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Programme Specification for Printed Textile Design BA Hons

 

Final award

BA Hons

Intermediate awards available

Dip HE, Cert HE

UCAS code

W232

Details of professional body accreditation

N/A

Relevant QAA Benchmark statements

Art & Design

Date specification last up-dated

September 2012

Profile

The summary - UCAS programme profile

BANNER BOX:

Printed Textile Design @ UEL is: Future-thinking, Inter- disciplinary, Commercial, Illustrative, Material, Sustainable & Ethical. A challenging and innovative programme where essential creative skills are taught and enhanced to meet the diverse needs of the creative industries.

 

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS

Students are selected on their suitability for the programme by interview and the submission of a portfolio/ e-portfolio. Applicants would normally have completed A levels in Art or Design, an Art and Design Foundation diploma or an appropriate BTEC, GNVQ or Access programme of at least one year's duration prior to joining the programme. Students with other relevant professional or life experience will also be considered.

 

Applicants should normally have GCSE Grade C (minimum) in English and 4 other subjects.

 

In the case of applicants whose first language in not English, then IELTS 5.5 (or equivalent) is required. International qualifications will be checked for appropriate matriculation to UK Higher Education undergraduate programmes.

 

ABOUT THE PROGRAMME

What is Printed Textile Design?

The ethos of the programme is to creatively explore future developments in textiles practice and thinking. Students are encouraged to develop innovative design outcomes that consider current digital and commercial aspects, alongside the importance of wider ethical and sustainable issues. The range of projects undertaken on the programme equips our graduates with the relevant design skills required by the industry and future employers.

All aspects of the design curriculum and critical theory are taught by experienced staff who are practicing designers, researchers or theoreticians.

 

Printed Textile Design at UEL

You will work in a purpose built art and design studio environment alongside students from Digital Fashion, Fashion Design, Fine Art, Digital Arts & Visual Communication and Architecture.

You will undertake the following as part of the programme curriculum:

  • Design creativity
  • Design development
  • Visual research/ drawing
  • Colour/ material research
  • Contextual/ market awareness
  • Future trend/ prediction analysis
  • Digital print technologies
  • Print workshop techniques/ processes
  • Visual communication
  • Portfolio/ exhibition presentation
  • Digital media/ promotional tools

Programme structure

Level 1 ‘EXPLORER OF THE WORLD’

Introduces you to the core creative skills required within print and surface design; visual research and communication, design development, colour/ material research, future trend/ prediction, silk screen printing and dyeing processes and digital print technologies. Visits to design events, museums, galleries, stores, pop up shops and design studios are an integral part of the level one programme. Creative studio practice is underpinned by study skills and the theory of visual culture and its impact on design.

 

Level 2 CREATIVE INDUSTRY

Allows you to develop skills gained at level one and undertake a series of creative industry led projects. You will have the opportunity to design collections for fashion, interiors, product, gift wrap and accessories. All projects are designed to encourage and develop a strong contextual awareness and individual identity. Both CAD/ digital media and craft/ workshop techniques are developed throughout the level two curriculum. Professional Practice enables you to understand industry requirements and develop your professional presentation and promotional tools.

 

Level 3 NEGOTIATED PRACTICE

You build and consolidate the skills acquired at levels one and two through undertaking a series of individual negotiated practice projects. You develop a collection/ product for a chosen national or international design competition set by industry. You work alongside staff to negotiate a final project proposal focusing on your specialist interest. Your thesis aims to underpin your negotiated studio practice and provide theoretical context to your work. There is also the opportunity for you to gain invaluable experience in the creative industries by working on a short industry placement with a design studio/ retail environment (this is negotiated on an individual basis according to your strengths/ requirements although it is not an assessed module).

 

Learning environment

BA (hons) Printed Textile Design students work alongside students from BA (Hons) Digital Fashion and BA (Hons) Fashion Design in open plan flexible studios adjacent to the fashion production room and staff offices. There is also a dedicated computer suite. The studios suit many purposes – creative design, technical workshops, presentations, exhibitions, group introductions/ crits as well as all other teaching and delivery methods. This creative space is echoed throughout the building, where students from other disciplines (Fine Art, Digital Arts and Visual Communication and Architecture) interact with you on a daily basis.

Teaching and learning methods in the Fashion & Textiles Subject Area (Field) are varied. Most modules include lectures, seminars and tutorials, and some also involve student-led seminars or other forms of group work. Visits to museums, galleries and other relevant field work play an important part in the Printed Textile Design curriculum, and where appropriate there may be video and film screenings.

