Program Overview

BA (Hons) Design for Textiles (Fashion, Interior, Art)

The BA (Hons) Design for Textiles (Fashion, Interior, Art) programme is a highly creative course that balances theory and practice in fabric design methodology and fabric production techniques. This 3-4 year undergraduate programme provides students with expertise in designing and producing innovative fabrics for various outcomes.

Key Information

• Programme code: W232
• Level: Undergraduate
• Delivery type: Full Time
• Degree qualification: BA (Hons)
• Mode of delivery: On-Campus
• Duration: 3-4 years
• Location: Scottish Borders
• Start date: September

Course Content

The programme focuses on developing students' skills in textile design, including printed, woven, and knitted textiles, as well as digital and Computer-Aided Design (CAD) technologies. Students will learn about marketing strategy, sustainable practices, and innovation in technique. The course covers a range of topics, including:

• Textile design and production
• Fabric design methodology
• Fabric production techniques
• Sustainable practices
• Innovation in technique
• Marketing strategy
• Digital and CAD technologies

Year 1

In the first year, students will build a foundation for their future development with a combination of lectures and practical classes. The mandatory modules include:

• Rethinking Design 2: Develop and Deliver
• Rethinking Design 1: Discover and Define
• Textiles in Practice 1
• Textiles 1

Year 2

In the second year, students will develop their skills in printed, woven, and knitted textile design. The mandatory modules include:

• Commercial Studies for Design
• Sketchbook Enquiry 1
• Textiles in Practice 2 (Knit)
• Textiles in Practice 3 (Weave)
• Sketchbook Enquiry 2
• CAD for Design 2
• Textiles in Practice 4 (Print)
• Textiles 2

Year 3

In the third year, students will be encouraged to show their skills by working on live briefs from external companies and entering national and international competitions. The mandatory modules include:

• Textiles in Practice 5 (Print, Knit, Weave)
• Textile Techniques and Sustainable Practices
• Critical & Contextual Studies 3
• Professional Practice For Design
• External Collaborative Design Optional modules include:
• Future Textiles & Apparel
• Journalism content creation
• Enterprise and Innovation for Creative Industries

Year 4

In the final year, students will embark on a personal project, accompanied by a choice of lecture series that provides either an in-depth context analysis or forming a marketing strategy for their work. The mandatory modules include:

• Honours Project 1
• Advanced Practice and Evaluation
• Honours Project 2 Optional modules include:
• Marketing Strategy for Design
• CCS Essay

Teaching Staff

The programme is led by experienced staff, including:

• Marnie Collins, Director of International-School of Textiles and Design
• Mark Parker, Assistant Professor

Fees and Funding

The tuition fees for the September 2026 intake are:

• Scotland: Paid by SAAS
• England / Wales / N Ireland / Rep of Ireland: Ł9,790
• International: Ł20,080 There is an additional consumable fee charged per year of study. Scholarships and bursaries are available, including the Heriot-Watt University Bursary (up to Ł3,100 per year) for students from England, Northern Ireland, or Wales.

Entry Requirements

The standard entry requirements for the programme are:

• Highers: BBBB (over two sittings)
• A-Levels: BCC and successful digital portfolio
• International Baccalaureate: 29 points
• BTEC: Extended Diploma DMM
• HNC: C in graded unit
• HND: CC in graded units A digital portfolio is required for all applicants. The minimum English language requirement is IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent) with no score lower than 5.5.

Employability

The average UK salary of students 15 months after graduating from a similar course is Ł24,000. Potential career paths include design occupations and artistic, literary, and media occupations.