BA (Hons) (Top-up) Textiles Practice

Year 1:

• Individual Creative Research – an opportunity to research an area of personal interest to stimulate and inspire creative practice. Students will propose a theme or topic of interest, shaping this through discussion with the module tutor.  This might include research into other artists, designers and makers, historical and global influences on textiles or broader topics relating to the arts. (20 credits)
• Professional Practice – as a new artist, it is to be expected that you will have a ‘portfolio career’ as a freelance artist, which may include teaching, workshop delivery, working to commission, and exhibiting. Here, you will be given the knowledge, skills and understanding to allow you to work professionally. You will learn about key professional networks and organisations, as well as how to apply for relevant opportunities. (20 credits)
• Textiles Investigation – this module allows you to carry out creative investigations of advanced or specialist textiles techniques; constructed textiles, mixed-media, embroidery or surface pattern. (20 credits)

Year 2:

• Major Project – An individual project that builds on all your knowledge, skills and abilities and aligns with your career and creative goals. You will develop a body of work which may include original artwork, sketchbooks, designs, sampling and materials investigation. (40 credits)
• Exhibition, Planning & Promotion – This module focuses on presenting your textile practice professionally to the wider world.  You will be introduced to key aspects of professional knowledge, including intellectual property, exhibition design, portfolio presentation, costing and pricing; and learn how to apply this to your own work or practice.  (20 credits)  

Applicants should have successfully completed a Level 5 qualification (for example, HND, Foundation Degree, Dip HE) in a relevant subject area. GCSE English grade 4 or equivalent.

Additional criteria:

Non-standard applicants (those without the above qualifications) will be required to produce evidence of their ability to study at Higher Education Level 6. Short-course and relevant work experience may be considered.

Non-standard applicants will be interviewed with a portfolio of work and may be required to complete a piece of written work as part of their application.

Claims for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are welcomed by the College. Students should consult the admissions tutor if they wish to claim such recognition.

Additional admissions matters:

Applicants will be invited to an interview and present a portfolio of practical work. This portfolio may consist of research, design development and work in progress (such as sketchbooks, visual journal) or finished pieces of work.

The nature of this programme actively encourages learners from non-traditional learning routes.

International students are additionally required to achieve an overall score of 6 (with each subset no lower than 6) in IELTS. Please consult the Admissions department for further details.

Assessment tasks are linked to the learning outcomes for each module and are completed by the end of the module. Assessments generally take the form of course work in the form of specific project briefs appropriate to each module, which may include some of the following:

• Research files
• Sketchbooks, drawing and visual journals
• Illustrated reports
• Textile sampling
• Finished products
• Verbal and visual presentations
• Exhibitions or portfolios

Formative assessment takes place throughout the course, during feedback at one-to-one tutorials and through peer review at group critiques. This feedback is aimed to support the learner’s development and does not contribute to a final grade. Written summative assessment will be provided by the module tutor after the module has been completed. Verbal feedback may also be offered during tutorials to provide clarification.

Throughout the programme there is an emphasis on professional skills and individual career goals. The Professional Practice module in year 1, supports students to plan and engage with specific professional experiences, such as delivering workshops or other practical teaching experiences.

The curriculum is enriched by external study visits, trips and visiting speakers. Students have access to industry-led talks and activities via our industry links with the Bradford Textile Society, and local art networks.

The staff team brings a wealth of professional experience to the programme, as practicing designers, makers and exhibiting textile artists. They are keen to bring those experiences into the curriculum to ensure the programme is applicable to current trends and professional practices, developing graduates who are ready for professional practice.

Graduates from our HE textiles programmes progress to further study including Masters study and PGCE. Graduates also develop creative careers as practising textile artists, freelance crafts practitioners and designers or work in the museums sector or in education. Many arts graduates will also develop portfolio careers that combine aspects of creative practice with teaching, community arts, freelance project work and commissions.

HE Tuition: £4,625.00 per academic year

Other Costs: Equipment £700 maximum (art materials, sketchbooks, display materials, printing and textile materials for project work), Trips and visits £250, Materials for final collection £300 maximum and Domestic sewing machine (optional cost).

This is representative of the most common fees scenario, but actual fees can vary depending on a number of factors. Please contact us if you need more guidance.