3rd in the UK for Fashion and Textiles

on the Guardian University Guide 2027

Undergraduate courses/ Fashion and Textiles courses/ 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:

W231

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

W231

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

Employability skills are embedded into the curriculum, alongside opportunities to work on live briefs set by industry experts

Overview

Textile Design at DMU gives you the practical, digital and professional skills you need to become a designer in the contemporary global textile market. The course is a deep exploration of the fabric in the world around us - from wallpaper and soft furnishings to transport upholstery and luxury fashion and is designed to equip you with a multifaceted eye for design techniques.

You can specialise in one of three areas – mixed media, print or weave – and will explore the key applications of fashion, interior and lifestyle. Mixed media involves developing contemporary collections through embroidery and embellishment, print translates imagery onto textiles with inventive screen printing and dyeing and weave teaches you to create innovative structures using yarn and fibres.

Our expert teaching team will encourage you to take dynamic approaches to textile design that will influence the future of the industry – helping you to graduate as a forward-thinking, responsible designer.

  • Employability skills are embedded into the curriculum, alongside opportunities to work on live briefs set by industry experts and take part in prestigious competitions.
  • You will have the opportunity to complete an optional placement year, with the support and guidance of our award-winning careers team. Previous students have completed placements at both high fashion and high street brands such as Alexander McQueen, Primark, Berghaus, ASOS, Joules and Marks & Spencer.
  • Our graduates are working in various roles such as designers, colourists, buyers and freelancers at industry-leading brands including Hallmark, George at ASDA, Gilbey & Cheyne Design, Tiger Prints, H&M, Warner Fabrics and Sainsbury’s Home.
  • 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 course has a scholarship available for 2025 entry. The Worshipful Company of Dyers Scholarship offers a contribution of £5,000 per year, to support students from low-income backgrounds. To be eligible, students must have a household income of £50,000 or less.

Follow Textile Design BA (Hons) on Instagram to see inspiring work by our students.

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.

Textile Design BA (Hons)
Free Creative Essentials At DMU, 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

In your first year you will experience all four specialist areas of textile design, enabling you to make an informed decision about the pathway you will choose for your second and third year.

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.

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: Explore: Global Contexts

In this module you will be tasked with developing a body of work that is targeted at a non-western centric market. In lectures and seminars, you will explore a variety of global markets and contexts for textile design. You will explore issues relating to cultures, beliefs and ethical practice and consider the impact on your design practice

You will be asked to consider your work in and how it is situated within a global context. You will be expected to develop your understanding of the challenges faced in protecting and improving the world we live in and consider how your practice can potentially have a positive impact and contribute and solve problems.

You will develop a range of design conclusions based on investigation and consideration of non-UK markets. You will evaluate your findings and construct a presentation that communicates this to a range of audiences.

Assessment: 50% project and 50% presentation.

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.

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.

Structure

During your first year, you will gain a practical grounding in textile design and digital skills, alongside a theoretical understanding of professional practice, visual research, textile history and contexts. You will then specialise in one of four areas of textile design: mixed media, print, knit or weave. Mixed media is our most three-dimensional specialism and focuses on the design and crafting of embroidery, embellishment and conceptual techniques to build up surfaces. In printed textiles, you are encouraged to explore both traditional and contemporary print processes, from screen printing to digital, underpinned by a technical understanding of dyeing in our state-of-the-art dye laboratories. In studying constructed textiles, knit or weave, you will be able to explore designing textile structures through the skilful and creative use of yarn and fibres, the mainstay of the textile industry.

You will be taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical studio sessions, tutorials, workshops and self-directed study. 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.

The teaching team are experts across key fields within the creative industries, from influential textile designers, international design studio directors and specialist makers to textile technologists, scientists, historians, academic researchers and policy influencers. You will also be supported by our team of dedicated expert technicians.

Each year you will participate in various national and international competitions such as the Hand and Lock, Hallmark cards and New York SURTEX Exhibition Design competition. Students regularly win awards at New Designers and their work has also been exhibited in showcases such as The Discerning Eye, One Year On and Graduate Showcase with the Embroiderers Guild.

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.

Contact hours

In your first year you will normally attend around 19 hours of timetabled taught sessions each week and we expect you to undertake at least 22 further hours of independent study to complete project work and research.

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.

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Textile Design in the spotlight

Regional competition win for Textile Design student

Regional competition win for Textile Design student

Katie's project was a consideration of textile design processes that could be used to address period poverty, and was judged the best among competition from Loughborough University, Nottingham Trent University and Nottingham College.

March 2025

Student work

Hannah Glossop
Krissie Blythe
Lauren Taylor
Anning Li - Image 1
Anning Li - Image 2
Olivia Wilson - Image 1
Holly Newton - Image 1
Marnie Walker - Image 1
Sam Thornton - Image 1

Our facilities

Support that helps you succeed

With students from the Design Studies subject area voting us 1st in the East Midlands for academic support (NSS, 2026), you'll benefit from a learning environment where help is always within reach.

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

Take a s c r o l l through campus

Experience a virtual tour of campus at your own pace.

Jump in

Our expertise

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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Nick Rodgers

Programme Leader- Textile Design BA (Hons)

A graduate from the Royal College of Art and Glasgow School of Art, Nick has over 25 years of experience. He has designed Fashion Textiles, Interior Textiles, and gift-wrap, creating numerous textiles work for BT, The Open University, Island Records, as well as numerous national and international clients. He is passionate about equipping his students with the skills to enable them to succeed in their chosen career paths.

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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.

Accreditations, awards or 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 logo

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 block teaching, you’ll learn in a focused 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.

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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 been on DMU Global trips to Copenhagen to explore sustainability in the fashion and textiles industry, and to Berlin to discover how independent boutiques and designers run their businesses.

Where we could take you

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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 benefitted from placements at both high fashion and high street brands such as Alexander McQueen, Primark, Berghaus, ASOS, Joules and Marks & Spencer.

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Your future career

DMU aims to prepare you for a career in the international textile industry, whether that be working with high street brands, high value designers and bespoke makers, or as a self-employed entrepreneur.

Our graduates are working as designers, colourists, buyers, freelancers and in production. Some of the big brands they work for include Hallmark, George at ASDA, Gilbey & Cheyne Design, Tiger Prints, Osborne & Little, H&M, Warner Fabrics and Sainsbury’s Home.

Take your next steps

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Find out about Leicester

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

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Open Days - Book your place

We’d 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:
Textile Design BA (Hons)
Programme code:
W231

UCAS applications

Apply now
  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:
Textile Design BA (Hons)
Programme code:
W231

Apply directly as an international student

Find out more and apply
  1. Visit DMU’s international section and select the course you wish to apply for as an undergraduate or postgraduate student.
  2. Prepare your documents - gather the essentials:
    • Academic transcripts and certificates
    • Personal statement
    • English language proficiency evidence (e.g., IELTS)
    • Portfolio (if required by the course)
    • Copy of your passport
  3. Complete the application - submit via the DMU Online Portal
  4. Submit the application and supporting documents - you can still receive a conditional offer even if some documents will follow later
  5. Application review and offer - DMU’s Admissions team will assess your application and issue:
    • A conditional offer (pending remaining docs, test results, etc.)
    • Or an unconditional offer, if all requirements are fulfilled

Key facts

Course title

Textile Design

Award

BA (Hons)

UCAS code

W231

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:

DMU 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 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:

  • Art and design materials: £145 in your first year, increasing to £265 in your second year and £430 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 or visits: £120 in your first and second year
  • Specialist printing: £80 in your second year and £125 in your third year

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.