 

Teaching methods and learning outcomes of all Fashion & Textiles modules are commensurate with the level of study. Descriptions of the individual modules provide information of teaching formats, learning outcomes, assessment methods and relevant criteria.

 

Assessment

All work is assessed regularly: summative assessment is given at the end of each module, formative assessment is given in tutorials at the end of each module, and in the studio environment. Assignments are verified by an External Examiner, double marked and moderated. There are feedback and appraisal mechanisms in place to encourage students to take responsibility for their own learning, reflect on their learning and progression. There are no exams.

 

Work experience/placement opportunities

You may undertake an industrial placement between the end of level two and the end of semester A in level three. Staff usually work with you on this to ensure that you will gain the appropriate skills for your future career aspirations. It is not an assessed part of the programme however, but students are encouraged to make use of contacts and networks to access a suitable design studio/ company.

 

Project work

All assignments are problem based. Projects are either practical, i.e. answering a specific design brief responding to a given problem, (usually a visual outcome) or theoretical, i.e. have a written outcome. They are designed to enable and encourage students to develop individual, creative, academic potential and demonstrate individuality, flare and insight in research for printed textiles design. There will be opportunities to work in groups or develop individually. Project work is an important part of the programme, and contributes fully towards the assessment.

 

Added value

The programme is sited in a purpose built Architecture and Visual Arts building on the University’s landmark Docklands Campus. This in turn is situated in the creative heartland of East London, and an area of intense new media activity adjacent to Excel, Canary Wharf, City Airport and close to the new international rail terminus for Europe at Stratford.

The programme reflects the current creative industry sector. The range of topics available on this programme equip you with the necessary skills to be part of this stimulating industry and will also support your entrepreneurial aspirations in setting up small business initiatives.

The Programme has strong links with Industry in the UK and internationally, ranging from, Design Studios, Trend and Forecasting Agencies, Media and Public Relations, and many connections within the Cultural Industries.

Programme Staff are well connected within the Textile design and creative Industries, with some working as practitioners and consultants in the field.

 

 

IS THIS THE PROGRAMME FOR ME?

If you are interested in...

  • Surface pattern
  • Visual research using drawing/ painting skills
  • Interacting within the creative industries
  • Working with digital print technologies
  • Exploring print and materials using a wide variety of processes
  • Future print design concepts and scenarios
  • Communicating and presenting ideas visually
  • Being an explorer of the world
  • Developing innovative print collections/ products
  • Colour, texture and surface
  • Future trends/ prediction
  • Sustainability

If you enjoy...

  • A challenging and innovative programme of study
  • Working individually and on innovative group projects
  • Being introduced to new concepts and ideas within textile print
  • Discovering new skills and processes
  • Exploring visual culture and design theory
  • Using digital and web based technologies

 

If you want your future career to be as a…

  • Printed Textile Designer
  • Freelance Designer
  • Accessories Designer
  • Textile Artist
  • Design Strategist
  • Design Forecaster
  • Entrepreneur
  • Retail Buyer
  • Educator

 

How we support you

The University provides a comprehensive range of support services for students which includes: residential / student finance advice / careers advice / study skills development / IT learning resources. The programme provides strong personal tutor guidance and professional advice related to the practice and area in general. Visiting futurologists, researchers, and professionals will visit the programme regularly, and study trips to working environments (both UK and Europe) are important components.There are modules in research methods and practice, and an employability module in level 2 prior to the industrial placement. The University also provides an Employablity event with workshops seminars and visiting speakers You will have the opportunity to enter national and international competitions sometimes as part of the programme, and sometimes as extra to the curriculum.

 

Bonus factors

The East London environment offers excellent access to galleries, libraries, museums and art collections, shops and retail. The proximity to a wide range of creative industries enables regular visits from industry professionals from all subject disciplines. Trips are organised regularly to specific and relevant points of interest in London and beyond.

Outcomes

Programme aims and learning outcomes

What is this programme designed to achieve?

This programme is designed to give you the opportunity to:

 

 

  • Establish yourself as a resourceful and entrepreneurial creative practitioner
  • Develop a broad knowledge and conceptual base in the area of textile print design
  • Explore the areas of print, surface and textiles using a range of traditional workshop and digital techniques
  • Discover new processes and materials
  • Explore research methodologies and creativity within Textile design
  • Develop your professional practice and profile
  • Successfully present and communicate ideas

What will you learn?

