Textiles MA

Degree and/or experience:
Applicants for the Textiles MA should be able to demonstrate a level of enquiry and investigation relevant to their proposed area of study and an ability to succeed at postgraduate level, for example through a relevant honours degree or equivalent professional experience. Through their personal statement and design proposal submitted with their application, applicants must demonstrate:

• an ability to articulate individual perceptions and understandings of textiles design
• an ability to positively engage in critical discussion regarding their work and its broader implications and context
• an ambition to critically appraise and develop their practice within the context of textiles
• experience and competency in the relevant area of textiles design through a body of work.

English language requirements:

• Overseas applicants must meet the above entry requirements, and additionally have proven competence in written and spoken English at an appropriate level of fluency (equivalent to an IELTS grade of 6.5 overall, with 6.0 in writing).

SEMESTER 1

The first semester is made up of three modules and serves as a foundation to your learning experience, imparting key research skills, exploration beyond your discipline and initial explorative practice-based enquiry.

Practice-Based Enquiry (Part One)
Spanning semesters one and two, this module provides a reflective environment for rigorous explorative practice-based enquiry and the development of design concepts identified in the self-initiated project proposal submitted at interview. Increasingly informed by research and critical awareness skills developed in the supporting modules, you will explore and reflect on novel design concepts and the application of practice-based research methods. You will also be encouraged to engage with live research, industry contacts and collaborative projects.

Research Skills and Training
Through a series of lectures and seminar groups with active researchers, you will explore the value of research within a practice-based design context. You will develop research skills and an understanding of different methodologies and how research can be used as a design tool.

Options module
Placed in the first semester to maximise the potential areas of study, the options module takes advantage of the range of subjects and learning experiences available from across the college. This module allows you to tailor your study and learning experience to complement and inform your specific area of interest from an early stage. Learning alongside students from varied disciplines, you will be able to explore areas of personal interest from subjects including design history, sustainable design, professional practice, and historical and critical studies.

SEMESTER 2

The second semester encourages you to explore diverse cross-disciplinary sources to inform and contextualise your research project before focusing on your final proposal.

Practice-Based Enquiry (Part Two)
Continuing from initial explorations in Practice-Based Enquiry (Part One), you will develop an increasingly focused, reflective body of work that demonstrates applied research methodologies and an understanding of their position within a broader textiles and industry context. You will conclude the module with a final 500-word proposal to define the area of study that you will undertake in your thesis.

Creative and Contextual Enquiry
Informed by the learning undertaken in semester one, you will critically engage with and reflect on your subject area, exploring diverse cross-disciplinary influences that inform your practice. Through the use of relevant research methods, this creative contextual enquiry will stimulate awareness and rigorous critical evaluation of cultural, technological and research debates, both within and outside of your discipline.

SEMESTER 3

In the third semester, you will fully integrate your previous learning into the realisation of your thesis.

Practice-Based Textile Design Thesis
During this self-directed module, you will put into practice the skills acquired throughout the programme of study, working towards the realisation of the final proposal submitted at the end of semester two. You are expected to rigorously explore and fully resolve a body of practice-based textile design inquiry, which should be positioned at the forefront of your academic or professional discipline and advance design thinking within your stated field.

The module contains planned lectures, group seminars and individual tutorials delivered by lecturers who are active researchers or innovative design practitioners. You will have access to a diverse range of lecture series and conferences held at the university as well as exhibitions and trade fairs relevant to your study.

You will have the opportunity to extend your skills through advanced textiles technology, working closely with expert technical demonstrators. Relevant placements or access to external study are negotiable on an individual basis, determined by the requirements of your proposal.