Textiles - Level 3 Extended Diploma (UAL)

Brand new course for 2024/25

The Textiles course offered through the Creative Practice and Communication specification (UAL) is a vibrant exploration into the world of fabric, materials, and creative design. Tailored for individuals passionate about textile innovation and design, this program equips students with the skills and insights necessary to thrive in the diverse and dynamic field of textiles.

The curriculum seamlessly combines traditional textile techniques with contemporary design approaches. Students delve into a spectrum of textile materials, surface treatments, printmaking, and textile construction methods. They explore the interplay between textures, colours, and patterns, understanding how to manipulate fabrics to create innovative and sustainable textile solutions.

The course emphasizes experimentation and creativity. Students engage in hands-on workshops, encouraging them to push the boundaries of traditional textile design. From weaving and dyeing to digital printing and innovative material exploration, students have the freedom to explore diverse techniques and materials to create unique textile expressions.

Moreover, the program fosters a holistic understanding of textiles within broader contexts. Students study historical and cultural influences on textiles, as well as the contemporary implications of sustainable practices and technological advancements in the industry.

Industry engagement is pivotal to this course. Through collaborations with textile manufacturers, industry professionals, and design studios, students gain practical insights, refine their skills, and prepare for the multifaceted demands of the textile industry.

Extended Diplomas have two one-year programmes. You need to finish the first year before moving on to the second.

The Textiles course within the Creative Practice and Communication specification  (UAL) is structured across modules that provide a comprehensive understanding of textile design, material exploration, and creative practices.

Year 1: Foundation and Fundamental Concepts

Introduction to Textile Techniques: Foundational modules cover basic textile techniques such as weaving, printing, dyeing, and surface embellishment. Students learn fundamental skills in textile manipulation and construction.

Material Exploration: Emphasis on exploring a variety of textile materials, fibres, and surfaces. Students experiment with different fabrics, yarns, and sustainable materials to understand their properties and applications.

Textile Design Fundamentals: Introduction to design principles applied to textiles. Students learn about colour theory, pattern development, and textile design concepts through workshops and projects.

Digital Applications in Textiles: Introduction to digital design tools and software for textile design. Students explore digital printing techniques and computer-aided design (CAD) for textile patterns and surface designs.

Year 2: Specialisation and Advanced Concepts

Advanced Textile Techniques: Progression to more specialised techniques such as advanced weaving, fabric manipulation, and experimental surface treatments. Students refine their technical skills in textile creation.

Textile Design Studio Practice: Specialised design studios focusing on specific aspects of textile design, such as print design, knitwear, or sustainable textiles. Emphasis on developing a unique design style and conceptual approach.

Textile Contextual Studies: A deeper exploration into historical, cultural, and contemporary influences on textile design. Students study trends, sustainability in textiles, and the impact of technology on the industry.

Industry Collaborations and Professional Practice: Engagement with industry partners, live projects, or internships in textile design studios or manufacturing units. Real-world applications and experiences provide practical insights and skill enhancement.

Final Major Project and Portfolio Development: Culmination of the course with a major individual project, often accompanied by a comprehensive portfolio showcasing the students' best work and proficiency across various textile design domains.

This structured breakdown ensures a progressive learning trajectory, covering foundational concepts in the initial year and allowing students to specialise, apply advanced skills, and prepare for professional roles in the dynamic field of textile design by the end of the program.

You will need:

• Four GCSEs at grade 4 or above, including English Language or Maths or an equivalent Level 2 qualification at Merit (and Functional Skills in English at Level 2/GCSE English Language at grade 4 or above)
• A portfolio of your art and design work

All applicants must have an interview to confirm that the course is suitable for them.

The assessment methods for the Textiles course within the Creative Practice and Communication specification  (UAL) employ various techniques to evaluate students' theoretical knowledge, practical skills, creativity, and their application in the field of textile design and innovation.

Project-Based Assessments: Students complete a series of textile design projects throughout the course. These projects involve designing and creating textiles using various techniques like weaving, printing, or surface embellishment. Assessments evaluate creativity, technical proficiency, and the ability to translate concepts into tangible textile designs.

Portfolio Development: Students compile a comprehensive portfolio showcasing their best work, demonstrating their progression, skills, and versatility in textile design. This portfolio serves as a summative assessment of their abilities over the course duration.

Presentations and Critiques: Students present their textile projects to a panel of faculty, industry experts, or peers. This assessment method evaluates their communication skills, ability to articulate design concepts, and respond to critiques effectively.

Technical Skills Assessment: Evaluation of technical skills in textile manipulation, construction, printing, and digital design tools. This assesses proficiency in utilizing various textile techniques and technology for design purposes.

Written Assignments and Reflections: Assessments may include written assignments, critical reflections on design processes, textile trends, sustainability in textiles, or analytical essays related to textile design theories and practices.

Sustainability and Ethical Considerations: Assessment of students' understanding and application of sustainable practices and ethical considerations in textile design and production.

Final Project Evaluation: Culmination of the course with a major individual project, accompanied by an assessment focusing on innovation, creativity, design process, and the ability to address contemporary challenges in textile design.

These diverse assessment methods ensure a comprehensive evaluation of abilities, readiness for the textile industry, and their capacity to create innovative, sustainable, and visually compelling textile designs, preparing them for roles as textile designers, material researchers, or industry innovators.

Aged 16-18

If you will be aged 16, 17 or 18 on 31st August prior to the start date of your course and you have the legal right to remain in the UK for the duration of your programme then your study with us will be free. Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

Adults - Level 3

If you will be aged 19 to 23 prior to the start date of your course, and do not already have a full Level 3 qualification, you may be eligible for a Level 3 entitlement, in which case your study with us will be free. If you are older, or already have a Level 3, we have many other Level 3 courses that are also free to study. Otherwise, you will have to pay the fees yourself or apply for an Advanced Learner Loan.

Please see here for the documents you will need to show us.

Some courses will have other associated costs, such as for specialist materials and trips. Many of our students are eligible for financial support, see here for details.

Upon completion, graduates emerge ready for roles as textile designers, material researchers, surface pattern designers, or sustainable textile innovators. The Textiles course at UAL stands as a gateway for individuals seeking to weave their creativity into tangible, functional, and aesthetically captivating textile designs.