Textile Art, Design and Fashion BA (Hons)
Belfast Campus, United Kingdom
Textile Art, Design and Fashion BA (Hons)
Ulster University
Textile Art, Design and Fashion
Program Overview: Textile Art, Design and Fashion BA (Hons)
The Textile Art, Design and Fashion BA (Hons) at Ulster University offers practice-based study across five specialist disciplines: embroidery, knit, weave, print, and fashion. You will explore both tradition and innovation in well-equipped studios and workshops, developing your creative identity as an artist, designer, or designer maker.
After a broad-based first year that builds fundamental skills in textiles and fashion, you will select a specialist pathway in your second year and develop a professional portfolio in your final year. The course explores the historical, cultural, and contemporary significance of textiles and fashion while encouraging sustainable approaches to design.
Assessment is based on 100% coursework, which can take a range of formats including artworks and design collections, practical and contextual research, essays, presentations, and digital portfolios. An optional placement year between second and third year provides opportunities for study abroad or industrial experience.
Key Program Highlights
- Five specialist disciplines: embroidery, knit, weave, print, and fashion with dedicated workshops and expert technicians
- 100% coursework-based assessment through artworks, design collections, research, essays, and digital portfolios
- Optional placement year for industry experience or study abroad between second and final year
- Professional practice modules with visiting artists, designers, and opportunities to showcase work to industry professionals
Curriculum and Modules
The curriculum is structured to take you from broad foundational skills in Year 1 through to specialisation and professional portfolio development in your final year. Each semester combines a 20-credit contextual module with a 40-credit practice-based module, building toward an ambitious 80-credit Major Project in the final year.
Fundamental Skills in Textiles and Fashion
40 creditsThe first practical module introduces core skills through drawing, idea development, colour theory, computer aided design, and fabric functions. Workshop practice covers embroidery, print, fashion, knit, and weave in small groups.
Cultural Contexts
20 creditsA lecture, seminar, and study-visit based module introducing the broad cultural contexts of textiles and fashion. It develops essential study skills for undergraduate learning and encourages reflective practice and independent research.
Specialisation and Creative Development
40 creditsBuilding on first-year skills, you choose to specialise in embroidery, weave, knit, print, or fashion and approach your chosen discipline as either an artist or designer. The module emphasises creative and critical thinking.
Essay or Report
20 creditsA text-based module facilitating broader understanding of the context of textiles and fashion practice, both historical and contemporary, through theoretical debates, factual information, and analytical methodologies.
Professional Practice
20 creditsDedicated modules where you learn from successful graduates and visiting artists and designers. You develop transferable graduate skills and showcase your work to industry professionals through projects and competitions.
Major Project
80 creditsThe final practice-based module spanning two semesters where you work as a self-directed artist or designer, integrating practical, aesthetic, and intellectual knowledge to produce final artworks or a collection and a professional portfolio.
Elective and Optional Opportunities
Admission Requirements
Applicants to this program must meet both the specific course entry conditions and Ulster University's General Entrance Requirements. A portfolio submission is required as part of the application process, and all applicants should apply through Uni4Edu for guidance and support.
Academic Requirements
- A-LevelsRelevant Level 3 qualifications; contact Uni4Edu for specific grade requirements
- BTECRQF Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma or OCR Cambridge Technical Level 3 Extended Diploma accepted
- GCSEGCSE pass at Grade C/4 or above in English Language required
- PortfolioAll applicants must submit a creative portfolio demonstrating art and design practice
- International Baccalaureate104 tariff points including minimum five subjects with four at higher level; contact Uni4Edu for details
English Language Requirements
- IELTSAcademic IELTS 6.0 overall with no band score less than 5.5
- Trinity ISEPass at Level III (also meets Tier 4 visa requirements)
- Other TestsUlster recognises a number of other English language tests with comparable IELTS equivalent scores; contact Uni4Edu for details
Required Documents
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships and Funding
Ulster University offers a range of scholarships to support international students pursuing undergraduate studies. These funding opportunities can help reduce the financial burden of studying abroad and are designed to reward academic merit and support access to higher education.
International Undergraduate Scholarship
GBP 2,000 annual tuition fee discountAutomatically awarded to all eligible international self-funding students on full-time undergraduate programmes at Northern Ireland campuses. No separate application is required, and the discount applies to each year of study except placement years.
Creative Industries and Communication Scholarship
Open to new international entrants on the first year of eligible creative industries programmes. This scholarship recognises students with strong creative potential and academic achievement in art and design fields.
Chevening Scholarships (UK Government)
Full or partial fundingThe UK government's global scholarship programme for outstanding scholars with leadership potential. While primarily for postgraduate study, it reflects the broader funding ecosystem available to exceptional students at Ulster University.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the Textile Art, Design and Fashion BA (Hons) are equipped to pursue a diverse range of career paths within the creative industries. The program's emphasis on professional practice, industry engagement, and portfolio development ensures you are well prepared for the competitive world of textiles and fashion.
Potential Career Roles
Industries and Employers
Rankings and Recognition
Ulster University was named UK and Ireland University of the Year at the Times Higher Education Awards 2024 and is recognised as a Top 50 UK University. The university is renowned for its art and design programs, with graduates having won the Turner Prize on three separate occasions.
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Art and Design | National Recognition | Highly Regarded (3 Turner Prize winners) |
| Creative Arts | WUSCA Student Ranking | 30/279 |
| Research Impact | REF 2021 | Top 10% UK |
| Global Universities | U.S. News | #891 |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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