冈本视频

3rd in the UK for Fashion and Textiles

on the Guardian University Guide 2027

Undergraduate courses/ Fashion and Textiles courses/ Fashion Textile Design

Key facts

Typical offer

UCAS points:

112

A Level:

BBC

BTEC:

DMM

Contextual Offer:

Minimum of one to two grade reduction from our typical offer. Full details at dmu.ac.uk/contextual

Key facts

Duration:

3 yrs full-time

Study mode:

Full-time, Part-time

UCAS code:

WW2S

Institution code:

D26

See all the key facts and full entry requirements

Typical offer

UCAS points:

112

A Level:

BBC

BTEC:

DMM

Contextual Offer:

Minimum of one to two grade reduction from our typical offer. Full details at dmu.ac.uk/contextual

UCAS code

WW2S

Duration

Three years full-time, four years full-time with a placement. Six years part-time.

Study mode

Full-time, Part-time

See all the key facts and full entry requirements

Overview

Ready to shape the future of fashion? Our Fashion Textile Design course puts creativity, innovation and sustainability at the heart of your journey. You’ll explore cutting-edge textile techniques, push boundaries with your own ideas, and build the skills you need to stand out in the multibillion-pound fashion industry.

You’ll have access to specialist studios and workshops where you can experiment, combine and reimagine processes – helping you discover your own creative voice. Whether you’re drawn to luxury, experimental or trend-driven design, you’ll be encouraged to carve out your own direction and develop a portfolio that reflects who you are as a designer.

You’ll also tackle real-world challenges, exploring how fashion responds to social and environmental issues shaping the global industry today.

  • There are plenty of chances to get your work seen – from the 冈本视频 Degree Show to New Designers in London, where you’ll showcase your talent to brands, employers and industry insiders.
  • Our students gain invaluable experience through placements with leading names like Disney, Calvin Klein, Victoria Beckham, G-Star and Colbalt, as well as independent designers.
  • When you graduate, you’ll be joining a network of 冈本视频 alumni working with iconic labels such as Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Acne Studios, All Saints, Jaguar Land Rover, Marks & Spencer and Next.
  • High-quality teaching, guaranteed. Students from the Design Studies subject area voted us 1st in the East Midlands for teaching on the course, so you can be confident you'll receive an outstanding learning experience from day one. (NSS, 2026)
  • Shaped by student feedback: Students from the Design Studies subject area voted us 1st in the East Midlands for student voice (NSS, 2026), so you can be sure your feedback is valued and your views make a difference.

This is your chance to be part of the next generation of designers shaping the world of fashion textiles.

Block teaching designed around you

You deserve a positive teaching and learning experience, where you feel part of a supportive and nurturing community. That’s why most students will enjoy an innovative approach to learning using block teaching, where you will study one module at a time. You’ll benefit from regular assessments – rather than lots of exams at the end of the year – and a simple timetable that allows you to engage with your subject and enjoy other aspects of university life such as sports, societies, meeting friends and discovering your new city. By studying with the same peers and tutor for each block, you’ll build friendships and a sense of belonging. Read more about block teaching.

Fashion Textile Design 2025
Free Creative Essentials At 冈本视频, we believe financial constraints should never limit your ability to explore and express your artistic vision. That's why we offer a range of free materials giving you a unique opportunity to create without limits.
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What you will study

The focus of your first year will be to ‘investigate’ through a grounding in research, concept development, 2D illustration, basic technical skills and design development.

Block 1: Inquire: Ideas and Investigation

This introductory Level 4 module develops your visual and technical investigation skills. Through workshops and practical activities, you will explore information gathering, image making, experimentation and concept development, building your research skills and personal approach to design. Responsible design principles and relevant United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) are embedded throughout.

Assessment: 

Design Research (70%) You will produce visual research and development in response to a brief, demonstrating creative and practical design investigation.

Design Resolution (30%) You will submit a professionally presented collection of final design outcomes, communicating your concepts and demonstrating responsible design.

