Textile Design - MA

Program Overview

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It emphasizes ethical design considerations, industry collaboration, and the development of innovative and sustainable textile products. Graduates are prepared for careers in various sectors of the textile industry, including fashion, homeware, and interior design.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview:

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Summary:

The Textile Design MA program at London Metropolitan University (LMU) is a research-led program designed for graduates of textile design and related disciplines who seek to collaborate with professionals in the field. It is one of several postgraduate design courses offered by the School of Art, Architecture and Design (SAAD) at LMU.

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Objectives:

• Challenge conventional notions of textiles and design textiles and textile products that have not yet been conceived.
• Develop awareness of the impact of design on users and equip students with the ability to design while ethically balancing the interests of various stakeholders.
• Foster innovation and individual approaches to design.

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Program Description:

• Grounded in the understanding of design as a key driver of change in society and the environment.
• Equips students with the ability to design for meaning, engagement, and emotional response.
• Prepares students to make textiles that are both desirable in the marketplace and relevant to consumers.
• Places a strong emphasis on design research and development, with the research and development process being rehearsed through project work.
• Exposes students to various innovative ideas and concepts for textiles through theoretical and practical research.
• Guides students in evaluating the impact of design on users and producers through diverse research methods.
• Provides students with the opportunity to discover their own design research methods and develop their design identity.
• Encourages students to experiment and apply radical thinking with care and effective research.
• Aims to equip students with the ability to collaborate with professionals in various sectors.
• Graduates are expected to challenge conventional ideas of what textiles are and design textiles and textile products that have not yet been conceptualized.
• Graduates are expected to imbue their work with meaning, to use it to communicate, to engage emotions, and inspire response.
• Graduates are expected to be aware of the impact their work has and design textiles that are both desirable in the marketplace and relevant to consumers.
• This program is part of LMU's vision to effect real, meaningful, and beneficial change through design work.

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Outline:

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Modular Structure:

The program consists of the following modules:

• Charismatic Objects (20 credits): This module focuses on how objects are consumed and gain emotional value beyond their usefulness or aesthetic qualities.
It encourages students to consider the consumer and become better designers by making decisions based on evidence.
• Design Project Development (40 credits): This module applies research methods learned in DN7024 to the development of the major project.
It emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration and knowledge exchange.
• Project as Professional Practice: Textile Design (60 credits): This module focuses on presenting a fully developed textile design proposal using industry-standard written and representational formats, including research material.
• Research Methods: Success in Design (40 credits): This module focuses on identifying, evaluating, and applying design research methods to support design practice.
• Alternative Core Modules: Students can choose two of the following modules:
• Design for Change (20 credits):
This module focuses on the interaction of people with the designed environment and material culture, exploring design strategies that enhance relationships and influence behavior.
• Material Culture (20 credits): This module focuses on material culture as both a research area and a research methodology.
It examines how people design, use, collect, and curate material objects.

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Assessment:

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Assessment Methods:

• Portfolios of written, research, visual, and physical project work.
• Major project exhibited at the MA graduation show.

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Assessment Criteria:

• Meeting the program's learning outcomes.
• Demonstrating originality and innovation.
• Engaging with ethical considerations.
• Developing effective research methods.
• Communicating design concepts effectively.

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Teaching:

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Teaching Methods:

• A combination of lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials.
• Supervision of individual research projects.
• Project-based learning.
• Collaboration with industry professionals.
• Access to world-class facilities.

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Faculty:

• Experienced and qualified staff with expertise in various areas of textile design.
• Guest lecturers from industry and academia.

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Unique Approaches:

• Focus on research-led design.
• Emphasis on ethical design considerations.
• Strong industry connections.
• Access to cutting-edge facilities.
• Individualized approach to learning.

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Careers:

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Career Paths:

• Textile artist
• Freelance designer
• Consultant in the textiles sector
• Designer for furniture and homeware companies
• Designer for fashion houses
• Interior designer
• Designer for manufacturing companies
• Designer for event and exhibition companies
• Designer for cultural institutions
• Design researcher
• Design journalist
• Educator
• Marketing professional

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Career Outcomes:

• Graduates are prepared to work as textile artists, freelance designers, and consultants in the textiles sector, but may also work in the creative industries in London, across the UK, and overseas.
• Graduates may work as in-house designers for furniture and homeware companies or fashion houses, interior practices, and manufacturing companies, both large and small.
• Graduates may also find employment as independent design consultants, design researchers, design journalists, and educators.

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Other:

• The program is located in the East End of London, providing opportunities for students and professionals to showcase cutting-edge design within related industries and venues.
• The program is designed to prepare students for a successful career in the textile design industry.
• The program is led by experienced and qualified staff with expertise in various areas of textile design.
• The program provides access to world-class facilities and resources.
• The program places a strong emphasis on ethical design considerations.