Sustainable Textile Technologies

In this module you will explore the design of textile materials and key technologies. Knowledge of different properties of fibres, how these properties translate into both yarns and different fabric structures will be introduced highlighting the environmental impact of fibre and material choice. The process of design will be introduced as an important criterion in the design, development and production of textile materials meeting the needs of a range of end uses.

You will also examine the development of textiles with enhanced properties with emphasis on technical textiles and smart innovation with a focus on the role of design as a driver for change and a sustainable future. Diverse and novel applications of textile materials will be explored.

You will be introduced to sustainability issues and approaches, including design strategies for the circular economy and sustainable resource use; lifecycle analysis of a product in relation to climate change, air, land and water pollution and human health impacts; importance of sustainable materials selection; the UN sustainable development goals; and issues of ethics in production and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) (including supply chain transparency and greenwashing).

In the module you will be introduced to advanced research skills. You will consider the role of research within the context of fashion and textiles, and to reflect on your personal attributes, skills, and values as a contemporary researcher. Typical content will include research design; gathering, managing and analysing data; developing critical and ethical practices; and reporting and presenting research findings.

Sustainable development and technical skills are also applied through delving deeper into fashion and textile research. You will develop your investigative skills in an area of personal interest with emphasis placed on sustainable and/or innovative textile development.

Select one from the following

Supply and Sourcing

This module provides an industry-based view into the practical components attributing to the planning and production of textile products. It focusses on current supply chain practices and reflects on future global market and industry trends and movements to give you an insight into how and when to source, production plan and practical understanding into the workings of the ‘Critical Path.’

Developments into sustainability within garment development and manufacture will be explored and you will consider best practice in this area as a core part of your work.

Technology for Design

Technological advancement in design and manufacturing techniques are growing exponentially. Designers of all specialisms are curious about how technology can help them create and innovate to develop new practice, effect change things and affect the way we live. This module aims to provide a platform for you to explore a range of technologies and help to advance your knowledge and practice in this area.

You will research a range of technologies and work with the staff team to identify an area which you would like to investigate, which could include computer aided design; computer visualisation; virtual prototyping; direct digital manufacturing and the development of new equipment, materials, artefacts, and devices. Staff will assist and provide guidance in the partnering of student and technology where possible, internal within the university or external in local industry.

Digital Development

Technology continues to provide creative, practical and sustainable solutions to global challenges faced by the fashion and textiles industry. Advances in key areas such as 3D prototyping, Extended Reality (XR) and sensing, scanning and fitting technologies have opened the job market resulting in new opportunities for designers with the relevant digital skill set.

This module aims to introduce you to practice-led methods of digital product development and creative communication for fashion and textiles. It aims to advance your knowledge of process and presentation in virtual environments and encourage disruptive thinking and innovative approaches. During the module you may focus on areas such as: 3D pattern cutting and prototyping garments and/or accessories; virtual asset creation and library management of textiles, materials and trims; virtual and Augmented Reality presentations; or body scanning and photogrammetry.

Sustainability Strategy and Design

Debates surrounding sustainability have become increasingly prominent due to greater awareness among consumers of environmental and ethical issues, as well as initiatives by many companies to improve their sustainable credentials. This module examines key historical and contemporary contexts relating to sustainable design and corporate strategy, unpicking the complex debates surrounding a range of issues from worker’s rights to product lifecycles. Alternative perspectives on the traditional production and consumption model will be introduced, and both practical and conceptual aspects considered.

This module addresses the needs of students aiming to work in design, manufacturing or retail, providing future managers and entrepreneurs with a clear overview of the major sustainability issues within their industry. The impact of ethical and environmental considerations on designed products, production and business ideology will be analysed. It will cover sustainable development, ethical supply chains, corporate sustainability strategy, circular economy, slow fashion/lifestyle design, lifecycle analysis, alternative production and consumption models, integrated system design/ sustainable innovation, climate change, biodiversity, toxicity and sustainable resources.

This module provides an understanding as to how material and component selection can influence the properties of a finished product and its fitness for purpose. With a focus on product performance, the importance of quality and the interpretation of test data will be examined through sessions undertaken on-site using industrial test laboratory apparatus. Differences in test methods, user requirements and retailer expectations will be explored critically analysing materials to be used for various clothing and non-clothing applications.

You will analyse a range of processes in the manufacture of textile clothing and products in an area of personal interest, taking a more theoretical or practical approach to suit your skill set. Product design, function, quality & fit-for-purpose for manufacture will be realised through a well-researched and justified proposal and report.

You will also focus on sustainable practices, and ethical and environmental implications in the design, development and manufacturing of textile innovation. Off site visits and guest lectures will provide an appreciation of both the commercial testing process, textile manufacturing and sustainable and technical textile R&D.

Select one from the following:

Major Design Project

In this module you will be supported to demonstrate a systematic and comprehensive understanding of the techniques applicable to your own research and advanced scholarship in the completion of a major project. You will demonstrate your ability to use initiative and ingenuity, make complex decisions and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level.

You will have the choice of either a major focus on design practice supported by a written critical evaluation (practice) or a major focus on the critical evaluation supported by a condensed design practice (theory). This should reflect your chosen path after graduation, should that be into design practice or continuing to an academic path.

Work-based Project

This module provides the opportunity to develop and demonstrate skills acquired from the course in a practical context - for example working with a fashion, textile, or design company on the development of a prototype innovation. It is anticipated that this work-based live project will include experience of working on the design or development of products within an area of fashion, textiles or design. You will bring together all aspects of the course ranging from research methodologies to discipline-specific modules. This work-based project will receive supervision from the host organisation and the university and outcomes will be negotiated and may include a mix of a research reports for the host and/or plans.

Dissertation

Your learning will culminate in a dissertation on a research topic of your own choosing. You will demonstrate your ability to use initiative and ingenuity, make complex decisions and act autonomously in planning and implementing tasks at a professional level.

Entrepreneurship Project

This module offers you the opportunity to develop entrepreneurial skills by turning a business idea into a business plan, conducting primary research on the viability of the plan and receiving feedback from experts.

Your project will be supported by a project supervisor and a mentor with entrepreneurial experience. You will prepare a report in the form of a business plan complete with an explanation of your business idea, the problem that the business idea suggests, a full market and financial analysis and a realistic plan for start-up and growth, as well as a summary presentation. You will present your plan to a panel of 'mock investors' and receive valuable feedback.