Block 2: Explore: Material Construction

This module develops your fundamental technical skills and explores fashion and textile processes through lectures, workshops and practical sessions. You will investigate knit, weave, colouration, dyeing, pattern cutting, garment construction and other textile techniques, learning to turn material experimentation into coherent design outcomes while considering environmental and ethical issues.

Assessment:

Design Development (70%) You will develop creative, practical and technical design work in response to a set brief.

Technical Package (30%) You will submit technical evidence demonstrating engagement with specialist processes and responsible design principles.

Block 3: Connect: Process and Context

This module builds on your visual research skills and introduces more advanced approaches to stitch, fabric manipulation and design development. Through research, experimentation, problem-solving and refinement, you will develop your skills in concept generation, colour, decoration, materials and technical application within contemporary design practice.

Assessment:

Design Research (70%) You will submit technical evidence demonstrating engagement with specialist processes and materials, examples include sketchbooks, visual research, fabric sampling, garment prototyping, technical documentation, dyeing and testing.

Design Resolution (30%) You will produce a final resolved outcome appropriate to your specialist area.

Block 4: Futures: Design, Culture and Responsibility

This module explores responsible design, scenario planning and future-focused thinking while considering how design responds to social, environmental, cultural and ethical challenges. You will engage with the Design Council’s Skills for Planet framework through collaborative research, workshops and discussion, developing your communication, teamwork, problem-solving, research and reflective practice skills.

Assessment:

Portfolio (50%) You will submit an individual digital portfolio demonstrating your project engagement and future-focused design responses.

Written Assignment (50%) You will submit a written assignment exploring themes from lectures and seminars, demonstrating your understanding of responsible design, the Design Council’s Skills for Planet Blueprint, Green Design Skills and relevant SDGs.

The second year focuses on developing students' skills in visual research, technical processes, and pattern cutting.

Block 1: Develop: Technical Application

This module advances your technical expertise and design problem-solving through projects focused on textiles for defined design contexts. Building on Level 4, you will combine creative and technical skills across textile processes and specialisms while responding to industry-relevant briefs. You will deepen your understanding of materials, fabrication, design contexts and markets, with a focus on responsible design, material selection and production.

Assessment:

Research and Development (70%) You will produce visual research and development in response to a project brief.

Design Package (30%) You will submit a professionally presented collection of final design outcomes, demonstrating responsible design principles and consideration of relevant SDGs.

Block 2: Communicate: Design Values

This module develops your ability to communicate personal design values through circular, inclusive and responsible design. You will explore environmental, social and cultural issues while strengthening your skills in investigation, analysis, evaluation and creative communication. Alongside visual and material experimentation, you will engage with contemporary debates around sustainability, gender, materiality, media, taste and cross-cultural awareness.

Assessment:

Practical (50%) You will produce a creative presentation of concept development work demonstrating research, analysis and design communication.

Written Assignment (50%) You will submit an essay or approved alternative assessment demonstrating your understanding of responsible design principles and sustainability.

Block 3: Contextualise: Client, Consumer, Market

This module prepares you for professional practice by designing for specific clients, consumers and markets. Through industry-relevant briefs, you will develop creative problem-solving skills through market research, trend analysis, technical development and creative exploration, creating innovative textile solutions while considering emerging technologies, presentation, sustainability, materials, production and circular economy principles.

Assessment:

Research and Development (70%) You will produce a body of visual research and design development in response to a project brief.

Design Package (30%) You will submit a professionally presented portfolio of resolved design outcomes, demonstrating responsible design, sustainability and awareness of contemporary market contexts.

Block 4: Advance: Project Design

This module focuses on advancing your design and technical skills, whilst also allowing for the strengthening of 2D-3D experimentation and construction skills.

The project design brief will be co-created by the staff and individual students. Aiming towards identifying your own individual technical specialism/s and design direction. The module provides an opportunity to explore and combine a range of design, technical and realisation skills as required by the negotiated brief.

Support is provided to develop advancing pattern cutting, prototyping and construction skills, allowing you to translate and combine textile development into an effective fashion concepts.

Assessment: 70% design research and development and 30% design package.

As part of this course, you will have the option to complete a paid placement year which offers invaluable professional experience.

