Key facts

Entry requirements

112 or DMM

Additional entry requirements apply to this course. Full entry requirements

UCAS code

WW2S

Institution code

D26

Duration

3 yrs full-time

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

Fees

2024/25 UK tuition fees:
£9,250

2024/25 international tuition:
£15,750

Additional costs

Entry requirements

112 or DMM

Additional entry requirements apply to this course. Full entry requirements

UCAS code

WW2S

Institution code

D26

Duration

3 yrs full-time

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

Fees

2024/25 UK tuition fees:
£9,250

2024/25 international tuition:
£15,750

Additional costs

Fashion Textile Design at DMU embraces the latest textile techniques and creative approaches, equipping you with the expertise to help make your mark in the multibillion-pound fashion industry. On this course you'll sharpen your artistic vision, learn new techniques and determine your own creative direction for fashion-forward, luxury and innovative design. You'll build a portfolio of work that showcases your skills, design ethos as well as embracing social and ecological challenges that reflect the shifting landscape of global fashion.

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.

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Saturday 29 June

Join us in 102 days and 1 hour.

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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

This module forms an essential part in developing an understanding of the necessity for good visual and technical investigation. You will be exposed to a variety of methodologies for developing information gathering, visualisation, documentation, experimentation, and conceptual development. You are expected to expand existing skills, whilst advancing and personalising a range of investigative techniques for use throughout the course. A range of set workshops and briefs will allow you to be exposed to a variety of approaches and aids a broad range of ideas and techniques to be explored. The module also contains an introduction to garment construction and pattern cutting. Establishing links between research and technical process for fashion and textiles.

Assessment: 70% design research and 30% coursework.

Block 2: Explore

This module introduces you to fundamentals of fashion textile design development. This will build upon your visual research skills, allowing opportunities to explore the translation of research into technical/practical textile outcomes. Technical exploration will encompass specific technical processes (knit and material construction) and further investigate pattern cutting and garment construction techniques. Design problem solving skills are addressed through fashion focused project briefs, developing an understanding of the requirements for a contemporary fashion context.

Assessment: 70% design development and 30% coursework.

Block 3: Connect

This module will build upon your visual research skills and explore the connection of differing textile technical processes, with a practical fashion outcome. Technical exploration will encompass specific technical processes (print) and investigate translation from 2D to 3D via pattern cutting and garment construction techniques. Design problem solving skills are addressed through your response to a set project brief. Developing an understanding of the requirements for a contemporary fashion context.

Assessment: 70% design research and 30% design resolution.

Block 4: Futures

This module consolidates the learning from level 4, allowing you to use arrange of design research and development skills in the creation of a design package. You are encouraged to use digital and traditional technologies to produce concepts and conclusions for relevant independently defined contexts. The practical content is further underpinned by theoretical content delivered by the Design Cultures department to contextualise current practice within an historical framework. You will consider origins and influences - how traditions develop and evolve in response to social and political contexts - as well as research methods, visual literacy, and the skills for academic writing.

Assessment: 50% design package and 50% 1500-word written assignment.

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

Block 1: Develop

This module provides the opportunity for you to advance technical skills and design problem solving activities related to designing and creating textiles for fashion.

Technical understanding encompasses specific processes and techniques considered most relevant to the global fashion industry. Projects will expand on skills developed in level 4, focusing on technical and design skills across print, surface design and knitted textiles.

Design problem solving skills are addressed through a specific fashion focused project brief, developing a deeper knowledge of market, gender, fabrications, and context.

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

Block 2: Communication

This module provides the opportunity to study and develop practical design communication for the fashion industry. Developing a range of portfolio techniques, fashion Illustration, CAD, and personal promotion. The aim is to explore and understand a variety of methods to investigate, experiment, design, visualise and present information for a fashion audience. Encouraging you to discover and refine your personal style and approach to fashion communication, whilst understand its’ relationship with their textile design practice.

