Here is a guide to the subjects studied on this course.
Courses are continually reviewed to take advantage of new teaching approaches and developments in research, industry and the professions. Please be aware that modules may change for your year of entry. The exact modules available and their order may vary depending on course updates, staff availability, timetabling and student demand. Please contact the course team for the most up to date module list.
Year one
Cultural Contexts
Year: 1
Status: C
Cultural Contexts is a lecture, seminar and study-visit based module that introduces you to the broad cultural contexts of textiles and fashion, and to the essential study skills for undergraduate learning. It encourages reflective practice and supports you as you conduct independent research and explore ways to source, organise, analyse and present the thinking behind your developing practice.
Fundamental Skills 1
Year: 1
Status: C
This module is the first practical module on the BA Hons Textile Art, Design and Fashion Course and introduces the fundamental skills in textiles and fashion. You will develop core skills by exploring approaches to drawing, idea development, colour theory, computer aided design, fabrics and their functions. Workshop practice is experienced in small groups and project work will be created in embroidery, print, fashion, knit and weave. Ideas can be developed for fashion garment, accessory, sample collections, interiors, costume or artwork.
Research & Writing 1: Methods & Approaches
Year: 1
Status: C
This Research and Writing module is lecture and seminar based, it introduces you to key ideas, developments and debates in Textile art, Design and Fashion. You will learn of the broad artistic, cultural and economic contexts in which textiles and fashion have been made and used. Coursework supports you in establishing best practice in critical thinking, research and writing skills.
Fundamental Skills 2
Year: 1
Status: C
This module builds on fundamental skills 1 in the Textile Art, Design and fashion Course. You will continue to develop core skills in visual investigation, ideas and development, colour theory, Computer Aided Design (photoshop and illustrator) fabrics and function. There is an introduction to employability in textiles and fashion. Workshop practice is experienced in small groups in embroidery, fashion, knit, print and weave. Ideas developed in the workshops could be for fashion garment, accessory, sample collections, costume, interiors or artwork.
Year two
Specialist Skills 1
Year: 2
Status: C
Specialist Skills 1 enables you to build on the skills and knowledge gained during the Fundamental Skills modules in first year and is your first opportunity to establish an individual pathway though the course. You will choose two of the five specialisms offered by Textile Art, Design and Fashion and will develop ideas and concepts appropriate to your decision to be an artist or designer. You will be expected to take an exploratory and experimental approach to the development of your work throughout the semester.
This module encourages the development of the creative and critical thinking and supports decision-making and self-evaluation in skills based studio and workshop environment.
Professional Practice 1: Work Based Learning
Year: 2
Status: C
Professional Practice will introduce you to the professional aspects of being an artist/designer in a rapidly changing society. It investigates the role of an independent creative artist/designer and also explores other fields where their attributes and skills are increasingly acknowledged, needed and valued as having wider application.
Research and Writing 2: Critical Frameworks
Year: 2
Status: C
This module consolidates critical skills development and prepares you for the final year essay/ market report. It fosters independence and self-direction and peer-learning, using theoretical models and case studies so you develop an understanding of the ways in which ideas, issues and discourses are constructed and articulated in relation to textile art, design and fashion.
Specialist Skills 2
Year: 2
Status: C
This module enables you to build upon the skills acquired at level 4 and the advanced skills gained in the first semester of level 5 and to firmly establish your own direction by choosing to specialise in one discipline, either embroidery, weave, knit, print or fashion and approach that discipline as either an artist or designer. The module emphasises the development of creative and critical thinking and supports decision-making and self-evaluation. It encourages you to link your ideas and concepts with appropriate material processes and take a challenging exploratory and experimental approach to textiles and fashion.
Year three
Placement
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This is an optional placement year for students on the Ba Hons Textile Art, Design and Fashion Course who have completed Level 5 prior to the final year of study. The placement must be a minimum of 25 weeks duration and can be in a broad range of Art/Professional practice. A programme of work is agreed by the student, the Placement Tutor and the Placement Partner and usually takes place in Europe with respect to the relevant health and safety and disability regulations.(SENDO). The placement is designed to increase experience of workshop/studio/communal and technical practice, while broadening and enhancing the student's social, personal and professional development. Upon successful completion of the placement year the student is awarded, on graduation from the course, a Diploma in Professional Practice (DPP) or a Diploma in Professional Practice (DPPI) International if they complete the module outside the UK and Ireland.
International Academic Studies
Status: O
Year: 3
This module is optional
This module provides an opportunity to undertake an extended period of study outside the UK and Republic of Ireland. Students will develop an enhanced understanding of the academic discipline whilst generating educational and cultural networks.
Year four
Research & Writing 3: The Essay/ Report
Year: 4
Status: C
This stand-alone 20 cps research and writing module lasts for 6 weeks in the first semester of final year, and delivers two options of coursework (see below). This means that the 80 cps practice module (TDF505) starts in week 7 and runs until the end of the second semester. Students can then concentrate solely on both the research module and the subsequent practice module with no conflict between learning, research or time management in either. With TDF501 concluded, its results can then more profitably and efficiently be fed into, and contribute to, TDF505.
The Essay: This strand is text-based and facilitates a broader understanding of the context of textiles and fashion practice, both historical and contemporary, and the broader practices of art and design using theoretical debates, factual information and analytical methodologies in a written, academic outcome.
The Report: This strand requires students to make an strategic analysis of market levels and to identify and justify how their own studio practice will fit into a selected market. The analysis will take the form of a professionally-produced market research report, plus research folio.
The independent, student-led nature of this module, and its stand-alone time-frame, via sourcing and completion of an essay or report, will demonstrate intellectual confidence, independent research and communication skills, both verbal and/or written. Its 6 week schedule allows students to focus wholly on the discursive and analytical while permitting equal engagement with the TDF505 module, starting in week 7 until the final shows in May, without conflict or overlap.
Professional Practice 2: Graduate Skills
Year: 4
Status: C
This Graduate Skills is the last 20 credit module in Textile Art, Design and Fashion. The module will focus on the key strategies that will help you prepare for graduate life, career development and employment. The module will provide you with a promotional portfolio and a 5-year strategic career plan, supported by valuable resources, tools, case studies and signposts to allow you to tailor the resource material to your specific career ambitions. It will adopt a professional and entrepreneurial approach to planning a career within a broad spectrum of the creative industries.
Major Project
Year: 4
Status: C
Major Project is the final practice based module on Textile Art, Design and Fashion. Working ambitiously and critically as a self-directed artist or designer you will integrate practical, aesthetic and intellectual knowledge resulting in final artworks or collection and a professional portfolio. This 80 credit module spans two semesters and allows for ambition, risk- taking and continuity of practice preparing you for your future career.