Our award-winning Careers Team can help you secure a placement through activities such as mock interviews and practice aptitude tests, and you will be assigned a personal tutor to support you throughout your placement.

Students in their final year consolidate their research, creative, and technical skills. They develop a personal design direction by conducting research, investigating their practice, and refining their ideas into a capsule collection.

Block 1: Advance: Research and Innovation

This module develops an independent design direction through self-initiated research. Working with staff, you will negotiate your own project brief and establish visual, conceptual and technical research to inform your final-year study. Through workshops, CAD sessions, tutorials and professional practice activities, you will advance your creative and technical expertise, build independence and prepare for industry engagement, while considering sustainable materials, production, market application and SDG 12.

Assessment:

Design Research (80%) You will produce a substantial body of visual and technical research based on a self-initiated brief.

Presentation (20%) You will deliver a visual and verbal presentation communicating your design direction and proposed outcomes, establishing a clear direction for further development.

Block 2: Refine: Design and Context

This module refines your personal design practice by turning previous research and experimentation into resolved, professionally relevant outcomes. You will develop design solutions that reflect your creative identity and engage with contemporary fashion and textile industries, connecting critical research. Practical work focuses on iterative development supported by CAD and specialist facilities, alongside consideration of traditional and contemporary production methods and global, cultural, ethical and responsible design issues.

Assessment:

Design Collection (50%) You will submit a professional collection of resolved design outcomes supported by research and development.

Written Assignment (50%) You will complete an essay on a negotiated topic linked to your design practice, demonstrating your ability to connect design practice with critical enquiry and contemporary debate.

Block 3: Resolve: Major Project

The Major Project brings your studies together through a substantial self-directed project reflecting your design identity, specialist expertise and professional aspirations. Through advanced concept development, visual investigation, contextual research and technical exploration, you will create a professionally resolved design collection while strengthening your technical skills and understanding of markets and audiences.

Assessment:

Research and Development (50%) You will produce extensive visual and technical research from a self-initiated project brief, demonstrating independent research, experimentation and design development.

Design Collection (30%) You will submit a professionally resolved collection of final design outcomes, supported by a Personal Sustainability Impact Evaluation documenting responsible decisions around materials, production, environmental impact and sustainability strategies.

Portfolio (20%) You will produce a professional portfolio showcasing your design development, final outcomes and personal design identity, demonstrating professional communication skills and readiness for employment, freelance practice or postgraduate study.

Note: All modules are indicative and based on the current academic session. Course information is correct at the time of publication and is subject to review. Exact modules may, therefore, vary for your intake in order to keep content current. If there are changes to your course we will, where reasonable, take steps to inform you as appropriate.

The assessments are designed to build on each other as you progress in your studies and you will have opportunities to receive feedback on your work throughout your learning journey. Assessment can be varied, but generally will take the form of a visual presentation either as a catwalk, or digital display.

Critical thinking and research skills related to contemporary issues in the global fashion and textiles industry are integrated in each year, alongside career development skills and opportunities. Project briefs will enable you to produce work to a professional standard that responds to current industry demands and you will develop a personal portfolio that can be used to launch your career after graduation.

Our expert course team covers a range of multi-disciplinary specialisms such as fashion print, fashion knitwear, stitch and embellishment. You will also have the opportunity to meet and network with our many visiting lecturers from industry, who have included Phoebe English, Jane Bowler, Kat Marks and Sarah Williams.

Achieve more with expert feedback

With students from the Design Studies subject area voting us 1st in the East Midlands for assessment and feedback (NSS, 2026), you'll get the support and direction you need to continuously improve.

Complex topics made simple

With 96.7% of students from the Design Studies subject area saying our staff are good at explaining things (NSS, 2026), you’ll learn to understand even complex topics.

Ask a question Chat to a student

Fashion Textile Design in the spotlight

Student work

Ryan Alexander Henson

Human Retrograde

The fall of an industrial future will bring about a human retrograde, marking a new chapter in our history.

