Design and develop fabrics for fashion, interiors and decorative surfaces.You’ll explore traditional processes as well as new technologies, with opportunities for industry projects and placements.
100%overall satisfaction - BA (Hons) Textile Design**National Student Survey, 2020
100%graduates in work or further study within 6 months of completing course**HESA 2016
Our excellent specialist textile design and production expertise and facilities, combined with our staff expertise ensures you that this course is distinctive in offering a rich combination of traditional and advanced new technology.
Textile Design at Derby offers the three creative areas of Print, Knit and Weave. It is a place where traditional processes are not forgotten alongside new technologies. Our students design and develop fabrics for fashion, interiors and decorative surfaces. At the end of three years of study our graduates are ready to work effectively and successfully in all areas of the Textile Industry. Our new Chandos Pole St Fashion and Textiles ”hub” is an exciting place to learn in a contemporary and vibrant environment.
In the 2020 National Student Survey (NSS), 100% of students were satisfied with the overall quality of the course. The NSS is managed by the Office for Students and gathers opinions of current students on the course. Additional results include:
96% of students said they were satisfied with the teaching on the course
96% of students said they were satisfied with the academic support on the course
94% of students said they were satisfied with the assessment and feedback on the course
94% of students said they were satisfied with the learning opportunities on the course
You'll develop and realise your potential through a varied programme of studio-based projects, lectures, debates, competitions, live project work, group critiques, field visits, tutorials, technical demonstrations, written assignments, seminars and practical workshops.
A European professional and cultural fieldtrip is an integral part of the final year of study.
If you don't have the appropriate qualifications to start this course, you can study the Year Zero - Arts programme for a year first.
We provide strong links with the industry, with alumni holding design positions at Stephen and David Walters, Cristal Martin, Donna Karan and Boden. Artsthread, the largest student global website is the brainchild of a Textile graduate and the founder continues to support our students. There are excellent opportunities for internships and summer placements, through industry led projects and competitions. Student Sarah Briggs spent her summer employed as a design intern by Sophie Steller Studio.
Some recent national successes and awards received by our students include:
John Smedley category winner at the Campaign for Wool Student Design Competition
Selvedge Prize for Excellence in Knitwear
New Designers First Prize Awards
Bradford Textile Society prizes
Selection for Texprint
Selection for the Ratti Foundation (Milan)
Scholarship from The Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters
David Nieper student Scolarship
Selection for the ’John Lewis loves’ award
Participation in the “Making it” conference
Premiere Vision travel award
Woolmark award
You'll exhibit your work in the final year Degree Show - that provides you with the opportunity to showcase your work, as well as make vital industry contacts. There is also the opportunity to show your degree work in London, at the New Designers graduate show.
Fashion and Textiles - hear from a student
We asked BA (Hons) Textile Design student, Saffron, how she has found her experience so far studying at the University of Derby.
All Art and Design, Film, Photography and Music courses are based at our Markeaton Street site where industry-standard, purpose built studios and labs provide a modern and creative space for our students. Markeaton Street encompasses Chandos Pole Street which is home to our Fashion and Textiles courses and Britannia Mill is home to Fine Art, Illustration and Interior Design studio spaces. Our Theatre students learn from professionals at the professional producing and learning Derby Theatre in the heart of Derby city centre.
Markeaton Street is a 15 minute walk from Kedleston Road, and is serviced by regular free site shuttle buses.
Take a look at how Textile Design students collaborated with Interior Design students to create bespoke knitted rugs:
How Katie’s kimono became big in Japan
Our Textile Design student Katie Gilbert’s modern take on traditional Japanese clothing gained her international recognition and saw her work on show at exhibitions in Japan, France and Germany.
Derby on Demand brings you the very best of Open Days on your terms. You can access exclusive online content wherever you are, whenever you want, and see all Derby has to offer.
Please note that our modules are subject to change - we review the content of our courses regularly, making changes where necessary to improve your experience and graduate prospects.
Live Subject Chats
Join us on Saturday 6 February for a day of Live Subject Chats. You’ll be able to ask our teaching team questions about the courses we offer, speak to Admissions advisors about applying and chat to current students about their experience.
You'll develop and realise your potential through a varied programme of studio-based projects, lectures, debates, competitions, live project work, group critiques, field visits, tutorials, technical demonstrations, written assignments, seminars and practical workshops.
A European professional and cultural fieldtrip is an integral part of the final year of study. Typically you will visit Premiere Vision, Paris, a global fabric trade fair.
