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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 2023
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.

Apply to start in September 2023 

This course has places available. Read our Guide to applying for a course starting this September through UCAS Extra. For a full list of UAL courses open for 2023/24 entry, visit the Courses with places available page.

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.

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 have the opportunity to work with students from BA and MA FashionBA Jewellery DesignMA Material Futures and MA Biodesign. You will also have the opportunity to enjoy College-wide, multidisciplinary events throughout your studies. 

Contact us

Register your interest to receive information and updates about studying at UAL.

Contact us to make an enquiry.

Course dates

Autumn term
Monday 26 September 2022 – Friday 9 December 2022
Spring term
Monday 9 January 2023 – Friday 17 March 2023
Summer term
Monday 11 April 2023 – Friday 16 June 2023

Related content

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

Graduate Showcase

Explore work by our recent students on the UAL Graduate Showcase

  • Gratitude
    Gratitude, Aramatou Toure, 2022 BA (Hons) Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • Light Trails
    Light Trails, Kate Winning, 2022 BA (Hons) Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • Drifter
    Drifter, Lara Pain, 2022 BA (Hons) Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • Spinster forever
    Spinster forever, Monique Fei (Marie Fillon), 2022 BA (Hons) Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • Wrapping Hugging
    Wrapping Hugging, Eunwoo Jeong, 2022 BA (Hons) Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • Psychedelic Anatolia
    Psychedelic Anatolia, Zeynep Agirbas, 2022 BA (Hons) Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • As It Is
    As It Is, Ela Mete, 2022 BA (Hons) Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • Diaspora : "Remembering"
    Diaspora : "Remembering", Nusra Nijimbere, 2022 BA (Hons) Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL
  • "Professions à Superstitions"
    "Professions à Superstitions", Stella Salmon, 2022 BA (Hons) Textile Design, Central Saint Martins, UAL

Course publications

BA Textile Design stories

Facilities

  • Two technicians in the print and dye workshop
    © Alys Tomlinson
  • A person using a large knitting machine
    Image courtesy of Central Saint Martins,
  • Photograph of different brightly coloured woven textile samples
    Image courtesy of Central Saint Martins,

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 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

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

£25,970 per year

This fee is correct for 2023/24 entry and is subject to change for 2024/25 entry.

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

Places available 2023/24 

This course has places available for 2023/24 entry. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

You should apply through UCAS and you will need the following information:

University code:          U65

UCAS Code:                 W235

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

Year 2, if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1

Year 3, if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry).  Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.

Please be ready to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Deferred entry

Central Saint Martins does not accept applications for deferred entry. You should therefore apply in the year you wish to study.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 18.00 (UK Time) on 25 January 2023 for equal consideration.  However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal.  We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents / portfolio / book an interview, through the portal.  You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.

Places available 2023/24 

This course has places available for 2023/24 entry. Applications for 2024/25 entry will open in Autumn 2023.

There are two ways international students can apply to an undergraduate course at Central Saint Martins:

You can only apply to the same course once per year.

When applying via UCAS you will need the following information:

University code:          U65

UCAS Code:                 W235

Transfers

If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:

Year 2, if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1

Year 3, if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2

Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry).  Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.

Please be ready to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.

Visas

Read our visit our immigration and visa advice page to find out whether you need a visa to study.

Deferred entry

Central Saint Martins does not accept applications for deferred entry. You should therefore apply in the year you wish to study.

Application deadline

We recommend you apply by 18.00 (UK Time) on 25 January 2023 for equal consideration.  However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.

Immigration history check

You will be asked to complete an immigration history check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL.  We will not be able to proceed with your application until you have submitted your completed Immigration History Form.

Communicating with you

After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal.  We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents / portfolio / book an interview, through the portal.  You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.

After you apply

What happens next

Initial application check

We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course.  If you do, you will be invited to submit a digital portfolio through UAL’s online portfolio review system.

Digital portfolio

Your portfolio should consist of no more than 25 pages and should consist of recent artwork and should reflect your creative strengths. You can create the pages in any layout (For example: presentation boards) but they should be uploaded as jpeg images. It should include:

  • Sketching
  • 2D and 3D work including experimentation and development
  • Material and Media manipulation
  • Inspiration and research material
  • Demonstration of textile techniques and skills.

For more portfolio advice please visit our portfolio advice page.

Interview

Following the review of the portfolio we select a small number of applicants to move on to the next stage of the process.  These applicants will be invited to an online interview lasting 15 to 20 minutes.

How we notify you of the outcome of your application

You will receive the final outcome of your application through UCAS Hub.

Feedback

This course receives a high number of applications, and unfortunately we cannot provide feedback to everyone who is unsuccessful. We can only provide feedback after you have had an interview.

If you would like to request feedback, please contact us via your portal.

Each and every application is carefully considered by a member(s) of our academic team. With so many strong applicants to choose from, it is often a very difficult decision to make. If you are unsuccessful, you are welcome to apply to us again in the future.

Deferring your place

This course accepts requests from offer holders to defer their place for one academic year. Deferral requests are granted on a first-come, first served basis until all deferral places are filled, or a deadline has been reached, whichever is sooner.

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