Why study this course?
This is a top-up version of our Textiles BA (Hons) degree. A top-up degree is the final year (Level 6) of an undergraduate degree course and is for those who have a foundation degree, Higher National Diploma or equivalent qualification, or those wishing to study the final year of their degree in London.
On the Textiles (Top-up) BA course you’ll learn technical skills through exploring a variety of subject areas including textile design for interiors and fashion and accessories. There will be opportunities to produce collections of textiles, surface techniques and garments and to showcase in a professional setting.
During this fast paced and exciting third and final year of the degree programme we work with you to ensure you have the confidence and self-knowledge to enter the professional arena of textiles, with pride in who you are as a creative force.
Developing your existing skills, we work together on communicating your ideas, presenting yourself and your work, and widening your understanding of the wider global design environment. A series of industry led projects, recent partners include WGSN trend forecasters, Fred Perry, and Parker Knoll, enable you to refine your design voice, before you begin a self-led major project.
Teaching is a combination of practical workshops, supported experimentation, individual and group tutorials, lectures and discussion groups and self-led reflective explorations. The Tutors are all experienced educators and have individual practices- see profiles for more information.
Our design studies courses are second in London for overall student satisfaction according to the National Student Survey 2022.
We're fourth in the country for fashion and textiles according to the Guardian university league tables 2022.
More about this course
The course is taught by a team of experts that includes professional textile artists, practitioners and designers, as well product designers in fashion and interior.
You'll be provided with regular feedback through tutorials to support you in your creative development and individual voice. You'll also gain current and relevant knowledge of working in the design industry to prepare you for your specialism.
You'll have opportunities to take part in a number of workshops on subjects such as dyeing, rug making and computer-aided design (CAD). You will also have chances to collaborate with your students on our jewellery design and fashion degrees.
We’re proud to have industry links and live projects with multinational companies such as Adidas, Gainsborough Silk Weaving Co, Edward Crutchley, Lyle & Scott, The Print Archivist, furniture retailers Heal’s and Ligne Roset, Thornback Peel and Tissage rugs.
Visit our Instagram page to view work created by our graduates and students.
Assessment
You'll be assessed via project work and essays, individual and group design practice and a final major show and dissertation.
Fees and key information
Apply nowEntry requirements
In addition to the University's standard entry requirements, you should have one of the following:
- 240 credits from a relevant Higher National Diploma (HND), Foundation Degree (FdA/FdSc) or equivalent international qualification in a relevant subject
- 240 credits from years 1 and 2 of an undergraduate degree (BA/BSc) in a relevant subject at a different institution
- a portfolio interview
We encourage applications from international/EU students with equivalent qualifications. We also accept mature students with diverse backgrounds and experiences.
Portfolios and interviews
Your portfolio should be selective, but have enough work to show a range of your interests and talents. We are interested in seeing how you develop a project from beginning to end, not only finished work.
If you cannot bring certain pieces of your work to your portfolio interview, please take photographs and include them.
Physical portfolio
If you are coming in person to your interview we strongly suggest bringing a physical portfolio of work.
Things to bring:
- Sketchbooks – we love to see your sketchbooks with ideas and notes, even if they are messy.
- Examples of the development of a project from start to finish and the final outcome.
- Some work that you are really proud of and want to talk about.
- Some work that shows you experimenting with different processes.
Digital Portfolio
If you are submitting an online application, please follow these guidelines.
Things to include:
- Scans or photographs demonstrating items from the list above.
- Storyboarding for motion-based work.
- Also include scans of sketchbook pages showing development.
- Be sure to check the resolution and overall quality of your image to ensure submissions are not pixelated.
Accreditation of Prior Learning
Any university-level qualifications or relevant experience you gain prior to starting university could count towards your course at London Met. Find out more about applying for Accreditation of Prior Learning (APL).
English language requirements
To study a degree at London Met, you must be able to demonstrate proficiency in the English language. If you require a Student visa (previously Tier 4) you may need to provide the results of a Secure English Language Test (SELT) such as Academic IELTS. This course requires you to meet our standard requirements.
If you need (or wish) to improve your English before starting your degree, the University offers a Pre-sessional Academic English course to help you build your confidence and reach the level of English you require.
