Textile Design with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons)

Program Overview

Overview

The Textile Design with a Foundation Year - BA (Hons) course at Birmingham City University is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of textile design, including the potential of fibres, yarns, and processes to create cloth and materials with distinctive qualities and properties.

Why Study Textile Design at Birmingham City University?

The course is highly creative, with a focus on practice-based learning and international opportunities. Students will have access to industry-standard technology and equipment, including a Mimaki digital printer, jacquard loom, computerised AVL studio looms, digital embroidery machines, and laser cutting equipment.

What's Covered in This Course?

The course covers a wide range of topics, including:

• Textile Design explores the potential of fibres, yarns, and processes to create cloth and materials with distinctive qualities and properties.
• The 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 Foundation Year is an exciting step towards your chosen creative degree pathway, where you will embark on a fun, creative year of discovery, innovation, experimentation, development of craft and research skills, equipping your professional journey into the creative industries.

Entry Requirements

• 80 UCAS Tariff points
• GCSE and other level 2 requirements: This course does not require evidence of GCSE qualifications.
• A Level, BTEC, and other level 3 requirements:
  • A Level: 80 UCAS Tariff points / CDD (or equivalent)
  • AS Level: Must be in a different subject to A Levels
  • A maximum of four subjects will be considered
  • Pearson BTEC (Diploma / Extended Diploma/ Extended Certificate): 80 UCAS Tariff points
  • Diploma accepted with one A Level or equivalent level 3 qualifications
  • Extended Certificate accepted with two A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
  • T Level: Pass overall (C or above on the core) All subjects accepted but Craft and Design preferred
  • Access to HE Diploma: Pass with 60 credits, 45 credits at level 3 Accepted subjects: Arts, Media, and Publishing subjects preferred but other subjects also considered
  • OCR Cambridge Technical qualifications: 80 UCAS Tariff points
  • NCFE CACHE Level 3 qualifications: 80 UCAS Tariff points
  • WJEC Level 3 qualifications: 80 UCAS Tariff points
  • Irish Leaving Certificate (Highers): Minimum of 80 UCAS Tariff points, achieved in five Higher level subjects
  • Scottish Higher / Advanced Higher: 80 UCAS Tariff points from three Advanced Highers (DDD) or two Advanced Highers (DD) plus two Highers (DD)
  • Welsh Baccalaureate: 80 UCAS Tariff points. Considered with three A Levels or equivalent level 3 qualifications
  • UAL Level 3 Extended Diploma: Pass overall
  • Foundation Studies (Art and Design, and Art, Design and Media): Pass overall

Fees & How to Apply

• UK students: £9,535 in 2026/27
• International students: £18,570 in 2026/27
• Included in your course fees:
  • Access to computer equipment
  • Printing
  • Field trips
  • Access to Microsoft Office 365
  • Key software
  • Key subscriptions
  • Specialist software
  • Free Adobe Creative Cloud licence
  • Specialist equipment
• Not included in your course fees:
  • Project materials (mandatory)
  • Media consumable items (mandatory)
  • Excess printing (optional)
  • Personal stationery and study materials (optional)
  • Placement expenses (optional)
  • External event expenses (optional)
  • Competition fees (optional)
  • Personal equipment (optional)
  • Accommodation and living costs (optional)

Course in Depth

• Foundation year:
  • Developing a Narrative
  • Understanding Fundamental Processes
  • Introducing Trends
  • Brand Development
  • Signature Project
• Year one:
  • Creative Industries: Connections
  • Textiles for Fashion: Print & Knit
  • Textiles for Fashion: Embroidery & Weave
  • Textiles for Interiors: Pattern & Digital Processes
  • Sustainable Design: Principles & Practice
• Year two:
  • Creative Industries: Industry Futures
  • Design for Industry
  • Textile Craftsmanship
  • Work Placement
  • Industry Project
  • Independent Creative Entrepreneur
• Year three:
  • Creative Industries: Research Development and Enquiry
  • Textile Collection
  • Textile Showcase
  • Next Step

Employability

• The course is designed to ensure you have the skills, vision, and creativity to appeal to a range of employers.
• You will become adept at a number of textile processes, including print, embroidery, weave, and knit.
• You will gain a clear vision of where you fit in the industry in order to build a strong personal and professional portfolio, using promotional and marketing skills you’ll be prepared to take to future job roles.

Facilities & Staff

• The course is based at the Parkside Building, which is part of the multi-million pound City Centre Campus development in the heart of Birmingham's Eastside development.
• The facilities include a wide range of learning and teaching methods, an experienced teaching team engaged in current research/practice, and studio/workshop experiences supported by e-learning.
• There is access to both digital technology and traditional textile craft workshops.
• Equipment includes a Mimaki digital printer, jacquard loom, computerised AVL studio looms, digital embroidery machines, and laser cutting equipment, in addition to traditional facilities including print tables, transfer press, knitting machines, looms, and rug tufting guns.

Athena Swan Bronze Award

• The Jewellery, Fashion and Textiles courses have been awarded the Athena Swan Bronze Award for their commitment to Equality, Diversity, and Inclusion (EDI).