Explore the possibilities of material design
Get in touch to explore your progression pathway with a course bundle designed to suit your personal or professional goals.
Featured courses
Textiles Natural Dyes and Printmaking Short Course
£580
Taught through a combination of demonstrations and hands-on exercises, this 5-week evening course provides an in-depth look at using natural dyes and colour for printmaking.
- Dates - 2 November 2026 to 30 November 2026
- Schedule - Mondays
Textiles for Beginners Short Course
£540
Learn to create textile print designs through classroom discussions and practical exercises. Develop paint techniques for textiles, and explore digital development.
- Dates - 3 November 2026 to 1 December 2026
- Schedule - Tuesdays
Applied Surface Design Using Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop Short Course
£390
Create stunning surface designs. Master Illustrator and Photoshop for pattern and print applications.
- Dates - 21 November 2026 to 22 November 2026
- Schedule - Saturday and Sunday
Digital Textile Design Online Short Course
£430
Explore digital textile design. Learn techniques, tools, and processes. Cover colour, drawing, composition, and repeats with practical exercises.
- Dates - 30 September 2026 to 21 October 2026
- Schedule - Wednesdays
Who are these courses for?
From designers and makers seeking hands-on skills to textile buyers wanting insight into fabric processes, trend forecasting, sourcing and costing. Participants gain a deeper appreciation of the creative, technical and commercial aspects of the industry. Courses also introduces sustainable practices and material innovation, reflecting the evolving needs of the global fashion and textiles sector.
What will I learn?
Depending on the course you choose, you can:
- Learn foundational skills in creating jewellery or accessories
- Gain experience in using specialist tools and machinery
- Use different textiles and materials to create your piece(s)
- Practice sketching and design techniques
- Move towards product construction or creating prototypes
- Learn about establishing a business
Do I need any prior experience?
Check the course description before booking to make sure the course is right for you.
How long are the courses?
Depending on the type or format of the course you choose, it could typically run for a few consecutive days or weeks, or once per week for a few weeks.
Which course format is right for me?
- Choose an in-person, campus-based short course for immersive learning and the art college experience
- Choose a live online short course for structured teaching you can do anywhere
- Choose a self-paced short course for flexible, independent study in your own time
Where can this lead?
After completing their course students go on to:
- Apply their newfound skills to their own brand or business
- BA and MA courses at UAL or other institutions
- UAL Online postgraduate study
- Creative careers in and freelance practice in media, fashion, editorial or retail industries
Discover more...
Discover more about textiles and materials short courses
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5 reasons to start sewing
Interested in sewing? We discuss 5 reasons why you should start sewing today. We’ll explore why sewing can be a mindful activity and look at the importance of adopting a more sustainable approach to our clothing choices.
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How a short course can enrich your textiles practice
We hear from four students who completed some of our textiles and materials short courses. Find out what they had to say about their experience and how their short course has helped them develop their practice.
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Image: It is not, London College of Communication: UAL Doing a short course to boost your existing career
We discuss how a short course can benefit professional development and help you progress in your career.