You will learn to:

 Knowledge and Understanding

  • Apply ideas and concepts to the design process
  • Extend the visual vocabulary through research and observation
  • Develop ideas through to print designs for interior, product, fashion and accessories

 

Thinking skills

  • Generate ideas and concepts for Printed Textile Design
  • Individually and collaboratively in response to set project briefs
  • Introduce critical thinking, reflection and evaluation to your practice

 

Subject-Based Practical skills

  • Select test and make appropriate use of materials processes and environments
  • Articulate ideas and concepts effectively
  • Develop visual research to reflect originality and innovation in design

 

Skills for life and work (general skills)

  • Manage and organize time efficiently
  • Acknowledge the work of others in terms of professionals and peer group
  • Retrieve, evaluate and manipulate information from a variety of sources

 

Structure

The programme structure

Introduction

All programmes are credit-rated to help you to understand the amount and level of study that is needed.

One credit is equal to 10 hours of directed study time (this includes everything you do e.g. lecture, seminar and private study).

Credits are assigned to one of 5 levels:

  • 0 - equivalent in standard to GCE 'A' level and is intended to prepare students for year one of an undergraduate degree programme
  • 1 - equivalent in standard to the first year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
  • 2 - equivalent in standard to the second year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
  • 3 - equivalent in standard to the third year of a full-time undergraduate degree programme
  • M - equivalent in standard to a Masters degree

Credit rating

The overall credit-rating of this programme is 360 credits.

Typical duration

The expected duration of this programme is 3 years when attended in full-time mode or 8 years in part-time mode. It is possible to move from a full-time mode of study to a part-time mode of study and vice-versa, to accommodate any external factors such as financial constraints or domestic commitments. Many of our students make use of this flexibility and this may impact on the overall duration of their study period.

 

How the teaching year is divided

The teaching year begins in September and ends in June but some programmes also allow students to join at the start of Semester B, in February. A student, normally registering for 6 modules in one year (3 modules in each Semester) would do so in a full-time attendance mode of study and a student registering for up to 4 modules in one year (2 modules in each Semester) would do so in part-time attendance mode of study.

What you will study when

The following are the core and optional requirements for the single and combined pathways for this programme:

LEVELModule CodeTITLESKILLS MODULESCREDITSSTATUS
SINGLE 		STATUS
MAJOR		STATUS
JOINT

1

  FT1200

Visual Research for Textiles

 

20

Core

Core

Option

1

  FT1201

Visual Research Development for Print

 

20

Core

Option

Option

1

  VT1003

Skills for academic Learning

Y 

20

Core

Core*

Core*

1

  FT1202

Colour Prediction and Design

 

20

Core

Core

Option

1

  FT1203

Digital Print Technologies

 

20

Core

Option

Option

1

  VT1016

Visual Theories: Fashion A Cultural Context

 

20

Core

 Core

Option

2

  FT2200

Interior Collection

 

20

Core

Option

Option

2

  FT2201

Fashion Collection

 

20

Core

Core

Option

2

  VT2003

Visual Theories: Pattern And Ornament

 

20

Core

 Core

Option

2

  FT2202

Print for Gift Wrap

 

20

Core

Option

Option

2

  FT2203

Print for Wall Covering

 

20

Core

Core

Option

2

  FT2204

Professional Practice

Y Employability

20

Core

Core*

Core*

3

  FT3200

External Competition

 

20

Core

 Option

Option

3

  FT3201

Negotiated Practice: Preparation and Research

 

20

Core

Core

Option

3

  VT3045

Visual Theories: Thesis

Y Research

20

Core

Core*

Core*

3

  FT3203

Negotiated Practice: Final Design Realisation

 

40

Core

Core

Option

3

  FT3204

Preparation for Industry

 

20

Core

Option

Option
 

Modules are defined as:

Core                       Must be taken (* unless taken in other joint programme)

Option                    Select from a range of identified modules within the field

UEL Wide Option   Select from a range of university wide options

 Requirements for gaining an award

In order to gain an honours degree you will need to obtain 360 credits including:

  • A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
  • A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
  • A minimum of 120 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain an ordinary degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 300 credits including:

  • A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
  • A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher
  • A minimum of 60 credits at level three or higher

In order to gain a Diploma of Higher Education you will need to obtain at least 240 credits including a minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher and 120 credits at level two or higher

In order to gain a Certificate of Higher Education you will need to obtain 120 credits at level one or higher.

In order to gain an Associate Certificate you will need to obtain a minimum if 20 credits at level one or higher

In order to gain a Foundation Degree you will need to obtain a minimum of 240 credits including:

  • A minimum of 120 credits at level one or higher
  • A minimum of 120 credits at level two or higher

(A foundation degree is linked to a named Honours degree onto which a student may progress after successful completion of the Foundation degree).

