Fashion Textiles BA
Study of the design, development, and creation of fabrics and materials used in the fashion industry, combining artistic creativity with technical processes and material innovation.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Are interested in fabrics and materials
Enjoy creative design
Like experimenting with textures and patterns
Want a career in fashion or textiles
Are detail-oriented
Popular Career Fields
Fashion & Textiles
Retail & Commercial Design
Arts & Culture
Manufacturing & Production
Your Personality Might Be:
Material explorer
Retail & Commercial Design
Experimental maker
Aesthetically driven
What is it?
Course Summary
Study of the design, development, and creation of fabrics and materials used in the fashion industry, combining artistic creativity with technical processes and material innovation.
What you'll study
You’ll typically study:
Textile Design
Fabric Development
Dyeing and Printing Techniques
Fashion Applications
Portfolio Work
Skills You'll Gain
A fashion textiles degree helps you build both creative and professional skills, including:
Design and creative development – enabling you to generate original textile concepts from initial research to final outcome.
Technical making skills – supporting proficiency in knitting, weaving, printmaking, and material manipulation.
Digital design software – helping you use industry-standard tools like Adobe Creative Suite and CAD for textiles.
Material and trend analysis – preparing you to anticipate future fashion trends and select appropriate fabrics.
Communication and presentation – allowing you to effectively pitch your design portfolios to clients and industry professionals.
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Textile Designer - Textile designer, print designer, knitwear designer, weave designer
Fashion Designer - Fashion designer, apparel designer, creative director
Trend Forecaster - Trend forecaster, materials researcher, fashion analyst
Fabric Technologist - Fabric technologist, garment technologist, materials developer
Buyer - Fashion buyer, fabric buyer, purchasing manager
Stylist - Fashion stylist, editorial stylist, visual merchandiser
Textile Artist/Maker - Textile artist, freelance maker, bespoke material creator
Work Experiences & Placements
Depending on the programme, opportunities may include:
Fashion houses and designer brands
Textile manufacturing companies and fabric mills
Trend forecasting agencies
Studio internships or sandwich-year industry placements
Freelance design projects and live industry briefs
Work placements often lead to graduate job offers and vital industry connections.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels (or equivalent) in any subjects. Most universities prefer Art, Fashion/Textiles, Textiles, or Design Technology. Some accept a broad range if portfolio is exceptionally strong.
Personal Statement Tips
Show your passion for materials, textures, and the fashion industry.
Mention relevant experience (personal sewing/textile projects, art exhibitions, or work experience in retail/design).
Reflect on specific textile designers, fashion trends, or techniques that inspire you.
Highlight your creative process, problem-solving skills, and ability to conceptualise ideas from initial research to physical outcomes.
What to do Next
Start building a strong, diverse portfolio of your creative work, sketching, and textile experiments.
Look into universities that offer specialisms you are interested in (e.g., print vs. knit vs. weave).
Check if the degree offers access to industry-standard workshops, looms, and printing facilities.
Visit degree shows or university open days to see the quality of final-year student work and speak to tutors.
Wider Reading
Textiles and Fashion: Exploring printed textiles, knitwear, embroidery, menswear and womenswear – Jenny Udale. A comprehensive guide covering the relationship between textile design and fashion creation.
Fabric for Fashion: The Complete Guide – Clive Hallett & Amanda Johnston. An essential resource for understanding how natural and synthetic fabrics behave and their applications in clothing.
Sustainable Fashion and Textiles: Design Journeys – Kate Fletcher. A crucial read on sustainability, ethical practices, and environmental impacts in the textile industry.
The Fashion Designer's Textile Directory – Gail Baugh. A practical directory to help designers choose the right fabrics based on garment design and performance needs.