Textiles MA

On this module you will be encouraged to explore how different research methods underpin all kinds of creative practices. The module introduces you to current research themes in art and design. In the past we have explored topics such as: developing concepts through thinking and making, using archives in creative practice, working with objects of material culture, analysing digital transformations, practising psychogeography in the urban environment, tackling the anthropocene and environmental issues of the twenty-first century. As thinkers and practitioners you will work to develop an understanding of the different research approaches you might design and use to enhance and transform your ideas. You will be introduced to a range of practice-led research methods which may include: creative and design thinking, user-centered methods, practice-led approaches, cultural analysis, historical/archival research and market-driven data capture and analysis. The module helps to equip you with a tool kit of research skills to guide you in the development of a project proposal or working brief for your Master's study. The module is made up of lectures, guided seminars and small group tutorials which will support you in building a solid foundation to lead you through your studies.

This module aims to introduce you to key features of innovation and entrepreneurship within the context of the cultural and creative industries. Depending on your future aspirations we will help you to build your knowledge and understanding of different approaches to creative innovation (social, ethical and sustainable aspects), provide guidance on business start-ups, and assist you in your professional skills development (commercial awareness, self-management, problem-solving, team working, communication strategies), including searching for marketing, promotion, consultancy and funding opportunities specific to your subject. The module involves lectures, seminars and practical projects where you will experiment with the tools and techniques of creative innovation. There will be opportunities for group projects and cross-disciplinary working on this module.

This module enables you to explore a range of advanced creative concepts and practices across Art and Design working alongside other students in a mixed-discipline cohort encompassing Art and Communication, 3D Design and Fashion and Textiles. You will identify starting points for your studio practice through supported and scheduled access and interaction with a range of specialist workshop facilities and digital making processes which in turn inform the potential of material investigation as a core part of your refocused enquiry-led practice. The module comprises three discrete but interlinked phases of development: Conceptual Direction, Creative Contexts, Critical Processes.

Working alongside other students within Fashion and Textiles, this practice-led module helps you question and develop the parameters of your project through a range of different methods aligned to specific concepts, processes and contexts. Specialising in your chosen area of practice, you will produce a body of practical work supported by specialist workshops for fashion and textiles, which will explore the hybrid and expanded nature of your discipline that arises out of contemporary culture. You will have access to digital and analogue resources for the creation of textiles, surface design (knit, weave, print, laser cutting, advanced 3D technologies), garment design, pattern cutting and construction (advanced manufacturing suite), embellishment (hand and machine embroidery) and visualisation tools (such as Adobe Suite, specialist fashion/textile software, digital photography studio, virtual reality and motion tracking), as required for the module brief in your selected MA course. You are encouraged to push the direction of your project through processes of risk taking, problematisation and creative thinking for your chosen professional context. In doing so you will situate your subject within contemporary culture and practices, and develop a deeper understanding of markets in relation to the fashion and textiles industry.

This project provides you with the opportunity to consider the values underpinning global textile practices, identifying ways to transform the associated industries, their craft, design and new technologies. In this Major Project you will interrogate new paradigms of practice associated with technological, theoretical and design contexts and the processes of the creation and manufacture of textiles and surface design. Informed by your research and development you will look for opportunities to design by facilitating change and create alternative sustainable textile or surface products or experiences. This project provides an opportunity for in-depth research into your area of interest and the development of methods that support this. You will work to research, develop, critically reflect, refine and communicate both your methodological approach and your conclusions, culminating in outcomes that build upon learning and development in previous modules.