 

Degree Classification

Where a student is eligible for an Honours degree, and has gained a minimum of 240 UEL credits at level 2 or level 3 on the programme, including a minimum of 120 UEL credits at level 3, the award classification is determined by calculating:

The arithmetic mean of the best 100 credits at level 3

×

2/3

+

The arithmetic mean of the next best 100 credits at levels 2 and/or 3

×

1/3

and applying the mark obtained as a percentage, with all decimals points rounded up to the nearest whole number, to the following classification

70% - 100%

First Class Honours

60% - 69%

Second Class Honours, First Division

50% - 59%

Second Class Honours, Second Division

40% - 49%

Third Class Honours

0% - 39%

Not passed

 

Teaching, learning and assessment

Teaching and learning

Knowledge is assessed by

  • Proposals, essays and written reports
  • Research and research findings
  • Application of information

Thinking skills are assessed by

  • Concepts, solutions and arguments
  • Processes: research, design and investigation
  • Development of ideas through outcomes

 Practical skills are assessed by

  • Presentations and the use of technology
  • Visual imagery and design outcomes
  • Exhibition and display of work

Skills for life and work (general skills) are assessed by

  • Meeting deadlines and working with others
  • Time management
  • Acknowledging the work of others (professional and peer group)
  • Retrieval, evaluation and manipulation of information from various sources

 

Assessment

The criteria by which all modules in Fashion and Textiles are assessed are:

  • Enquiry and use of sources
  • Knowledge and understanding of subject matter
  • Critical judgement and analytical ability
  • Visual communication
  • Written communication
  • Oral communication
  • Technical Skills
  • Creativity
  • Team working

Creativity

The aim is to celebrate and reward independence of thought and innovation. Measurements of such qualities should be qualified by an awareness and appreciation of standard norms of practice and precedents. Examples of creative work might include the ability to identify and solve problems, to think and act flexibly and to respond and react positively to changing situations.

Full descriptions of all Assessment Criteria are provided in the Programme Hand Book

How we assure the quality of this programme

Before this programme started

Before the programme started, the following was checked:

  • there would be enough qualified staff to teach the programme;
  • adequate resources would be in place;
  • the overall aims and objectives were appropriate;
  • the content of the programme met national benchmark requirements;
  • the programme met any professional/statutory body requirements;
  • the proposal met other internal quality criteria covering a range of issues such as admissions policy, teaching, learning and assessment strategy and student support mechanisms.

This is done through a process of programme approval that involves consulting academic experts including some subject specialists from other institutions.

 

How we monitor the quality of this programme

The quality of this programme is monitored each year through evaluating:

  • external examiner reports (considering quality and standards);
  • statistical information (considering issues such as the pass rate);
  • student feedback.

Drawing on this and other information, programme teams undertake the annual Review and Enhancement Process which is co-ordinated at School level and includes student participation. The process is monitored by the Quality and Standards Committee.

Once every six years an in-depth review of the whole field is undertaken by a panel that includes at least two external subject specialists. The panel considers documents, looks at student work, speaks to current and former students and speaks to staff before drawing its conclusions. The result is a report highlighting good practice and identifying areas where action is needed.

 

The role of the programme committee

This programme has a programme committee comprising all relevant teaching staff, student representatives and others who make a contribution towards the effective operation of the programme (e.g. library/technician staff). The committee has responsibilities for the quality of the programme. It provides input into the operation of the Review and Enhancement Process and proposes changes to improve quality. The programme committee plays a critical role in the quality assurance procedures.

 

The role of external examiners

The standard of this programme is monitored by at least one external examiner. External examiners have two primary responsibilities:

  • To ensure the standard of the programme;
  • To ensure that justice is done to individual students.
  •  

External examiners fulfil these responsibilities in a variety of ways including:

  • Approving exam papers/assignments;
  • Attending assessment boards;
  • Reviewing samples of student work and moderating marks;
  • Ensuring that regulations are followed;
  • Providing feedback through an annual report that enables us to make improvements for the future.

Listening to the views of students

The following methods for gaining student feedback are used on this programme:

  • Module evaluations and feedback questionnaires
  • Student representation on programme committees (meeting 3 times year)
  • Year group meetings

 

Students are notified of the action taken through:

  • Circulating minutes of the Programme Committee
  • Providing details on the programme notice board
  • Group meetings

Listening to the views of others

The following methods are used for gaining the views of other interested parties: 

  • Annual student satisfaction questionnaire
  • Questionnaires to former students
  • Feedback from industry
  • Discourse with practitioners
  • Feedback from exhibitions

 

Where you can find further information

 

Alternative locations for studying this programme

Location

Which elements?

Taught by UEL staff

Taught by local staff

Method of Delivery

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

N/A

 

 

Further information about this programme is available from:

 

 

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