HNC Contemporary Textile Design

Bradford School of Arts and Media
2 years Part- Time
Blended Learning

This ‘Original Bradford Course’ is unique, offering specialism in either; Woven, Knitted,or Embroidered Textiles.

The course has been developed to respond to the increasing demand for unique, high quality handcrafted textiles. We believe in the importance of preserving hand crafts skills in textiles and encourage students to combine traditional techniques with new technologies and materials to create contemporary textiles for the way we live today.

Course Structure

Students throughout the UK and EU have the opportunity to study via a unique blend of weekend attendance supported by email/telephone one to one tuition. Students work through a series of Textile Practice Projects, building knowledge and skills, developing a portfolio of sampling and products, culminating in a Final collection and Exhibition. Bradford Workshops and taught attendance for Academic Year 2015-16 is as follows:

-7 day,‘Winter Workshop’11th-17thJanuary 2016, 3-days15th to 17th April 2016 and 8th - 10thh July 2016.

-From September 2016: 5 day Autumn School followed by 3 day study weekends in February and May.

-From September 2017: 5 day Autumn School followed by 3 day study weekends in December, March and June culminating in the final collection and summer show exhibition in June 2018.

Weekly tuition via one to one tutorials through, email, telephone or attendance continues throughout the course, in all 3 periods of study, providing high quality support on all creative and technical areas.

The Course contentsbroadly comprises of 4 interlinked and complimentary areas of study:

1. Visual Studies and Visual Communication.

2.Designing and Making(Woven, Knitted or Embroidered)Design Principals and Key Textile techniques.

3. Contextual / Historical studies

4, Professional Practice (Presentation and Promotion)

  • During the periods of college attendance the teaching is delivered via a series of briefings, discussions, lectures, group critique and feedback sessions, one to one tutorials, workshops and demonstrations, visits and visiting speakers.
  • Each of the modules is run by an experienced member of the textiles teaching team within Bradford School of Arts and Media.Supporting modules inform and underpin practical projects, whilst the emphasis is on the designing and making of either woven, knitted or embroidered textiles.

Who is the course for?

  • The course is aimed atthose from either an artistic/technical/craft background with some experience of constructed / embroideredtextiles, who wish todevelop /refine/ consolidate their skills.
  • It is also suitable for those with more experience toenable students to develop ways of producing their own visual research, from which to create fabrics which are more personal and innovative.

Course Qualification and Fees:

  • The Course is delivered on the standard guided learning hours, for an HNC qualification.
  • This equates to 1-2 days per week on average, of commitment to the course work for each student.
  • The course consists of 8 x 15 credit units, 120 credits at level 4 on the NQF and therefore is equal to the first academic year of study on a BA (Hons) Degree.
  • The tuition fees for the course are approximately 525.00 per unit, with 8 units studied in total.
  • Students are able to study towards an HE qualification, on a course which fits around family and work commitments. The fee isvery competitive when compared to short courses/private tuition and university degree fees from Sept 2015.
  • PLEASE NOTE: All Mature Students are eligible for a student loan and should apply for HE funding.

for this course. Course fee’s are also payable by installments over the 2 1/2 year period.

Student Endorsement:

Contact students via course tutor for detailed feedback on the course or go to the following blog addresses for further info.

Progression and Destinations:

  • Own Business set up as Designer Maker/commissions/open studios.
  • Exhibitions: ‘Knit and Stitch’ show in Harrogate and ‘New Designers’, London. 100%Design London.
  • In June 2010 and 2014 students completing the course, exhibited work at ‘New Designers’, Graduate showcase at the Business Design Centre, London and received many orders and enquires.
  • Members of the Guild of Designer craftsman and exhibition at the Mall Galleries London.
  • Textiles Focus Groups: Leavers have set up Focus groups such as ‘Frayed Edges’ who have already exhibited nationally since the course.
  • A wide range of Teaching Postsin FE and HE institutions and adult education.
  • Community Arts and Textile project work, Textile Publications, writing and exhibiting.
  • Further study at BA (hons) Level (L5 entry) graduating with first class honors.

For any more information on the specific projects we deliver, any further course details or advice please do not hesitate to contact course tutor on: or 01274438998/3258.

To speak to the admissions officer / or school administrator for an application form: contact or

Tel 01274-438998 or 01274436125.