Skip to main content
Undergraduate

BA (Hons) Textile Design

Six patterned fabrics hung from a white wall
Yuqi Wu, BA Textile Design (Print)
College
Central Saint Martins
UCAS code
W235
Start date
September 2024
Course length
Three years full-time or four years full-time with Diploma in Professional Studies

Across three specialist pathways BA Textile Design explores traditional, digital and experimental approaches to textile design.

Please note this course is undergoing re-approval.

Every 5 years the University reviews course content to ensure that our students are benefitting from a high-quality academic experience. During this process there may be some changes made to the course which are not immediately reflected in the content displayed on this page. The information on this page will be updated once the process has been completed. Please contact us if you have any questions about this or the course via study@csm.arts.ac.uk.

Specialising in Print, Knit or Weave, you will maximise your potential by developing an individual design philosophy, informed by historical, cultural, technical and sustainable knowledge. This course is part of the Jewellery, Textiles and Materials programme.

Why choose this course at Central Saint Martins

  • Successful alumni: Our notable graduates include Kangan Arora, Alex Gore Browne, Mary Katranzou, Derek Lawlor, Ptolemy Mann, Alice Temperley, Wallace & Sewell and Wool and the Gang.
  • Industry opportunities: Industry collaborations on the course have included work with Anthropologie, the British Library, DAKS, Dashing Tweeds, Edun, Gainsborough, Lego, Pink, Swarovski, Vanners, Vlisco, the Wellcome Trust and WGSN. The College and course team also have a range of international industrial links. These provide live projects, sponsorship and media coverage. They can also offer you an initial network of contacts.
  • Diverse careers: Our graduates have gone on to work in a variety of roles. These include designers, designer-makers, researchers, buyers, stylists, illustrators, concept and trend forecasters and journalists. Many also go on to postgraduate study.
  • Diagnostic pathway structure: You will have the chance to study two or three of the specialist areas of Print, Knit and Weave. This allows you to gradually learn which suits your talents best, before you decide which of them to study in depth.

Open days

There are currently no open days scheduled for this course, please check back at a later date.

Recording:

Watch a recording of the recent BA Textile Design online open day.

Virtual tours:

You might be interested in checking out the College’s facilities and technical spaces through our virtual tours.

Scholarships, bursaries and awards

Swarovski Conscious Design Hub

Learn more about the partnership with Swarovski, and student approaches to sustainability and conscious design

Course overview

Textiles are all around us – in what we wear, in the products and surfaces in our home, work, leisure and travel environments. In the current industry climate, rich with innovation and collaboration, the future of textiles has never been so exciting. Now, graduates need to be more ingenious than ever. They must be able to embrace the opportunities presented by constant changes in media and technologies. They also need to address the growing demand for sustainable practice and responsible design.  

BA Textile Design will teach you how to thrive within this complex working environment. You will be introduced to a wide range of professional contexts and the skills they demand. This will be addressed through project work, technical workshops and the professional practices and research of the staff team. You will also benefit from a programme of cultural studies, careers and business awareness, as well as the expertise of visiting speakers. 

The course offers three pathways: Print, Knit and Weave. These are taught alongside digital, non-traditional and sustainable approaches to textile design, concept creation and presentation. You will also have access to workshops in alternative surface treatments, media and technologies. During your first year, you will study two or three pathways to learn which most suits you. Early in your second year, you will select one to study in depth, with help from the staff team. By specialising at this stage in the course, we will encourage you to become an expert but flexible designer.  

BA Textile Design will encourage you to engage with different contexts, materials and technologies, to give a rich, diverse design education. This approach provides a broad basis of experience and an awareness of the totality of textile practice. The course will maximise your creative and intellectual potential, exploring your own creative identity alongside learning professional and practical skills. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy College-wide, multidisciplinary events throughout your studies. 

We are committed to developing ethical textile design practices. To achieve this, we are working to embed UAL's Principles for Climate, Social and Racial Justice into the course.

Course units

Stage 1 

Unit 1: Textiles: Introduction to Study in Higher Education
Unit 2: Investigation, Exploration and Process 
Unit 3: Research, Concept, Design and Communication 
Unit 4: Cultural Histories and Theories (Textiles) 

 
Stage 1 begins by introducing you to the three principal areas of Print, Knit and Weave, alongside visual research and colour skills. You will build design development skills and will be introduced to experimental ways of working and thinking. By developing collections of designs and fabrics, exploring two of the pathways in more depth, you will learn specialist processes associated with each area. This will help you to form the beginning of your own design direction. 