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Taiwo Sofowora

Hustle & Bustle

This intangible cultural heritage, transmitted from generation to generation, is constantly recreated by communities and groups in response to their environment, their interaction with nature and their history, and provides them with a sense of identity and continuity, thus promoting respect for cultural diversity and human creativity.’ UNESCO

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Our facilities

As a fashion textile design student, you'll access print, stitch, embellishment, and knit facilities equipped with various machines and materials for your creative exploration.

Fashion and Textiles studios and spaces

From 3D printing to form making, we have a range of facilities to support you.

Fashion and Textiles Studios

Vijay Patel Building

It is a major landmark on the 冈本视频 campus and provides students and staff with the space and resources they need to thrive.

Explore the Vijay Patel

Take a s c r o l l through campus

Experience a virtual tour of campus at your own pace.

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Our expertise

Our Fashion Textile Design course is taught by expert educators who bring real-world experience to the classroom. We offer practical, hands-on learning and encourage experimentation with new techniques and materials. Our supportive and inclusive learning environment fosters critical thinking, problem-solving skills, innovation, and originality in design. Sustainability and social responsibility are at the heart of our teaching ethos. Our dedicated technical staff work closely with students to provide expert guidance and support. With a focus on creating beautiful and ethical fashion, our course prepares the next generation of designers to make a positive impact on the industry.

Expert support from day one

95.5% of students from the Design Studies subject area say teaching staff supported their learning well (NSS, 2026), giving you the guidance to succeed.

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Alan Beattie

Programme Leader - Fashion Textile Design

Alan has worked in higher education for 17 years, following a career in industry. A graduate from the MA Fashion course at Central Saint Martins, his research and design practice focuses on digital design and imaging for fashion, materials and communication.

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Nicola Taylor

Senior Lecturer - Print

A graduate from the Royal College of Art, Nicola has had extensive experience of the fashion and textiles industry. Producing and selling designs for over 25 years to fashion labels such as Donna Karan, Givenchy, Marc Jacobs Celine and Armani via her own studio. This has given her a keen awareness of what the industry is looking for in a successful and relevant designer.

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Kate Johnson

Senior Lecturer 鈥� Print

Kate has worked as a textile designer and practicing artist since graduating from 冈本视频’s Textile Design course. She brings a wealth of experience and technical knowledge to the course, through her practical, hands-on approach to print design and creative experimentation.

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Elizabeth Scott

Senior Lecturer 鈥� Knit

A graduate from Fashion and Textiles MA at 冈本视频, Elizabeth is also a freelance designer. Her design practice is focused on crafted hand knit process. She brings a wealth of experience with yarn use and how to transition research into practical outcomes.

Awards and memberships

Ranked as one of the best fashion schools in the world for 2022 and 2023 (CEOWORLD, 2023) and in the top 10 in the UK for 'career after 15 months' (The Guardian University Guide 2022), our innovative and widely-respected courses help prepare students for fulfilling futures in this fast-paced industry.

We are also ranked among the Top 20 UK Universities for Fashion and Textiles in the Guardian University League Tables 2025, showcasing our commitment to excellence in teaching, innovation, and student satisfaction.

UK Fashion and Textiles Association

UK Fashion and Textiles Association

We are members of the UK Fashion and Textiles Association which ensures our teaching stays up to date with the latest developments in the sector and provides valuable industry links that enhance our courses.

What makes us special

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Block learning

With Education 2030, you’ll learn in a focused ‘block’ teaching format, where you study one subject at a time instead of several at once. As a result, you will receive faster feedback through more regular assessment, have a more simplified timetable, and have a better study-life balance. That means more time to engage with your 冈本视频 community and other rewarding aspects of university life.

冈本视频-global

冈本视频 Global

冈本视频 Global is the award-winning international experience programme for 冈本视频 students, aiming to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons.

Students on this course have visiting the global trade show Première Vision in Paris, alongside experiencing the city’s rich cultural and architecture.

Take your next steps

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Find out about Leicester

We鈥檙e a campus-based university situated in the city centre, with the hub of activity in Leicester right on your doorstep - we鈥檙e one of the few universities in the UK where you鈥檙e getting the best of both worlds.

