BA (Hons) Design Applied Textiles
This award is one of six BA (Hons) Design Pathways which are all part of the same scheme that has been created to parallel the multidisciplinary nature of contemporary design practice and the employment opportunities that have developed around emerging design disciplines.
Please note that you need only apply to one of the scheme’s Pathways, even if you have an interest in more than one, since it is possible to transfer between Pathways throughout the course. Your final award title will be agreed prior to graduation such that you graduate with the title most appropriate to your personal design practice.
The Applied Textiles Pathway exploits the application and use of textiles in a variety of three dimensional contexts. The new generation of high-performance contemporary textiles has expanded the potential end uses into areas such as technical clothing, tensioned structures, ‘soft’ products, lighting, luggage and interactive play products, all of which have been completed as student project work in recent years. The more familiar end-uses for textile materials such as performance clothing and upholstery continue to play an important part in many project outcomes.
Students are offered the opportunity to develop design briefs through the medium of fabrics/fabric structures alongside other design outcomes. The emphasis is on allowing the student to explore the use of existing textile materials, rather than generating the fabrics themselves. The traditional visual and tactile qualities of fabrics are considered and exploited along with the increasing need to relate to the demands for sustainability in the material and its use. Lectures on the origin, design and performance of textiles support the practical projects.
In recent years, student projects have dealt with the potential end-use in depth. Students have linked with manufactures and design practices specialising in textile products, some examples include; Fit-to-suit, Techair, Big Issue, Dockers, Interface Fabrics, HighTech Lighting and Englenders.
An increasing number of graduates have taken up careers in the applied textile field, notably post-graduate technical textiles, international fashion marketing, upholstery design, fashion retail design, lighting and creative textile/designer-maker. Many more have left with a knowledge of textile applications which has given them an enhanced material ‘vocabulary’ which can be exploited in many areas of design.
Studying alongside students on the scheme’s other Pathways, the course introduces you to design principles and approaches fostering an investigative and experimental approach to resolving design briefs through creativity, an awareness of human needs, and the generation of new insights and ideas. We encourage reflection, flexibility and the independence to take increasing responsibility for focus of work, leading to self-initiated projects by the end of the course.
You have the opportunity to tackle ‘live’ briefs working with industrial partners and design consultancies, to study abroad as part of our exchange programme, and enter design competitions. Practical skills covered include applied textiles, graphic communication, multimedia design, ergonomics, copywriting and video, workshop experimentation and virtual modelling. An integrated programme of critical and contextual studies underpins the practice-based elements of the course. Through this you will gain knowledge of historical and contemporary design issues, engage with critical debate and develop research skills that enable you to rationalise, justify, promote and better develop design ideas.
The course has an optional fourth Masters year with exit points after one or three semesters offering Postgraduate certificate in design and Masters in Design respectively. This year includes a work placement and the potential for exploring the commercial potential for design projects.
There are various opportunities to visit Leeds Metropolitan University on Open Days which are held throughout the year. This is an opportunity to meet representatives from the course and see facilities. Click here to find the next open day.
Applicants who are invited for interview will meet staff and students at interview and have a guided tour of course specific facilities and studio space.
For further information contact our course administrator on 0113 812 3193 or or S.M.Ratcliffe@leedsmet.ac.uk
The general public can also see examples of student work by visiting the degree exhibition in Leeds, part of the University’s Arts Festival, and at the annual New Designers exhibition in London.