Stage 2 

Unit 5: Research Methods and Approaches (Textiles) 
Unit 6: Speculation, Fabrication, Visualisation and Professional Context  
Unit 7: Textile Design Experimentation and Innovation  
Unit 8: Design, Context and Professional Development  

During Stage 2 you will develop your research, practical and critical skills and focus your specialist interests and design strengths. Spring term marks the point where you begin to focus your studies on Print, Knit or Weave. Projects in this stage place a strong emphasis on personal expression, risk-taking and professional context. During this stage you will develop your professional and employability skills. 

Stage 3 

Unit 9: Major Project Research and Development: Identity, Proposal and Context 
Unit 10: Dissertation 
Unit 11: Major Project: Realisation and Presentation 

Stage 3 allows you to push and refine the skills you have learnt so far. You will focus your personal design direction, developing innovative and resolved outcomes for a more focused design context. From the spring term, you will concentrate on your degree collection. For the dissertation unit, you are free to choose an area of study within art, design, media or popular culture. 

Cultural studies 

An important part of the course is cultural studies. This offers a range of ideas, skills and learning resources to analyse objects, images, spaces and practices in art, design, popular and media culture. Here you also work with students from other courses.  

Cultural studies takes place in Stages 1, 2 and 3. You will explore key research methods and approaches. These include topics such as visual culture, material culture, social identity, modernity and postmodernity, consumption and taste, design activism, ethics and sustainability, race and the postcolonial, gender and sexuality.  
 
Cultural studies enhances communication skills and provides a deeper understanding of the social and political contexts for creative work in design. The research and communication skills you will acquire in this part of the course are key skills expected of graduates.  

Diploma in Professional Studies 

Between Stage 2 and Stage 3 of the course there is an option for you to work with industry for the duration of an academic year (across three terms/two blocks) and complete a Diploma in Professional Studies. Whilst the Diploma is an optional aspect of the course, it is designed as an integrated and assessed part of your journey through the course, if you do take up this option. The Diploma results in a standalone qualification (rated at 120 credits), which involves researching, undertaking and reflecting on a 100 day/20-week (minimum) placement related to your professional interests and aspirations. The Diploma provides a valuable opportunity to make professional contacts and to develop your personal employability skills. 

Mode of study 

BA Textile Design runs for 90 weeks in full-time mode. It is divided into 3 stages over 3 academic years. Each stage lasts 30 weeks.   

You will be expected to commit 40 hours per week to study.   

Credit and award requirements 

The course is credit-rated at 360 credits, with 120 credits at each stage (level).  

On successfully completing the course, you will gain a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA Hons degree).  

Under the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications the stages for a BA are: Stage 1 (Level 4), Stage 2 (Level 5) and Stage 3 (Level 6). In order to progress to the next stage, all units of the preceding stage must normally be passed: 120 credits must be achieved in each stage. The classification of the award will be derived from the marks of units in Stages 2 and 3 or only Stage 3, using a dual algorithm.  

If you are unable to continue on the course, a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) will normally be offered following the successful completion of Level 4 (or 120 credits), or a Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE) following the successful completion of Level 5 (or 240 credits). 

Learning and teaching methods

The learning and teaching methods devised for this course include:

  • Workshop and studio tuition 
  • Project work 
  • Interdisciplinary group and teamwork 
  • Briefing documents and briefing meetings 
  • Seminars, lectures or studio talks 
  • Presentations, group or peer critiques 
  • Studio demonstrations 
  • Potential field study visits 
  • Peer learning and feedback 
  • Independent study 
  • Self-evaluation, individual and group tutorials. 

Talking textile careers: Sian Zeng, alum and Founder of Sian Zeng London

Edun capsule collection project

Diploma in Professional Studies

Graduate Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Showcase

  • Footwear of the Symbiocene
    Footwear of the Symbiocene, Lara Lopez Ayuso, 2023 BA (Hons) Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • CHOI RITU
    CHOI RITU, Nowshin Sharmeli Prenon, 2023 BA (Hons) Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • Skeletal System
    Skeletal System, Jiayan Diao, 2023 BA (Hons) Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • Full Circle
    Full Circle, Shallu Aneja, 2023 BA (Hons) Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • Survival
    Survival, Anna Hambidge, 2023 BA (Hons) Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • Crystals Knit - Let’s be precious!
    Crystals Knit - Let’s be precious!, Margot Poddevin, 2023 BA (Hons) Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • I'M A VICTIM OF THIS SONG
    I'M A VICTIM OF THIS SONG, Annette Levin, 2023 BA (Hons) Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • Threads of Information
    Threads of Information, Fredrik Link, 2023 BA (Hons) Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • ENVERO -
    ENVERO -, Hanna Whiteman, 2023 BA (Hons) Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • ‘Baozhu’
    ‘Baozhu’, Yumo Yuan, 2023 BA (Hons) Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL

Course publications

BA Textile Design stories

  • One of the first sample dips on white cotton. Photo: Fleur Wilson.

