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Textiles and materials short courses

Design through texture, colour and craft

Transform materials into innovative creative outcomes. Discover courses that develop your creative skills and technical knowledge.
After the course, I was able to streamline my portfolio and collections. I've since developed my website and branding to reflect this.

— Hannah Cantellow Digital Textile Design Online Short Course Student

Explore the possibilities of material design

From surface design, digital print on textiles, sustainable practice and kniwear, discover courses that get you to experiment, create and innovate with confidence.


Get in touch to explore your progression pathway with a course bundle designed to suit your personal or professional goals.

Featured courses

Textiles and materials
Digital Print On Textiles Short Course

Digital Print On Textiles Short Course

£940

Learn how to design and print using a large format digital printer. Photoshop and Illustrator will be used to manipulate images and the resulting designs will be printed on both digital and sublimation printers.

  • Dates - 17 August 2026 to 21 August 2026
  • Schedule - Monday to Friday
Textiles and materials
Sustainable Fashion Colour and Dyeing Short Course

Sustainable Fashion Colour and Dyeing Short Course

£750

Learn hands-on dyeing with natural elements. Create your own solar oven for sustainable energy and produce plant-based dyes. Apply these dyes to protein and plant fibres, and transform your garments.

  • Dates - 7 September 2026 to 11 September 2026
  • Schedule - Monday to Friday
Textiles and materials
Hand Knitting for Beginners Short Course

Hand Knitting for Beginners Short Course

£720

This course is a fun introduction to hand knitting, with an emphasis on developing an experimental approach to your knitting.

  • Dates - 7 September 2026 to 11 September 2026
  • Schedule - Monday to Friday
Textiles and materials
Drawing And Painting For Textile Design Short Course

Drawing And Painting For Textile Design Short Course

£810

Learn core drawing and painting skills for textile design. Explore techniques and strategies to refine your ideas and create textile prints.

  • Dates - 12 July 2027 to 16 July 2027
  • Schedule - Monday to Friday

Who are these courses for?

Designed for creatives and industry professionals alike, our range of textiles and materials short courses are ideal for anyone interested in understanding how textiles and materials are designed, developed and used.

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?

    No prior experience is required for most courses. Each course is designed to be accessible, with clear guidance throughout.


    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...

    I'm looking forward to using all the new skills I learned to make garments for myself and my friends.

    — Jen, Short Course Student

    Discover more about textiles and materials short courses

    • 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.

    • 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.

    • 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.

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