Modular structure
The modules listed below are for the academic year 2023/24 and represent the course modules at this time. Modules and module details (including, but not limited to, location and time) are subject to change over time.
Year 3 modules include:
- This module currently runs:
- all year (September start) - Friday morning
- all year (September start) - Tuesday afternoon
- all year (September start) - Tuesday morning
- all year (September start) - Friday afternoon
Through synthesis of the knowledge of processes and design principles that you have gained in the previous years of study, using intellectual, creative and practical skills, you will design and develop self-directed projects, including your ‘major project’.
The projects will be individually set, but will require negotiated and approved project proposals before commencing. You will undertake and record in-depth research, a well-constructed design development process, the exercise of critical thinking skills and the selection of production skills resulting in a significant body of creative outcomes.
Your process will include market and competitor research, idea generation, concept development, material investigation, sampling, modelling or prototyping and visualisations that lead towards the realisation of the project proposed in the ‘Project Resolution’ module.
The module will require you to critique your own work and adopt the professional standards of your disciplines. The module emphasises the growth of a personal focus and creative identity whilst acknowledging commercial and professional ethics, expectations and constraints. - This module currently runs:
- all year (September start) - Wednesday afternoon
- all year (September start) - Wednesday morning
Critical and Contextual Studies (CCS) in Level 6 offers you an opportunity to understand and explore the historical, social, cultural and economic factors which influence, and provide a context for, the development of architecture, art and design practice. Building on critical and academic skills gained during two years of previous study, the module encourages you to develop an awareness of issues around which there is some debate, uncertainty or contest. Based on this awareness, you will develop a set of research questions which constitute the topic of your study. This topic can be theoretical, historical, or technical and you may, with guidance, decide to engage with an area of scholarly interest outside the territory of your degree course.
You will develop your topic and respond to your research questions in the form of an extended critical study or Dissertation (6,000–7,000 words). Through this study you demonstrate that you can thoroughly research a topic, use appropriate methods of investigation, and work in a methodical and organised way to develop a coherent argument or line of thought. Teaching and Learning on the module is designed to support you in this process through a combination of tutorials and one to one supervision; as well as a series of formative and summative assessments which prepare you for the final submission.
The final form and presentation of your Dissertation can reflect a broad range of approaches to research and writing. It may include visual materials or other non-written forms of presentation as long they support your enquiry and comprise an integral part of the whole. By prior approval at the start of the module, your research can be part practice-based, and include primary research and fieldwork.
The dissertation may, by prior approval at the start of the module from the Head of Subject, be part practice-based and can include fieldwork and primary research in its methods. Its form and approach can reflect a broad range of design-specific approaches based on discussion and agreement with your supervisor.
By virtue of the sustained, independent nature of the learning and substantial final output, the dissertation is also intended to prepare you for possible postgraduate study.
- This module currently runs:
- all year (September start) - Friday morning
- all year (September start) - Tuesday afternoon
- all year (September start) - Tuesday morning
- all year (September start) - Friday afternoon
The Major Project module provides the opportunity for you to prepare yourself for employment or independent practice in textile design, or to progress to higher studies. Through the self-determined project, you will synthesise the specialist knowledge and skills that you have gained through the course and effectively communicate these through the professional-standard production of your designs.
You will exercise your abilities in selecting, analysing and applying knowledge, skills and understanding to a fully researched project. Through this process, you will be able properly to understand and communicate your strengths, interests and position in your field, as well as your opportunities for future professional development.
A negotiated and approved proposal will confirm your individual project. Through careful planning and recording of process, you will demonstrate your ability to negotiate the complex and changing nature of problems in professional textile design, balancing the competing demands of creativity, practicality, commercial reality and ethical principles.
Your outcome will exhibit a professional standard of realisation, contextualisation and presentation, providing the elements for an interview-ready portfolio of practice.
- This module currently runs:
- all year (September start) - Wednesday afternoon
- all year (September start) - Friday afternoon
By the end of this module you will have a detailed plan and materials ready for the launch of your career, whether that be in employment, self-employment or further study.