    Regenerating print and dye at CSM

    Specialist Print and Dye Technician Florence Hawkins has been developing sustainable and organic dye and print colour systems at Central Saint Martins for students across Fashion and Textiles.

  • Photo: Gareth Johnson⁠

    It’s time to talk about Parkinson’s dementia

    CSM Programme Director and artist Anne Marr and neurosurgeon Dr Rimona Weil on a project to support conversations around Parkinson's dementia - and 2 new booklets, one for clinical settings and one for people with lived experience and their families.

  • Dungeness, by Martha Ashby for Coordonne

    BA Textile Design x Coordonné unveil Rest Time wallpaper collection

    Year 2 BA Textile Design students on the Print pathway interpreted the theme of rest in a collaboration with Spanish wallcovering brand Coordonné. Ten students’ artworks were taken into production by the design house for the Rest Time range.

  • Bio-Invasive Textile Library, Xue Chen

    The Mills Fabrica Innovation Award 2023: Xue Chen

    Xue Chen, MA Biodesign has won The Mills Fabrica Innovation Award 2023 for her final project Bio-Invasive Textile Library.

Facilities

  • A student in the print and dye workshop
    © Alys Tomlinson
  • A selection of coloured yarns on spools
    Image courtesy of Central Saint Martins,
  • A student using a loom
    Image courtesy of Central Saint Martins,

Staff

Technical Coordinator - Fashion and Textiles: Becky Edwards
Senior Dye and Digital Print Technician: Tansy Hamley
2D Specialist Print Technician: Laura Baker
Specialist Print and Dye Technician: June Fish
Specialist Technician for Constructed Textiles: Linsay Robinson

Fees and funding

Home fee

£9,250 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.

Home fees are currently charged to UK nationals and UK residents who meet the rules. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees and determining your fee status.

International fee

£28,570 per year

This fee is correct for entry in autumn 2024 and is subject to change for entry in autumn 2025.

Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.

Students from countries outside of the UK will generally be charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about tuition fees and determining your fee status.

Scholarship search

Entry requirements

The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:

120 UCAS tariff points which can be made up of one or a combination of the following accepted full Level 3 qualifications:

  • Three A Levels at grades ABC (at least one subject must include Art, Art and Design or Design and Technology)
  • Pass at Foundation Diploma in Art and Design (Level 3 or 4) and one A Level at grade C or above
  • Distinction, Merit, Merit at BTEC Extended Diploma (preferred subjects include Art, Art and Design or Design and Technology)
  • Merit at UAL Extended Diploma
  • Access to Higher Education Diploma equivalent to 120 UCAS tariff points (preferred subjects include Art, Art and Design or Design and Technology)
  • Equivalent EU/international qualifications, such as International Baccalaureate Diploma (26 points)

And three GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*–C).

Entry to this course will also be determined by assessment of your portfolio. A very high proportion of successful applicants complete a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.

APEL - Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning

Exceptionally applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:

  • Related academic or work experience
  • The quality of the personal statement
  • A strong academic or other professional reference

Or a combination of these factors.

Each application will be considered on its own merit but cannot guarantee an offer in each case.

English language requirements

IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking (please check our main English language requirements webpage).

Selection criteria

What we are looking for

We are looking for creative and ambitious individuals, who show initiative, commitment, and can diversify their disciplines, bringing radical curiosity to their design thinking, process, and final outcomes.

Applicants are selected according to their demonstration of potential and current ability in the following areas:

Work Imaginatively and Creatively

  •  Engage with 2D and 3D experimentation
  •  Take informed risks, whether working independently or collaboratively
  •  Demonstrate broad interests in art and design

Intellectual Inquiry

  • Develop your own ideas and address both set briefs, and personal projects
  • Evidence of critical reflection and evaluation of your achievements
  • Identify social and cultural influences in your work

Skills

  • Demonstrate a range of approaches to design development through image-making, materials, primary and secondary research, and colour exploration
  • Evidence of handling materials with sensitivity to their qualities

Communication

  • Articulate and communicate your work in individual and group situations
  • Demonstrate an awareness of planning and time management skills
  • Present your work appropriately and effectively

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

Home students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W235

Start your application

Apply now

Application deadline

31 January 2024 at 18:00 (UK time)

If there are places available after this date, the course will remain open to applications until places have been filled.

Apply to UAL

International students can apply to this course through UCAS with the following codes:

University code:

U65

UCAS code:

W235

Start your application
or

Apply with a UAL Representative

Based across the world, our local UAL representatives can support you with your application from your home country. Check to see if there is a representative available in your country currently.