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Open Days - Book your place

We鈥檇 love to welcome you to one of our university Open Days where you can see for yourself what we have to offer.

How to apply

Save these details for your application.
Programme title:
Fashion Textile Design BA (Hons)
Programme code:
WW2S

UCAS applications

  1. Register on UCAS Hub (create an account)
  2. Fill in your UCAS application form:
  3. Personal details (name, contact, residency)
    • More about you (any mental health conditions or long-term illnesses, parenting responsibilities, whether you’ve served in the armed forces)
    • Education history (qualifications taken or pending)
    • Employment history (if applicable)
    • Course choice
  4. Write your personal statement (why you want to study the course, skills, achievements, future goals)
  5. Get your reference (usually from a teacher/tutor/employer)
  6. Pay the UCAS fee (single choice or multiple choices)
  7. Submit the UCAS application before the deadline.
Save these details for your application.
Programme title:
Fashion Textile Design BA (Hons)
Programme code:
WW2S

UCAS applications

  1. Register on UCAS Hub (create an account)
  2. Fill in your UCAS application form:
  3. Personal details (name, contact, residency)
    • More about you (any mental health conditions or long-term illnesses, parenting responsibilities, whether you’ve served in the armed forces)
    • Education history (qualifications taken or pending)
    • Employment history (if applicable)
    • Course choice
  4. Write your personal statement (why you want to study the course, skills, achievements, future goals)
  5. Get your reference (usually from a teacher/tutor/employer)
  6. Pay the UCAS fee (single choice or multiple choices)
  7. Submit the UCAS application before the deadline.

Related courses

Contour Fashion BA (Hons)

Fashion Buying with Design BA (Hons)

Fashion Communication and Styling BA (Hons)

Fashion Design BA (Hons)

Fashion Management (Level 6 Top Up) BA (Hons)

Fashion Marketing BA (Hons)

Footwear Design BA (Hons)

Footwear Innovation (Level 6 Top-up) BA (Hons)

Textile Design BA (Hons)

Key facts

Course title

Fashion Textile Design

Award

BA (Hons)

UCAS code

WW2S

Institution code

D26

Study level

Undergraduate

Study mode

Full-time

Part-time

Start date

September

Duration

Three years full-time, four years full-time with a placement. Six years part-time.

Fees

2027/28 UK tuition fees:
£10,050

2027/28 international tuition fees:
£17,600

Fees in subsequent years may rise. See the undergraduate tuition fees page for details

Additional costs

Entry requirements

Typical offer

UCAS points:

112

A Level:

BBC

BTEC Extended Diploma:

DMM

Contextual Offer:

冈本视频 operates a generous contextual offer for students from underrepresented backgrounds in Higher Education.

This is a minimum of one to two grade reduction from our typical offer and full details including eligibility criteria can be found at dmu.ac.uk/contextual

T Levels:

Merit

Access to HE:

Pass with 30 Level 3 credits at Merit

International Baccalaureate (IB):

26

GCSEs:

5 x GCSEs at grade 4/C or above including English and Maths

English language requirements

If English is not your first language, an IELTS score of 6.0 overall with 5.5 in each band (or equivalent) when you start the course is essential.

English language tuition, delivered by our British Council-accredited Centre for English Language Learning, is available both before and throughout the course if you need it.

Interview and portfolio

Interview required: No

Portfolio required: Yes

To find out more what we're looking for in a portfolio, head to our portfolio advice page.

Additional costs

Here at 冈本视频 we provide excellent learning resources, including the Kimberlin Library and specialist workshops and studios. However, you should be aware that sometimes you may incur additional costs, which for this programme could include the following:

  • Fashion materials: £350 in your first year, increasing to £650 in your second year and £1000 in your third year to include your final major project. These costs may vary depending on what materials you choose to work in.
  • Field trips: £35 per year
  • Specialist printing: £30 in your first year, increasing to £125 in your second and third years

There will also be a range of optional showcasing activities that will be available to you, the costs of which will vary depending on the opportunities you choose.

Learn more about fees and funding information