MA Design (Textiles)
This course is focused on the research, design and production of textiles and their use in the fashion, interior, and transportation sectors. You will have the opportunity to focus on either structured or printed textiles, deploying both traditional techniques and emerging methods, using bio-based materials, natural dyeing and digital technologies in a hyperlocal and place-based context.
Build upon your existing study or industry experience through a research-led, studio-based investigation of the current production methods and creative approaches to the art and science of textiles. Whether you are a small-scale studio designer or have the ambition to disrupt existing textile industries, the course curriculum will encourage you to uncover your personal objectives and allow you to tailor your research within a broad range of options.
<ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Award: MA Design (Textiles)<br /></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Sectors: fashion, interior and transportation<br /></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Focus options: structured textiles or printed textiles<br /></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Context: hyperlocal and place-based</p></li></ul>
In 2024, as part of a British Council-supported residency, Arts University Plymouth hosted a workshop by Shamji Vankar, a master weaver from the Kachchh region in north India.
<p dir="ltr">Build upon your existing study or industry experience through a research-led, studio-based investigation of the current production methods and creative approaches to the art and science of textiles. This equips you with the historical and practical knowledge to work within a creative sector that interfaces with a large variety of contemporary industries.<br /></p>
<p>You will have the opportunity to focus on either structured or printed textiles, deploying both traditional techniques and emerging methods. You will work with bio-based materials, natural dyeing and digital technologies in a hyperlocal and place-based context.</p>
<p>Whether you are a small-scale studio designer or have the ambition to disrupt existing textile industries through the development of innovative manufacturing protocols or material processes, the course curriculum will encourage you to uncover your personal objectives and allow you to tailor your research within a broad range of options.</p>
<p dir="ltr">Working in the context of a rich programme of visiting specialists and local and international entrepreneurs, you will gain critical understanding of how contemporary textile design and manufacture are bridging ancient techniques and emerging technologies to create novel cross-disciplinary careers.</p>
<p dir="ltr">This is supported through access to our Natural Dye Lab, Materials Lab, Sew Lab, Embroidery Studio, Tufting Studio, Knitting Machines, Biomaterials Lab, and Fab Lab South West, offering the opportunity to develop new skills and understanding of the structure, chemistry and fabrication of textiles.</p>
<p dir="ltr">You will be encouraged to develop original expertise and thorough knowledge of fibres, pattern and print from industry standard to planet-conscious alternatives.<br /></p>
<ul><li><p dir="ltr">You will learn textiles from a range of perspectives and techniques preparing you for various creative roles within the fashion, textile, and design industries.<br /></p></li></ul><ul><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Learn within an environment of experts committed to developing novel textiles and processes that put the planet and people first in design.<br /></p></li><li dir="ltr"><p dir="ltr">Be part of a growing postgraduate design community using practice-based research methods to discover innovative solutions to real-world challenges.</p></li></ul>
<p>Career opportunities include: Textile Designers, Interior Designers, Textile Researchers, Purchasers, Writers/Curators, Product Developers, Textile Artists, Artisans/Craftspeople and Entrepreneurs.</p>
<p>It focuses on the research, design and production of textiles and their use in the fashion, interior, and transportation sectors.</p>
<p>Yes. You will have the opportunity to focus on either structured or printed textiles.</p>
<p>You will deploy both traditional techniques and emerging methods, using bio-based materials, natural dyeing and digital technologies in a hyperlocal and place-based context.</p>
<p>It addresses the challenge of textile waste and toxicity and supports moving towards a more circular and ethical design process.</p>
<p>You will have access to the Natural Dye Lab, Materials Lab, Sew Lab, Embroidery Studio, Tufting Studio, Knitting Machines, Biomaterials Lab, and Fab Lab South West to build skills and understanding of textile structure, chemistry and fabrication.</p>
<p>Career opportunities include Textile Designers, Interior Designers, Textile Researchers, Purchasers, Writers/Curators, Product Developers, Textile Artists, Artisans/Craftspeople and Entrepreneurs.</p>
<p>Arts University Plymouth graduates are offered a <strong>discount of 15% on Masters programme fees</strong>, regardless of when they studied with us previously. The discount applies if you studied on one of our pre-degree, foundation or undergraduate programmes.</p>
<p>MA applicants are normally expected to have an undergraduate degree at 2:2 or above. However, the strength of your creative practice and other forms of experience will be taken into account at the interview stage and we encourage you to start a conversation with us.</p>
<p>Your portfolio should give us an indication of the work that you have made, organised or been involved in. For our postgraduate arts, craft and design courses, we expect to see examples of work you have created. <br /></p>
<p>The best deadline to submit your MA application by is <strong>1 July</strong>, however please be reassured that we can take late applications until the start of the course if places are still available.</p>
<ul><li><strong>Email: </strong><a href="mailto:admissions@aup.ac.uk">admissions@aup.ac.uk</a></li><li><strong>Tel:</strong> +44 (0)1752 203434</li></ul>
<p>If you'd like to speak about Postgraduate study, you can <a href="https://calendar.google.com/calendar/appointments/AcZssZ04mw0_Je9BjyEo_V5CwiIJJ3fT4ImT30b-BbY=?gv=true" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">book an informal online chat</a> with a member of our academic team:<br /></p><ul><li>Associate Professor <a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/people/stephanie-owens" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Stephanie Owens</a>, our Dean of Arts, Design and Media</li><li><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/people/rebecca-dodman" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Becky Dodman Wainwright</a>, Co-Course Leader for Postgraduate Studies</li><li><a href="https://www.aup.ac.uk/people/jason-hirons" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jason Hirons</a>, Co-Course Leader for Postgraduate Studies</li></ul>
<p><strong>Click the button below to book an informal discussion with a member of our academic team.</strong></p>