Find your representative

How to apply

Follow this step-by-step guide to apply for this course

Step 1: Initial application

You will need to submit an initial application including your personal statement.

Personal statement advice

Your personal statement should be maximum 4,000 characters and cover the following:

  • Why have you chosen this course? What excites you about the subject?
  • How does your previous or current study relate to the course?
  • Have you got any work experience that might help you?
  • Have any life experiences influenced your decision to apply for this course?
  • What skills do you have that make you perfect for this course?
  • What plans and ambitions do you have for your future career?

Visit our personal statement page for more advice.

Step 2: Digital portfolio

We will review your initial application. If you have met the standard entry requirements, we will ask you to submit a digital portfolio.

You’ll need to submit this via PebblePad, our online portfolio tool.

Digital portfolio advice

Your portfolio should consist of recent work that reflects your creative strengths.

It should:

  • be maximum 25 pages
  • include examples that best showcase your textile techniques and practical skills
  • include works in progress to demonstrate your development processes from initial concept to final outcome
  • include sketches, 2D work and photographs of any 3D work that you’ve produced
  • demonstrate your experimentation with a range of materials, methods and mediums
  • include any research that has helped inform and inspire your creative practice.

For more support, see our Portfolio advice and PebblePad advice.

Step 3: Interview

You may be invited to an interview following our review of your application. All interviews are held online and last 15 to 20 minutes.

For top tips, see our Interview advice.

You also need to know

Communicating with you

Once you have submitted your initial application, we will email you with your login details for our Applicant portal.

Requests for supplementary documents like qualifications and English language tests will be made through the applicant portal. You can also use it to ask questions regarding your application. Visit our After you apply page for more information.

Visas and immigration history check

All non-UK nationals must complete an immigration history check. Your application may be considered by our course teams before this check takes place. This means that we may request your portfolio and/or video task before we identify any issues arising from your immigration history check. Sometimes your history may mean that we are not able to continue considering your application. Visit our Immigration and visas advice page for more information.

External student transfer policy

UAL accepts transfers from other institutions on a case-by-case basis. Read our Student transfer policy for more information.

Alternative offers

If your application is really strong, but we believe your strengths and skillset are better suited to a different course, we may make you an alternative offer. This means you will be offered a place on a different course or at a different UAL College.

Deferring your place

You must apply in the year that you intend to start your course. If you are made an offer and your circumstances change, you can submit a deferral request to defer your place by 1 academic year. You must have met your conditions by 31 August 2024. If you need an English language test in order to meet the entry requirements, the test must be valid on the deferred start date of your course. If not, you will need to reapply. Requests are granted on a first-come, first-served basis.

Contextual Admissions

This course is part of the Contextual Admissions scheme.

This scheme helps us better understand your personal circumstances so that we can assess your application fairly and in context. This ensures that your individual merit and creative potential can shine through, no matter what opportunities and experiences you have received.

Careers

BA Textile Design graduates are equipped to pursue a wide range of careers as designers, designer-makers, researchers, buyers, stylists and illustrators.

They also work in concept and trend forecasting, in the theatre or in journalism, and are able to embrace a wide variety of opportunities presented by the global textiles and design industries. Many go on to postgraduate study.

The Course encourages a culture of ‘flexible specialists’ with a wide range of transferable design skills. Graduates have embarked into successful careers working with companies such as: Calvin Klein, Mark Fast, Alexander McQueen, Paul & Jo, Givenchy, Nissan Europe, Gainsborough, Vanners, Fiorette, Mascioni, H&M, Ford, Nokia, M&S, Ted Baker, Oasis, Dazed and Confused, Anthropology, Lyle & Scott, Liberty and others.

Recent BA Textile Design alumni activity demonstrates the breadth of student activity within the subject, with these names among others achieving prominence: Alice Temperley, Ptolemy Mann, Alex Gore Brown, Elaine Ng, Leutton&Postle, Sian Zheng Terence Coran, Lisa Stickly, Wallace & Sewell, Mary Katranzou.

Awards

Recent graduates have been awarded:

  • British Fashion Council Award
  • Vauxhall Fashion Scout Award
  • Texprint Colour, Pattern and Lululemon
  • Shortlisted for Designer of the Year 2013, Elle Decoration
  • TED Fellowship
  • Surface Design Award Finalist
  • Peter Collingwood Trust Award
  • Worshipful Company of Weavers Award
  • Worshipful Company of Framework, Knitters Award
  • Clothworkers’ Foundation Print Bursary
  • Clockpit Arts/ Clothworkers’ Foundation