Year One - Textiles Foundation and Orientation
In your first year (Level 4), you will be introduced to the core skills and design processes required of the textiles industry. You’ll explore a wide range of approaches to textiles and surface pattern through core skills in drawing, print, embroidery, embellishment, rug tufting and more, to fully integrate you into the exciting possibilities the textiles industry has to offer. This year focuses on developing your technical ability as well as and your communication skills, and overall awareness of the creative industry.

• Drawing techniques for textile art and media applications
• Embroidery, embellishment and stitching techniques
• Rug tufting
• Industry structures/career options
• Printed textile techniques
• Screen production and workshop skills
• The design process for surface design
• Design theories and critical analysis
• Making and construction skills for textile products

Year Two - Development and Exploration
Your second year (Level 5) builds on this foundation, allowing you to develop more advanced, industry-standard commercial skills and a deeper understanding of the textiles sector. You will begin to define your specialist areas of textiles, whether this is through fashion, interiors, product or print, or an even mix of them all, through live briefs and self-directed projects, while building a professional portfolio that reflects your distinct textiles specialism. During this stage, you are also encouraged to seek relevant work experience or external collaborations where suitable opportunities arise.

• Commercial links within trade shows and work experience opportunities
• Digital design applications for surface design
• Colour separations for surface design
• Design and Production of a printed length
• Designing and making textile products
• Development of concepts
• Repeat structures
• Professional skills through working with industry on linked assignments
• Professional surface design collections for fashion, gift and interiors
• Research, analysis and exploration skills

Year Three - Consolidation and Expertise
In your final year (Level 6), you will consolidate your skills, experience, and creative identity to prepare you to enter the global textiles industry. Working on self-initiated collections and projects, you will refine your practice and explore your future professional direction. This year provides the opportunity to realise your creative ambitions, demonstrate independence and originality, and prepare for a successful transition into professional practice or further study.

• Specialist Practice 1
• Specialist Practice 2
• Professional Futures and Final Show
• Dissertation and Report

Year Four (Optional)
Optional Master of Arts. Develop your creativity even further with a postgraduate study year - https://northernart.ac.uk/masters-degrees/

Our course is run and supported by working professionals and because of this we have fantastic links to the industry which include:

Industry Partners
• Davinder Madaher, Print Designer
• Gillian Arnold, Surface Designer
• Maria Cooper, Orla Kiely
• Sarah Nixon, Craft Cottage Studio
• Sophie Thompson, Unique Fine Fabrics
• Luste Interiors
• Baker and Stonehouse

Guest Speakers
• Luke Nicholas (Uncrafted)
• Ruth O’Reilly (Loop & Yarn)

Work is exhibited and sold at trade fairs and exhibitions such as:
• Premiére Vision, Paris
• Surtex, New York
• New Designers, London
• London Print Design Fair
• Indigo MoOD Brussels
• The Bowes Museum

Our graduates have gone on to gain successful employment/self-employment in several areas such as:
• Surface Design for Interiors, Fashion & Gifts
• Designer Maker
• Freelance Designer
• Stylist
• Visual Merchandiser
• Interior Designer
• Buyer
• Textile Technology
• Teaching & Education • Community Arts

Your portfolio is a visual statement it says a lot about an applicant and their practice. The advice below is not meant to be restrictive but rather offers some simple advice to help you prepare for your interview.

Examples can include:
1. Knowledge of the subject you are applying for

2. Drawing Skills
• Observational drawing of natural and/or man-made subject matter
• Experimenting with different media
• Design sketches and illustrations
• Photography or printmaking

3. Basic sewing skills
• Embroidery
• Sewing Samples
• Garments

4. Sketchbooks
• Evidence your ideas generation, development and research
• References to artists and designers that have inspired/influenced your work
• You may have references to contemporary and historical practices
5. Experimental approaches to your projects

6. Examples of written work

Work doesn’t necessarily have to relate specifically to the programme, as long as it is clear that this is where your interests lie. If you want to include evidence of ‘technical/design based skills’ this could be experimental samples, design sheets, or finished products.

Authenticity of Submitted Work
All work submitted in support of an application (including written work, portfolios, proposals or additional evidence requested by the School) must be the applicant’s own original work.

The School reserves the right to request verification of authorship. Where submitted work is found to be misrepresented, misleading or not the applicant’s own, the application or offer may be withdrawn in accordance with our Admissions policy.

Where applicants have used digital or AI-assisted tools as part of their creative process, this should be clearly declared.