Design Degrees Online

A relevant honours degree; evidence of experiential learning equivalent to a degree; or 3 years relevant professional experience.

Suitable candidates
The course suits both recent graduates seeking to develop their skills and expand their market awareness, and experienced designers wishing to challenge their careers. Primarily aimed at textile designers, it also attracts applicants from related design disciplines.

Students with a background in design, fine art, architecture, interactive design or product design are welcome to apply, provided they can demonstrate that their aspirations are compatible with the course rationale and the textile discipline.

The course is demanding and challenging and will benefit most those who are prepared to question their contribution to the design discipline and who aim at becoming leading designers/consultants. Once on the course students will be expected to demonstrate creative design skills, develop strategic design thinking, be independent, flexible, and prepared to respond to challenge with a mature and professional attitude.

English language requirements
All classes are conducted in English, so you will be required to have a fluent understanding of the language. If English is not your first language you will be asked to provide evidence of your English language ability. We strongly advise international applicants to take an IELTS test as soon as they consider studying in the UK. Minimum scores for entry on to a postgraduate course are as follows:
IELTS (International English Language Testing System): 6.5
TOEFL (Test of English as a Foreign Language): hand written test: 548-567, computer based test: 211-225

We provide free tuition in English for international students and regular workshops in the language of art and design. We also offer a number of short courses that enable students from overseas to improve their portfolios and English skills before applying to their chosen course.

Portfolio advice
Your portfolio should show the nature and breadth of the your skills and include mature design work which reflects a strong personal identity. The journey from concept to finished work should be demonstrated through sketchbooks, research, and experiments. Your portfolio should demonstrate:
an awareness of contemporary design
an understanding and affinity to various materials
a strong sense of colour
creative presentation skills
self initiated work.