Fashion and Textiles at Derby has been ranked in the Top 20 in The Guardian University Guide 2019.
Fashion and Textiles at the University of Derby is ranked 3rd in the country in The Guardian's University guide 2017. In 2016 BA (Hons) Textile Design achieved 100% overall student satisfaction in the National Student Survey (NSS). 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.
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.
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.
Some recent national successes and awards received by our students include:
- Selvedge Prize for Excellence in Knitwear
- New Designers First Prize Award (two awards)
- Bradford Textile Society 2016 thirteen prizes including The British Textile Designers Guild Award
- 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
There are excellent opportunities for internships and summer placements. Textile Design student Sarah Briggs spent her summer employed as a design intern by a leading knitwear consultancy in London - Sophie Steller Studio. Her work formed part of an exhibition in New York and in Shanghai.
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.
You could also go on to study our MA Fashion and Textiles.
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.
You will study modules such as:
Stage one
You'll be introduced to the basic skills of print, knit, weave some pattern cutting and manufacture. You will also learn about methods of visual language for design looking at illustration, colour work, observational drawing and CAD.
You'll study modules such as:
- Contextual Studies 1
- Design for Textiles
- Introduction to Fashion and Textiles
- Visual Studies for Fashion and Textiles
Stage two
You'll learn how to design on advanced CAD/CAM systems in print, knit and weave, before deciding on a particular field of design to study.
Your work will be project based, giving you the chance for personal expression. You will also work on national competition briefs and live projects.
If you want to gain work experience, you can take an optional work placement between stages two and three during which you'll study an additional qualification, the Diploma in Professional Practice.
- Contextual Studies 2
- Directed Projects in Textile Design 1
- Directed Projects in Textile Design 2
- Project Research in Textiles
Stage three
You'll work on personal projects that demonstrate your independence as a designer and help you to gain confidence and expertise in order to work in the industry. The Degree Show exhibition will give you the opportunity to develop your ideas into product prototypes for fashion or interior collections.
- Contextual Studies 3
- Independent Study in Textile Design
- Negotiated Study in Textile Design
- Textile Direction
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.
September 2018 typical entry requirements
| UCAS points | 96-112 (up to 16 from AS-levels) |
| Specific requirements at A-level | N/A |
| Specific requirements at GCSE | GCSE Maths and English Grade C/Grade 4 (or above) or equivalent qualification |
| Interview / Audition | Yes - see interview details |
| Portfolio | Yes - please see below |
Selection is based on a portfolio interview, after which you may be required to complete a Foundation Diploma or Year Zero before progressing to the degree course
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.
September 2019 typical entry requirements
| UCAS points | 112 (up to 16 from AS-levels) |
| Specific requirements at A-level | No specific subject requirements |
| Specific requirements at GCSE | GCSE Maths and English Grade C/Grade 4 (or above) or equivalent qualification |
| Interview / Audition | Yes - see interview details |
| Portfolio | N/A |
Alternative entry qualifications:
- BTEC - DMM
- Access to HE Diploma 60 credits: 45 at level 3 with a minimum of Dist: 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.
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.
Textiles is a global industry and offers you many opportunities to travel as part of your career. 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.
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.
Download programme specification
Teaching hours
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.
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.
