Course summary

This is a Level 4 stand alone qualification that is essentially the first year of our Degree Programmes. The course can be studied on a full time basis over one academic year, or part time over two years and will enable those students who are unable to commit to studying for a full BA Honours degree to have an understanding of, and learn the basic skills required in Textiles: Knit, Weave and Mixed Media. Unique within Wales, the opportunity to explore weaving, knitting and mixed media processes; drawing and digital design to form a foundation for development. Skills-based briefs allow students to produce work for a variety of market contexts e.g. fashion fabrics, designer-maker/craft, accessories, textiles for interiors and textile art. Students learn transferable skills e.g. digital literacy, CAD software and communication skills. We aim to nurture practical skills with academic rigor and professionalism. This is a very well-resourced program with workshop facilities that include: traditional handlooms (available per student), computer-driven looms, rug-tufting, domestic and industrial knit machines, a dye lab, laser cutting, laser welding and ultrasonic joining; alongside standard printing, embellishing and stitching equipment. A wide range of commercial design software is used on both Mac and PC platforms. All students are treated as individuals and encouraged to create work that is reflective of their unique interests and aspirations. Students have dedicated work spaces within a well-equipped, light and airy studio. Class sizes are small allowing for a high level of tutor interaction and easy access to resources.