How you are assessed
Assessment is mainly 100% coursework and is fully explained once you have enrolled on the programme through our intranet information system. There is both formative and summative assessment, the former taking place in the form of group crits.
Degree Show
Every year students from the School of Arts celebrate their time at University by showcasing their work at an end of year Degree Show at Markeaton Street and across the City of Derby. The Show usually runs throughout June and is a fantastic opportunity for potential employers, friends, family, industry and members of the public to see exciting creations by the next generation of artists, designers, creators and makers from Derby. The Show takes the form of:
Your personal academic tutor will work with you to help you get the most out of your time at university. Having someone to talk to about your academic progress, your university experience and your professional aspirations is hugely valuable. We want you to feel challenged in your studies, stretched but confident to achieve your academic and professional goals.
Access to HE Diploma 60 credits: 45 at Level 3 with a minimum of Distinction: 15 Merit: 24 Pass: 6
We usually consider an A-level in General Studies as a supplementary qualification. A good application/performance will be taken into account if you do not meet the criteria/offer conditions.
Offers will be made initially based on your application, including predicted grades and/or grades you have already achieved. Following this, if you submit a strong portfolio we will make you an unconditional offer, to reflect the quality of your work and your potential.
Our entry requirements for this course should be read together with the University's general entry requirements, which details subjects we accept, alternative qualifications and what we're looking for at Derby.
We know there have been changes and there is some uncertainty, however we are here to help and support you every step of the way with your university application.
This course will prepare you for an exciting career in printed, knitted or woven textiles working as a designer and also in a variety of roles such buyer, merchandiser, stylist or illustrator in a wide range of organisations associated with the international textile industry. Textiles is a global industry and offers you many opportunities to travel as part of your career.
Some graduates have gone on to work on a freelance basis in their chosen specialist field, establishing their own workshops, websites and companies. During your course you can take advantage of our mentoring schemes, which are designed to help young entrepreneurs to establish themselves. The University Careers department is particularly pro active in supporting students throughout the 3 years of study and guiding them into graduate employment.
We also provide support for graduates starting out in the creative industries, through our incubation unit - Banks Mill. It offers studio workspace and business development activities, in a vibrant and thriving community of artists, designers and makers.
Employable graduates – we’re ranked 15th highest amongst all UK universities and 12th for English institutions with 96% of graduates in work or further study within six months of completing their degree: HESA 2016.
Contact us
If you need any more information from us, eg on courses, accommodation, applying, car parking, fees or funding, please contact us and we will do everything we can to help you.
Like most universities, we operate extended teaching hours at the University of Derby, so contact time with your lecturers and tutors could be anytime between 9am and 9pm. Your timetable will usually be available on the website 24 hours after enrolment on to your course.
Additional costs and optional extras
We’re committed to providing you with an outstanding learning experience. Our expert teaching, excellent facilities and great employability prepare you for your future career. As part of our commitment to you we aim to keep any additional study costs to a minimum. However, there are occasions where students may incur some additional costs.
The information below is correct for entry in the academic year September 2020 - August 2021 only. Entry for future academic years may be subject to change.
Included in your fees
Unlimited access to specialist equipment in Textile studio and workshops
Access to related areas such as printmaking workshops and relevant fashion workshop areas
Additional access to wider University Arts’ facilities including equipment loan store and other facilities, such as digital print workshops
Yarns supplied for both Knit and Weave coursework
Print room processes - Screen making, dyes and pigments, fabric for 1st and 2nd year coursework
Paper for visual studies course work
Representation at a London Graduate Show
Participation in University Degree Show and the opportunity to participate in the Graduate Catwalk show with professional models and VIP Reception provided
Mandatory costs not included in your fees
Drawing equipment - cost subject to specialist area
Mimaki Digital fabric printing (£25 - £35 per metre)
Printing of artwork A2/A3 Portfolio (approx. £5- £50)
Specialist materials in support of Graduate show - cost subject to specialist area
Materials in support of other final year projects - cost subject to specialist area
Student promotion materials (approx. £70)
Optional costs not included in your fees
Optional additional field trips in UK (approx. £30)
Students are encouraged to attend the field trip to Paris for Premiere Vision (approx. £300 - includes entrance to Premiere Vision)
Please note: Our courses are refreshed and updated on a regular basis. If you are thinking about transferring onto this course (into the second year for example), you should contact the programme leader for the relevant course information as modules may vary from those shown on this page.
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