mayfair
• Zoffany Fabrics
• Royal Opera House
• Textile and Fashion Museum
• Zandra Rhodes
• Mirjam Rouden
• Paul Smith
• Margo Selby Designers
• Christopher Farr Design Studio
• Keeler Gordan Design Studio
• LK Bennett Design Studio
• Westcott Design Studio
• V&A Museum
• The Contemporary Arts Gallery, London

Staff

• Sharon Ting, Programme Director of School of Fashion & Textiles
• Evie Francis, Lecturer & Technical Tutor in Constructed Textiles
• Daniel Heath, Lecturer in Printed Textiles
• Meredith Wood, Associate Lecturer & Technical Tutor in Textiles

Entry and Portfolio Requirements

• UK applicants: Invite to attend an Applicant Day for portfolio review
• International applicants: Submit online portfolio
• View Textiles portfolio advice

English Language Requirements

• Equivalent qualifications:
  • UK: 32 UCAS points
  • International/EU: 12 years of schooling (with good grades)
• English language requirements:
  • UK: 112 UCAS points
  • International/EU: 12 years of schooling (with good grades)

Program Outline

The program focuses on developing students' creative identities, technical skills, and knowledge of sustainable practices in textile design. This program is one of the few in the country to teach a combination of specialist textile subjects, including natural eco dyes and printing, sustainable material making, and 3D constructed techniques. With a strong focus on sustainability and a growing consumer interest in this area, graduates will be equipped with the in-demand skills employers are seeking.

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Objectives:

• Develop students' skills in sustainable textile design and production.
• Foster creativity and individual artistic expression in textile design.
• Equip students with the technical skills and knowledge needed for a successful career in the textile industry.
• Prepare graduates for the growing demand for sustainable textile products.

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Outline:

The BA (Hons) Textiles program at UCA Epsom consists of three years of full-time study. The program is divided into three levels:

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Level 1:

• Introduction to the core principles of sustainability and circularity in textile design.
• Exploration of various textile techniques and development of a portfolio.
• Introduction to the Guest Speakers' Series, featuring industry professionals sharing their experiences and insights.
• Study of color theory, historical and contemporary global contexts, and color application techniques.
• Development of skills in textile making and experimentation through exploration of different pathways in textile production.
• Industry connections workshop building portfolio presentation skills and networking abilities.
• Introduction to the Business of Fashion, exploring the global fashion industry, market levels, and commercialization of products.
• Participation in ATOM activities for cross-disciplinary learning opportunities.
• Completion of the PLE Digital Outcome showcasing digital engagement across the year.

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Level 2:

• Intensive career preparation week focused on CV and cover letter writing, personal branding, networking, and interview skills.
• Exploration of advanced textile techniques and experimentation with speculative practices.
• Development of a personal narrative and story through textile design and production.
• Elective modules allowing students to explore specific areas of interest in textile design, such as Indigo dyeing, branding, or business start-up.
• Participation in the Dragon's Den-like competition, developing business ideas and presenting them to a panel of industry judges.
• Focus on sustainable textile design, research, and development of a marketable product with scalability and commercial potential.
• Further development of industry connections through company profile research and market analysis.
• Completion of a work placement or industry case study for industry experience and career exploration.
• Creation of a final portfolio showcasing the student's individual project and creative vision.
• Professional development opportunities through competitions, exhibitions, or additional skills development.
• Completion of a final project demonstrating the student's unique creative identity and innovative textile design solutions.
• Graduation and entry into the workforce or further study opportunities.

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Assessment:

Assessment methods in the BA (Hons) Textiles program vary depending on the module and learning outcomes. Assessment may include:

• Portfolios: showcasing individual creative development and technical skills through projects, research, and experimentation.
• Essays: demonstrating critical analysis, research skills, and understanding of theoretical concepts in textile design.
• Presentations: oral communication and presentation of design concepts, research findings, and creative projects.
• Practical work: demonstrations of technical skills and understanding of textile production methods.
• Exhibitions and competitions: showcasing creative work to industry professionals and the public.

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Teaching:

The BA (Hons) Textiles program at UCA Epsom is taught by experienced and passionate academics, industry professionals, and visiting practitioners. The program emphasizes a hands-on approach to learning, with ample opportunities for experimentation, exploration, and individual expression.

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Careers:

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Textiles program at UCA Epsom are well-equipped for a variety of career paths in the textile industry and beyond. Potential career options include:

• Textile designer: creating original designs for fashion, interiors, furniture, and other applications.
• Print designer: specializing in textile printing techniques such as screen printing and digital printing.
• Fabric technologist: developing and testing new textile materials and production processes.
• Public art practitioner: creating textile-based artwork for public spaces.
• Weave interior fabric designer: designing and developing woven fabrics for interior applications.
• Fabric and accessories coordinator: managing the production of textile products for fashion and other industries.
• Designer-maker: creating and selling their own textile-based products.
• Textile conservator and curator: preserving and exhibiting historic textiles.
• Art educator and teacher: teaching textile design and production skills to others.
• Fashion buyer and retailer: selecting and selling textile products for retail stores.
• Arts administrator and gallery director: managing arts organizations and galleries.

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Other:

• Applicants are encouraged to submit a portfolio for review, showcasing their creative potential and skills in textile design.
• The program offers optional study abroad opportunities for students to gain international experience.
• UCA has strong industry connections with leading textile companies, providing students with networking opportunities and potential career paths.
• The program emphasizes sustainability and ethical practices in textile design and production, preparing graduates for a future in a responsible and conscious industry.

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UK

Tuition fees - 2024/25 entry Integrated Foundation Year: £9,250 BA course: £9,250 If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2024 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,850. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year.

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EU

Tuition fees - 2024/25 entry Integrated International Foundation Year: £9,250 (see fee discount information) BA course: £9,250 (see fee discount information) If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2024 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £1,850. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year.

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International

Tuition fees - 2024/25 entry Integrated International Foundation Year: £16,950 BA course: £17,500 If you opt to study the Professional Practice Year, for 2024 you will be required to pay a reduced tuition fee of £3,390. You will also incur additional travel and accommodation costs during your Professional Practice year.