Textiles, Fashion and Fibre (Route B): University of Southampton

Course Description

Textiles, Fashion and Fibre recognises the diversity of approaches to practice within textiles and fashion, allowing students to explore the practical and conceptual concerns of textile design, fashion and textiles and fashion promotion (from 2009) before selecting a pathway for level 2 and 3 studies.

Collaboration and an interdisciplinary understanding of this diverse field are central to the curriculum. During level 1 of your studies, you will participate in workshops in five areas: Fashion Design, Fashion Promotion and Marketing (from 2009), weave, print and knit, followed by a focused project in the subject area you are interested in specialising in.  At the end of level 1, you choose a specialist pathway for levels 2 and 3.  For more information on the pathway options available to you, please choose one of the options on the right.

Fashion design

If you are creative, ambitious and seeking a career in the dynamic and rapidly evolving fashion industry, this pathway will appeal to you. Fashion design covers a variety of subject areas, including fashion design and manufacture, fabric awareness, sewing, pattern-drafting and sample-making, alongside critical and theoretical studies.

Textile design

Textile design is a creative medium, informed by the latest professional, cultural and technological innovations. It encompasses a broad range of techniques, including CAD, dye, weave, knit and print processes (both traditional and digital), to create original and expressive products and prepare you for professional practice or further research.

Fashion marketing and promotion

This unique pathway provides excellent preparation for a career in trend forecasting, styling, journalism, marketing and public relations, with a focus on textile design, fashion and textile art. You will be encouraged to define your personal approach to creative marketing and promotion through a combination of “live” projects, studio practice, new digital media, study visits and critical reflection.

Course content

• Practical workshops
• National and international competitions
• Work placement and exchange opportunities
• Site-specific textile art exhibitions
• Core choice units in Enterprise - The art of marketing and branding, and Contemporary issues

Entry requirements

• A levels: ABB, including an art-related subject
• IB: 32 points, 13 at higher level
• Intake: 125
• Average applicants per place: 4
• Selection process: Place priority on a portfolio interview, which allows students to demonstrate their artistic ability and can override standard entry requirements. Guidance on content is provided by the School.
• Route A: Route B: alternative UCAS procedure – rank up to three institutions in order of preference – deadline 24 March 2009. All first-choice applicants who meet the entry requirements are guaranteed an interview, which will generally take place in April 2009.

Main University Contact

• Postal Address: University of Southampton
  University Road
  Southampton
  SO17 1BJ
• Tel: +44 (0)23 8059 5000
• Fax: +44 (0)23 8059 3131
• Email: admissns@soton.ac.uk
• Website: http://www.soton.ac.uk