Course info

The module will introduce you to contemporary research and writing practice, critical, contextual, historical and conceptual dimensions of textiles and surface design alongside the wider art and design contexts; reviewing aspects of visual and material culture and archive retrieval, whilst encouraging the development of writing across various academic channels. Additionally, this module will introduce you to design communication, branding, marketing and design terminology; and the investigation of career directions for textiles graduates. It is designed to enhance communication skills, research skills, critical analysis and writing skills. Through exploring both historical and contemporary contexts of textiles you will build the relevant skills and knowledge to support your practice and provide underpinning knowledge and skills relevant for the remainder of your study at HE. You will have the opportunity to apply research skills acquired throughout the module to a practical, design-led micro brief. Emphasis will be placed on responding to and reinterpreting historical and archival references for a contemporary context. You will work collaboratively to explore applied and digital print processes for textile and surface design purposes. Graduate Attributes: Effective Communicator, Enterprising, Lifelong Learning, Self-aware.

As an introduction, you will be guided through a timeline of moments, events and influences that informed textiles and surface design and will develop an understanding from which they can explore these themes in further detail. 

The components of this module work together in building understanding of academic research and writing skills whilst also allowing the development of subject specific content knowledge. Through lectures and seminar discussions, research tasks individually and in groups, through skills sessions you will build a weekly understanding of critical theory and how to utilise the research and skills developed along the way. The design-led micro brief offers students the opportunity to respond to topics introduced through the lecture series, and apply their critical and contextual research to a creative project. 

The module builds from its foundation at week 1 the students understanding and awareness of both the subject knowledge and specific key skills; academic research, academic writing and critical awareness and analysis, this culminates in formal written submissions that allow students to demonstrate their understanding and skills development in a written submission and in doing this, they will consolidate and strengthen both their critical theory knowledge and academic skills, which they will build upon each academic year. Through the creative brief students will have the opportunity to apply knowledge of textile techniques and processes gained through the Material Practice modules, consolidating knowledge and building confidence in textiles workshops which will support individual development as they progress through the programme.