Start Date
- September 2025, Full Time
Summary
In year 1, you will take part in workshops to build up your skills and knowledge and explore ways of manipulating and creating textile surfaces. You will work on your own personal investigation with one to one assistance from teachers and technicians.
In year 2, you build upon and use the skills and techniques developed in year 1 of the course. You will write a 1,000+ word critical assignment linked to your personal project which will be based on an element of design that interests you. You will also carry out a research project that will be based on your own choice of starting points. This will include analytical research, experimentation with different samples and the production of an ambitious and sophisticated final piece which will be displayed in the end of year show.
We frequently visit London to see the work of designers and artists relevant to your own work. We also visit exhibits such as the New Designer Show. As part of the course, you can showcase your work on the catwalk at the Annual Paston Fashion Show and in the Paston Art Show.
If you’re interested in applying to study a degree level textiles course, there will be one to one portfolio sessions that will help you select the best work to show at interviews. Norwich University of the Arts also come in to discuss portfolios and interviews to ensure that you are well prepared for your next step.
Textiles will appeal to you if you want to express your creativity in ways that can be applied to areas such as surface design, fashion and constructed textiles. It will also particularly appeal to you if you’re considering further study or careers in these areas.
Entry Requirements
3 A Level Programme
Minimum of 2X 6 grades and 3 4X grades at GCSE.
Art or Textiles GCSE grade 4.
If you did not take an Art/Textiles GCSE you must have a portfolio approved after interview as a condition of offer.
You must also study English Language and/or Maths GCSE if you have not already achieved a minimum of grade 4/C in these subjects.
Assessment
You will be assessed on two components across the 2 years. For component 1 you will develop work for a personal investigation into an idea, issue, concept or theme supported by written material. This will count for 60% of your total A Level marks. In component 2 you will produce personal work in response to one of eight exciting starting points which will count for 40% of your total A Level marks
Progression
The course helps you to prepare for the next step in your creative career. Many students go directly on to degree courses at university to study Textiles and other visual art disciplines such as decorative arts, knitwear design, fashion, fashion management and textiles.
Fees
If you are a UK or home fee status student and aged 16-18 on the 31st August before the start of your course, tuition fees are free. If you are aged 19 and over please contact the Advice Shop.
