BA (Hons) Textile Design
The textile industry is evolving rapidly. We see this as an exciting opportunity to nurture independently minded designers ready to meet the demands of a dynamic, forward-thinking industry.
Blending traditional, digital and experimental practices, this course is built around innovation and sustainable thinking, combining craftsmanship and precision through hands-on making, colour and material development, and emerging technologies that amplify your ideas.
Find out more about BA (Hons) Textile Design at Arts University Plymouth.
<ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Degree: BA (Hons) Textile Design<br /></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">UCAS codes: 3-year degree WYC2 / 4-year extended degree J400<br /></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Typical UCAS points: 104–120<br /></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Course approach: project-based, student-led and collaborative</p></li></ul>
<p dir="ltr">You will explore regenerative and circular design through hands-on, non-toxic processes, alongside the creative science of colour and material development. This includes experimenting with natural dyes, responding to projects that explore biomaterials, and developing innovative applications that shape the future of textiles.</p>
<p dir="ltr">You will also work with our natural dye garden and locally sourced materials, supporting an ethos of environmentally responsible design.<br /></p>
Resources in the Textile Design studio include knitting machines, a natural dye lab where locally grown plants are used to make vibrant colours for fabric dyeing, a tufting room where students can learn how to make rugs and other textured textiles, and a screenprinting area with large tables, screen coating and washing areas, drying racks and exposure units.
<p dir="ltr">Engage critically and creatively with emerging technologies that provide new ways to amplify your ideas, using AI, 3D modelling and digital prototyping to strike a balance between craftsmanship and precision.<br /></p>
It is rare to see such a wealth of facilities as you have in Arts University Plymouth. It is an incredible site.
DANIEL HEATH, AWARD-WINNING TEXTILE & SURFACE PATTERN DESIGNER, ON A VISIT TO THE CAMPUS IN 2023
<p dir="ltr">Our industry-standard facilities include a dedicated textile print room and knit, dye, stitch and tufting studios, alongside access to Fab Lab South West tools such as laser cutters, CNC machines and 3D printers.<br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Studying in Britain’s Ocean City, you will draw inspiration from the dramatic coastlines of Devon and Cornwall and the raw textures of Dartmoor.</p>
<p dir="ltr">You’ll ground global ideas in the hyperlocal through briefs, materials and partnerships.<br /><br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">Use software trusted across the industry, AVA, Adobe Creative Cloud, WGSN and The Future Laboratory, helping you build the trend awareness and technical fluency needed to respond to global markets.<br /><br /></p>
<p dir="ltr">This course is project-based, student-led and collaborative. You’ll work on live projects and gain industry insight through guest lectures with organisations such as Finisterre, National Trust, Mercedes, Princess Yachts, Red and RAMM.</p>
<p dir="ltr">International opportunities typically include visits to leading trade shows such as Première Vision, Maison&Objet and Heimtextil, with recent trips to Milan, Paris, Amsterdam, St Ives and London.</p>
<ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Create with purpose: explore non-toxic processes, natural dyes and future-facing sustainable design.<br /></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Get hands-on: access specialist textile studios and cutting-edge digital tools in our Fab Lab.<br /></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Be inspired by place: work with materials and ideas rooted in our coast, moors and natural dye garden.<br /></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Connect with industry: collaborate on live projects and gain experience through global trips and events.<br /></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Shape your future: graduate with the skills, mindset and adaptability to thrive across fashion, interiors and material innovation.</p></li></ul>
BA (Hons) Textile Design students in our Biomaterials Lab, learning about algae-based biomaterials for textiles, led by Yan Feng, Biomaterial Researcher and Textile Designer.
<p dir="ltr">Career opportunities include: Textile Designers, Surface Pattern Designers, Design Stylists, Trend Forecasters, Materials Researchers, Textile Buyers and Sustainable Design Consultants.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Our graduates leave with an interdisciplinary mindset. They are adaptable, critical thinkers ready to innovate across the design industries, from fashion and interiors to material research and beyond.<br /></p>
<p>It blends traditional, digital and experimental practices and is built around innovation and sustainable thinking.</p>
<p>You will explore regenerative and circular design through hands-on, non-toxic processes, including natural dyes, biomaterials projects, locally sourced materials and work connected to the natural dye garden.</p>
<p>Yes. You will use AI, 3D modelling and digital prototyping to amplify your ideas and balance craftsmanship with precision.</p>
<p>You’ll have access to a dedicated textile print room, knit, dye, stitch and tufting studios, and Fab Lab South West tools such as laser cutters, CNC machines and 3D printers.</p>
<p>You’ll use AVA, Adobe Creative Cloud, WGSN and The Future Laboratory to build trend awareness and technical fluency for global markets.</p>
<p>Yes. You’ll work on live projects and gain industry insight through guest lectures with organisations such as Finisterre, National Trust, Mercedes, Princess Yachts, Red and RAMM.</p>
<p>Yes. International opportunities typically include visits to trade shows such as Première Vision, Maison&Objet and Heimtextil, with recent trips to Milan, Paris, Amsterdam, St Ives and London.</p>
<p>Career opportunities include Textile Designers, Surface Pattern Designers, Design Stylists, Trend Forecasters, Materials Researchers, Textile Buyers and Sustainable Design Consultants.</p>
“I definitely feel like our individuality was nurtured, and although hard work, the programme and tutors have given me the confidence I need to now start setting up my own business. The facilities are second to none, and if I had to re-do my degree, I would still choose Arts University Plymouth.”
Winona Flay, BA (Hons) Printed Textile Design & Surface Pattern
<p>All students at Arts University Plymouth can access specialist support via our Student Support Team. Our trained advisers offer information and guidance on student finance and funding, disability support, counselling and more.</p>
<p><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/study/undergraduate/disability-support-and-reasonable-adjustments" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Click here</a> to read more about the support we offer.</p>
<ul><li><strong>Email:</strong> <a href="mailto:admissions@aup.ac.uk">admissions@aup.ac.uk</a> / <a href="mailto:textiledesign@aup.ac.uk" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">textiledesign@aup.ac.uk</a></li><li><strong>Instagram: </strong><a href="http://www.instagram.com/aup_textiledesign" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">@aup_textiledesign</a> </li></ul>
<p>After successful completion of BA (Hons) Textile Design, your progression options at Arts University Plymouth could include some of the postgraduate courses listed below. As a graduate of the university, you will be entitled to a discount of 15% on postgraduate study fees if you choose to progress onto one of our MA programmes.</p>
