top of page
Introduction
Why choose this course?
Key features
Combine and specialise in textile processes such as knit, print and mixed media alongside fashion design development and exploration.
We are recognised as one of the country’s most sustainable fashion and textiles schools (Green Gown Awards, 2021) and one of the best fashion schools in the world for 2022 (CEOWORLD, 2022).
92% of students were satisfied overall with the course (National Student Survey, 2022).
In the prestigious Bradford Textile Society Design Competition Awards 2022, our students received 15 prizes and commendations totalling nearly £2,500, more than any other university. DMU also received the Designer’s Guild Plaque in recognition of our outstanding work.
Gain valuable work experience by undertaking a year-long placement. Past students have landed roles at Helen Lawrence, Tommy Hilfiger, G-Star and Disney.
Our graduates have gone on to work at established brands such as Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Ted Baker, French Connection, Next and Adidas Makers Lab.
The award-winning Vijay Patel Building houses our cutting-edge facilities including workshops for print, knit, plastics, 3D and digital textile printing, metal, wood and leather. Industry-standard facilities will allow you to explore new creative directions for fashion-forward, luxury and innovative design outcomes.
Benefit from Education 2030, where a simplified ‘block learning’ timetable means you will study one subject at a time and have more time to engage with your learning, receive faster feedback and enjoy a better study-life balance.
Overview
On this specialist course you will combine practical textile skills across print, stitch, embellishment and knit, with complementary fashion design skills in pattern cutting, construction, fashion illustration and digital portfolio promotion.
You will have the freedom to determine your own creative direction to design and produce innovative and original textile products that have a clear fashion outcome.
We will help you to become an adaptable and forward-thinking textile design specialist with an understanding of responsible and sustainable design. You will learn to enhance the value, luxury, and craft of our traditional practice by embracing the digital technologies that are shaping the future of the industry.
Modules
First year
• Block 1: Inquire
• Block 2: Explore
• Block 3: Connect
• Block 4: Futures
Second year
• Block 1: Develop
• Block 2: Communication
• Block 3: Contextualise
• Block 4: Advance
Third year
• Block 1: Consolidate
• Block 2: Refine
• Block 3 and Block 4: Resolve
Entry Criteria
ENTRY REQUIRED DOCUMENTS
Home Office Share Code
For EU students only.
IF no Qualification
Please provide CV with at least 2 years of work experience, and employee reference letter.
Entry criteria
Typical entry requirements
We welcome applicants from a range of backgrounds.
Art and Design Foundation or
112 points from at least 2 A levels
BTEC Extended Diploma DMM
International Baccalaureate: 26+ Points or
T Levels Merit
Plus five GCSEs grades 9-4 including English Language or Literature at grade 4 or above.
Pass Access with 30 Level 3 credits at Merit and GCSE English (Language or Literature) at grade 4 or above
We will normally require students to have had a break from full time education before undertaking the Access course.
We also accept the BTEC First Diploma plus two GCSEs including English Language or Literature at grade 4 or above
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: Yes
Portfolio required: Yes
Assessment
ASSESSMENT METHODS
1. INTERNAL ENGLISH TEST if you don't have an English accredited certificate
2. Academic Interview
Teaching and assessments
Structure
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. The second year aims to ‘Develop’ your skills and knowledge, building on the foundation gained in the first year. Your third year will ‘Consolidate’ your learning by bringing together all the skills you have learnt into a final garment that reflects your chosen area of focus and individual design aesthetic.
In your first and second year, you will learn in regular timetabled practical workshops, inductions, lectures, seminars, group tutorials, one-to-one tutorials, practical and theoretical talks. Most of your study time will be in practical workshops or studios. In your third year there is a greater emphasis on independent study and one to one tutorials.
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.
Contact hours
In your first year you will normally attend around 21 hours of timetabled taught sessions each week, and we expect you to undertake at least 21 further hours of independent study to complete project work and research.
Awards and memberships
Ranked as one of the best fashion schools in the world for 2022 (CEOWORLD, 2022) 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.
Green Gown Award
The School of Fashion and Textiles won the Next Generation Learning and Skills Award in the Green Gowns Awards 2021 and received global recognition in the International Green Gown Awards 2022. These awards are the gold standard for sustainability in universities around the world and this puts DMU at the forefront of sustainable fashion and textiles education in the UK. Sustainability is at the heart of our curriculum and teaching, empowering our students to be agents of change within the industry.
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.
Career Opportunities
Placements
During this course you will have the option to complete a paid placement year, an invaluable opportunity to put the skills developed during your degree into practice. This insight into the professional world will build on your knowledge in a real-world setting, preparing you to progress onto your chosen career.
Previous students have taken up placements with both independent designers and big brands such as Helen Lawrence, Hussein Chalayan, Adam Andrascik, Colbalt and G-Star.
DMU Global
Our innovative international experience programme DMU Global aims to enrich your studies and expand your cultural horizons, helping you to become a global graduate, equipped to meet the needs of employers across the world. Through DMU Global, we offer a wide range of opportunities including on-campus and UK-based activities, overseas study, internships, faculty-led field trips and volunteering, as well as Erasmus+ and international exchanges.
Students on this course have benefitted from visiting the global trade show Première Vision in Paris, alongside experiencing the city’s rich cultural and architecture. Second and final-year students also have the chance to gain valuable international industry exposure by showcasing their work at Première Vision.
Our Careers Team can help to hone your professional skills with mock interviews and practice aptitude tests, and an assigned personal tutor will support you throughout your placement.
Graduate careers
You will develop technical, creative, research and transferable skills to equip you for a wide range of roles in the fashion and textiles industry.
Our graduates have been successful in forging careers from freelancing and working in design agencies, to developing their own businesses, or working for brands such as Alexander McQueen, Vivienne Westwood, Ted Baker, Next, French Connection Adidas and Jaguar Land Rover. Covering a range of activities including design, studio management, quality control, buying, product development, e-commerce, marketing and promotion.
We aim to equip you for a fast paced and changing industry by encouraging adaptability, independence, responsible design thinking, multi-tasking, problem solving and professionalism, alongside the practical implementation of your creative insight and new ideas.
We are committed to developing well-rounded creatives and 100% of our students are in work or further study after graduating, according to the 2020 Graduate Outcomes Survey.
bottom of page