You will be set tasks to research in detail how designers and practitioners in your sector (your future competitors) build their professional and creative profiles and businesses and achieve success. There will also be a focus on how to identify opportunities such as competitions, exhibitions and notice of commissioned work being available. How to achieve effective and cost-effective promotion of your practice will be demonstrated, using the full range of traditional and newly-available communication channels and strategies as appropriate for your practice.
You will be asked to identify what is distinctive about your practice and approach, so that you can make an offer to the market that is attractive and unique. This will require fully professional and sophisticated visual presentation of your work in formats that are recognised by your professional peers and potential clients or employers.
You will continue to research the various roles and employment opportunities that are available to you, understanding how those roles interact and what the skillset requirements for them are, so that you can evaluate and select from the widest range of career openings.
Your final submission should represent a fully rounded, professional and appealing creative profile ready for presentation to potential employers and clients.
What our students say
“The difference between London Met and many other universities is the focus on post-graduation employment. There is a great emphasis on practical skills for the workplace and the importance of workshops and hands-on experience."
National Student Survey
“Studio culture has transformed the experience for me. I really appreciate the chance to explore what my practice may be when I graduate. Teaching staff have been excellent, giving me just enough freedom to explore, but not so much that I get lost! Excellent facilities. Excellent technicians.”
National Student Survey
“My time at London Met on the textile design course was brilliant! I was so stimulated and enriched by the projects and seminars. It not only taught me in-depth textile knowledge but also key life skills and a lot about myself. The teachers are open minded and supportive, always looking for new ways to help you achieve your potential and bring out your creativity."
National Student Survey
"The best thing for me was the variety of subjects you could study. I even tried my hand at textile jewellery designing which I loved! I enjoyed my time and experiences at London Met so much that I applied to do a postgraduate course there!”
National Student Survey
Where this course can take you
Upon completion of the degree you could enter textile, fashion or interior design roles including designer-maker, industry designer, buyer, technologist, stylist and design journalist, or progress on to a master’s course.
Our graduates have gone on to work at companies including Timberland, Harrods, the Fashion Model Directory and River Island.
Successful graduate designer makers include Vicky Cowin, Stephanie Witts, Lisa Bloomer and Claire Whelan.
Textiles student Majeda Clarke was shortlisted for a Bemz Design Award and went on to create her collection with UNESCO.
Important information about this course
We're committed to continuously improving our degree courses to ensure our students receive the best possible learning experience. Many of the courses in our School of Art, Architecture and Design are currently under review for 2023-24 entry. We encourage you to apply as outlined in the how to apply section of this page and if there are any changes to your course we will contact you. All universities review their courses regularly and this year we are strengthening our art, architecture and design courses to better reflect the needs of employers and ensure you're well-equipped for your future career.
Important information about the teaching location of this course
We currently have three locations in Holloway, Aldgate and Shoreditch. As we evolve as a University, we'll be reviewing the use of these spaces to ensure all our students have access to the facilities and study areas they need to succeed. This means the campus where this course is taught may change over time.
The experience of our students will always be our top priority and we'll notify applicants and students of any changes to their teaching location at the earliest opportunity.
Additional costs
Please note, in addition to the tuition fee there may be additional costs for things like equipment, materials, printing, textbooks, trips or professional body fees.
Additionally, there may be other activities that are not formally part of your course and not required to complete your course, but which you may find helpful (for example, optional field trips). The costs of these are additional to your tuition fee and the fees set out above and will be notified when the activity is being arranged.
How to apply
If you're a UK applicant wanting to study full-time starting in September, you must apply via UCAS unless otherwise specified. If you're an international applicant wanting to study full-time, you can choose to apply via UCAS or directly to the University.
If you're applying for part-time study, you should apply directly to the University. If you require a Student visa, please be aware that you will not be able to study as a part-time student at undergraduate level.
When to apply
The University and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) accepts applications for full-time courses starting in September from one year before the start of the course. Our UCAS institution code is L68.
If you will be applying direct to the University you are advised to apply as early as possible as we will only be able to consider your application if there are places available on the course.
To find out when teaching for this degree will begin, as well as welcome week and any induction activities, view our academic term dates.
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