To locate the skills being developed appropriately, the module contains a series of sessions, which aid development of career enhancement and professional practice skills, such CV’s, cover letters, internship searches and promotional material.

The practical content is further underpinned by theoretical content delivered by the Design Cultures department. Design Cultures contextual teaching is included in this module. You will engage with issues and debates including sustainability, gender, and cross-cultural awareness. Students will research and explore relevant historical, theoretical, critical, and global concepts to underpin your understanding of contemporary issues in the fashion industry.

Assessment: 50% coursework and 50% 2500-word written assignment.

Block 3: Contextualise

This module provides the opportunity for you to advance technical skills and design problem solving activities related to designing and creating fashion textiles for defined fashion contexts and markets

Technical understanding encompasses specific processes and techniques considered most relevant to a global fashion industry context. You will expand design and practical skills focusing on developing areas of specialism and relating this to a modern fashion context.

Design problem solving skills are addressed through a specific project brief, allowing a deeper knowledge of market, gender, fabrications, and context to be investigated.

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

Block 4: Advance

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.

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: Consolidate

This module focuses on consolidating your research, creative and technical skills, whilst providing a platform for the strengthening of a personal design direction.

The project design brief will be co-created by the staff and individual students through negotiation, establishing a platform for a body of visual and technical research to be produced. Through considered investigation and analysis you will develop your personal practice for your defined direction before presenting your ideas for further development in Block 2.

You are provided with the opportunity to gain advanced technical skills in a range of processes for your chosen specialism(s) or combine processes as you require. Access is provided to a broad range of practical workshops, establishing an increasingly independent learning experience.

Assessment: 80% design research and 20% presentation.

Block 2: Refine

This module focuses on refining the investigation from block 1 into a capsule collection. Providing you with the opportunity to develop and refine your personal design direction into viable design outcomes. There is an expectation that you continue to research and investigate your practice and its’ relevance to modern fashion. This will be further underpinned by teaching and support from the Design Cultures department.

For Design Cultures, you will consolidate your skills of research, organization, critical analysis, and communication in order to develop and agree a self-directed title for an extended essay or alternative assessment. A link between the written assignment and studio projects is encouraged to demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between theory and personal design practice.

Assessment: 50% design collection and 50% 4000-word written assignment.

Block 3 and Block 4: Resolve

This module focuses on consolidating your research, creative and technical skills, whilst providing a platform for the strengthening of a personal design direction.

The project design brief will be co-created by the staff and individual students through negotiation, establishing a platform for a body visual research to be produced. Through considered investigation and analysis you will develop your personal practice for your defined direction before presenting your ideas for further development.

Students are provided with the opportunity to gain advanced technical skills in a range of processes for their chosen specialism(s) or combine processes as they require. Access is provided to a broad range of practical workshops, establishing an increasingly independent learning experience.

Assessment: 50% Research and development, 30% design collection and 20% portfolio.

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.

Fashion Textile Design in the spotlight

Student work

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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 De Montfort University campus and provides students and staff with the space and resources they need to thrive.

Explore the Vijay Patel

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.

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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 – Print

Kate has worked as a textile designer and practicing artist since graduating from DMU’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 – Knit

A graduate from Fashion and Textiles MA at DMU, 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.

Green Gown logo

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

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 DMU community and other rewarding aspects of university life.

DMU-global

DMU Global

DMU Global is the award-winning international experience programme for DMU 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.

Where we could take you

Classic creations by Elizabeth

Placements to make you work-ready

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.

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.

Elizabeth Walecki undertook a year-long work placement with Cobalt, one of the world’s largest knitwear suppliers and her designs impressed the Worshipful Company of Framework Knitters who awarded her a £2,500 bursary.

DMU Graduate Fashion

Your future career

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. 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.

Course specifications

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 2024

Duration

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

Fees

2024/25 UK tuition fees:
£9,250

2024/25 international tuition:
£15,750

Additional costs

Entry requirements

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: No

Portfolio required: Yes

Please see our portfolio advice page for full details.

Additional costs

Here at DMU 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