BA (Hons) (Top-up) Textiles Practice
Study LevelLevel 6 Course TypeHigher Education Duration2 Academic Years Start DateSeptember 2025 Study ModePart-time LocationLister BuildingOverview
This is a part-time top-up programme providing a specialist level 6 progression route for students on FdA Textiles Practice, as well as those with other relevant level 5 qualifications wishing to complete an honours degree. The unique part-time, blended learning model allows students to balance study with other commitments, as well as the opportunity for learners from across the UK to study with us.
Key Info
The programme comprises a blend of theoretical and practice-based learning, focussed on textiles in art, craft and design. Modules are delivered over two-years, part-time, 60 credits per year. Students will usually attend college for five long weekends per year, with online tutorial support between teaching blocks. At level 6, the emphasis is on identifying areas of specific interest in relation to individual textile practice. In year 1 students will be supported in choosing subjects to explore through in-depth critical research, creative investigation and textile exploration. Students may choose to work with traditional fibres, fabrics and processes, digital skills, unconventional materials or a combination of media and techniques. Alongside the textiles and research modules, students will also develop professional skills through practical and professional experiences. In year 2 students will focus on a Major Project, which will be a self-identified area of textiles practice, culminating in a body of resolved textile outcomes. To enhance professional skills, students will also learn how to present and promote their work, with the programme culminating in a professional exhibition of work.
Year 1:
- Individual Creative Research (20 credits)
- Professional Practice (20 credits)
- Textiles Investigation (20 credits)
Year 2:
- Major Project (40 credits)
- Exhibition, Planning & Promotion (20 credits)
Applicants should have successfully completed a Level 5 qualification (for example, HND, Foundation Degree, Dip HE) in a relevant subject area. GCSE English grade 4 or equivalent. Additional criteria: Non-standard applicants (those without the above qualifications) will be required to produce evidence of their ability to study at Higher Education Level 6. Short-course and relevant work experience may be considered. Non-standard applicants will be interviewed with a portfolio of work and may be required to complete a piece of written work as part of their application. Claims for Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) are welcomed by the College. Students should consult the admissions tutor if they wish to claim such recognition. Additional admissions matters:
Applicants will be invited to an interview and present a portfolio of practical work. This portfolio may consist of research, design development and work in progress (such as sketchbooks, visual journal) or finished pieces of work. The nature of this programme actively encourages learners from non-traditional learning routes. International students are additionally required to achieve an overall score of 6 (with each subset no lower than 6) in IELTS. Please consult the Admissions department for further details.
Assessment tasks are linked to the learning outcomes for each module and are completed by the end of the module. Assessments generally take the form of course work in the form of specific project briefs appropriate to each module, which may include some of the following:
- Research files
- Sketchbooks, drawing and visual journals
- Illustrated reports
- Textile sampling
- Finished products
- Verbal and visual presentations
- Exhibitions or portfolios
Formative assessment takes place throughout the course, during feedback at one-to-one tutorials and through peer review at group critiques. This feedback is aimed to support the learner’s development and does not contribute to a final grade. Written summative assessment will be provided by the module tutor after the module has been completed. Verbal feedback may also be offered during tutorials to provide clarification.
Throughout the programme there is an emphasis on professional skills and individual career goals. The Professional Practice module in year 1, supports students to plan and engage with specific professional experiences, such as delivering workshops or other practical teaching experiences. The curriculum is enriched by external study visits, trips and visiting speakers. Students have access to industry-led talks and activities via our industry links with the Bradford Textile Society, and local art networks. The staff team brings a wealth of professional experience to the programme, as practicing designers, makers and exhibiting textile artists. They are keen to bring those experiences into the curriculum to ensure the programme is applicable to current trends and professional practices, developing graduates who are ready for professional practice.
Graduates from our HE textiles programmes progress to further study including Masters study and PGCE. Graduates also develop creative careers as practising textile artists, freelance crafts practitioners and designers or work in the museums sector or in education. Many arts graduates will also develop portfolio careers that combine aspects of creative practice with teaching, community arts, freelance project work and commissions.
Other Costs: Equipment £700 maximum (art materials, sketchbooks, display materials, printing and textile materials for project work), Trips and visits £250, Materials for final collection £300 maximum and Domestic sewing machine (optional cost).
This is representative of the most common fees scenario, but actual fees can vary depending on a number of factors. Please contact us if you need more guidance.
If you have any questions or require any additional information, please contact [email protected]
Disclaimer: Our prospectus, college documents and website are simply here to offer a guide. We accept no liability for any inaccurate statements and are not responsible for any negative outcomes if you rely on an inaccurate statement. We reserve the right to withdraw any programmes or service at any time.