textiles are all around us and an integral part of our lives. beyond their practical use in how we dress ourselves and our spaces, textiles are a powerful form of communication, with the ability to encapsulate community, identity, heritage, protest, labour as well as creative outlet and innovation. the breadth of textile application is expansive, and the future of textiles has never been so exciting. the first year of the course introduces students to knit, print and weave, dye and digital processes. alongside development of skills in these pathways students will undertake projects focusing on research, drawing, colour, composition and 2d and 3d experimentation. students will also enhance their understanding of sustainable materials and practices, informing the evolution of their projects. second year encourages students to develop a personal design identity. through risk taking and experimentation students will push their specialist skills in their chosen pathways. a focus on contemporary industry applications allows students to explore a variety of potential contexts for their work. an emphasis on professional practice and skills, prepares students for their final year and potential placement opportunities. students are challenged to engage with ethical principles, putting sustainability into practice. the third year of the course encourages student’s personal design direction; with an emphasis on supporting students to push boundaries, expand research narratives, amplify personal expression and refine specialist skills. design professionalism, communication and presentation are key considerations and aim to prepare for graduate life. what to expect a wide range of professional contexts: through project work, technical workshops and the specialised research areas of the staff team, you will be introduced to a range of different textile design contexts and the skills they demand. individuality: as a course we advocate for individualised approaches to textiles, pushing the boundaries of what they can encompass. we actively welcome alternative directions and encourage cross-disciplinary thinking. underpinned by broad based design skills: the course educates students to be ‘flexible specialists’ with knowledge across the textile pathways of knit, print and weave, before they are required to choose one area in which to finally specialise. students will be introduced to both traditional and innovative textile processes, exploring a variety of textile applications and interdisciplinary skills. preparation for industry: by the end of the course, students will understand their place within the wider context of the art and design industries, both ambitious in their future personal direction and able to collaborate with other practitioners. industry experience and opportunities: you will benefit from opportunities to engage with industry projects during your studies, learning to work to client briefs and their requirements. studies are supported by careers and employability enhancement, as well as the expertise and insight of visiting practitioners. external facing exhibitions and showcases, allow engagement with the public and industry visitors. field trips and studio visits provide insight into professional practice and networking opportunities. the diploma in professional studies creates an integrated optional opportunity to engage in a year spent in industry placements.