BA Contemporary Textiles
COURSE INFORMATION:
Place of Study: Shetland College UHI, Lerwick
Mode of Study: Full time or Part time
Length of course:
Full time: 3 years BA
Part time: Modules can be taken individually with flexible attendance requirements
Start Date: August 2011
Entry Requirements: 2 Highers or equivalent - 1 in English, plus evidence of creative ability to be presented at interview in a folio of visual work. Applications are welcomed from individuals without these qualifications, but who demonstrate artistic ability.
COURSE SUMMARY:
The BA Contemporary Textiles course builds on the quality and range of textiles Shetland is recognised for, and gives you the chance to develop your own creative talents. Drawing and use of colour underpins the design development of print, knit and woven textiles on the course. Design and fine art methodologies are also explored with reference to historical and contemporary textiles. The course will give you the technical skills and knowledge to produce innovative textiles, and the business skills to globally market them effectively.
You will be encouraged to use computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing systems to develop ideas into a marketable product. You will learn about market trends and current practice in design and fine art with visits to local and national studios, firms and galleries; developing your understanding of contemporary and historical art and design, and business practice.
COURSE CONTENT:
Level 1 – CertHE: Visual studies in drawing, colour and mixed media and sculpture underpin the learning of textile techniques in weave, knit and print through a variety of projects. Presentation skills and development of project themes with contemporary practice through completion of the following modules: Visual studies 1; Surface Effects; Knitted Structures 1; Woven Structures 1; Sculpture 1; Design Studies 1; Design Studies 2; and Historical and Critical Studies.
Level 2 – DipHe: This level introduces a deeper questioning of contemporary practice and key issues in textiles today, and includes the opportunity to work on a live brief. Recent examples include projects with yarn manufacturers, Shetland Arts, and textile product design, through completion of the following modules: Visual Studies 2; Design in Context; Knitted Structures 2; Woven Structures 2; Textile Making and Meaning; Professional Practice; an independent textile project; and Critical and Contextual Studies.
Level 3 – BA: Personal project; Thematic Studies; Professional Practice' and a textile investigation project.
HOW WILL I STUDY?
With a combination of traditional taught classes and studio-based practical design work.
GOOD REASONS TO STUDY THIS COURSE:
- Modern, well-equipped studios
- Specialist textile workshops
- Individual tuition within small groups
- Tuition by practising artists and designers
- State of the art C.A.D/C.A.M technology in knitted textiles including Shima Seiki systems
STAFF QUOTE:
"New projects are introduced to the curriculum each year to keep up to date with international design trends and visiting artists and designers share expertise. Shetland invests in the future with resources and advice to new businesses and links with local and national companies ensure our students are aware of many career opportunities. Our students have also benefitted from initiatives with Shetland Arts to exhibit and develop their creative practice. There are superb resources on the island to study the history of indigenous textile crafts and students are encouraged to benefit from the uniqueness of Shetland along with participation in national contemporary design events and competitions with study visits to galleries and exhibitions." Angela Hunt, Head of Section.
STUDENT QUOTE:
"I made full use of the computerised knitting machines in the Textile Facilitation Unit which enabled me to create contemporary textiles with digital images linking my passion for photography and textiles" Sarah Riley, graduate and finalist in Royal Society of Arts Design Directions 2009.
PROGRESSION:
Academic: Continue your education to honours level
Employment/Career: Professional artists and craft practitioners visit the course and students are encouraged to make links with potential employers. The programme’s unique combination of practical, business and CAD skills will give you the flexibility to work in the creative arts, in a marketing role within an existing company, or establish your own art practice.
Former students have: Become successful self-employed designers and artists and have worked in community arts and education. Some have progressed on to an Honours degree at Gray's School of Art, Heriot Watt and Glasgow School of Art.
