Course summary
The Surface Pattern and Textiles programme at Swansea College of Art, UWTSD is a vibrant, multidisciplinary programme that focuses on an exploration of textiles, materiality, pattern, and making. Our focus spans various contexts, including fashion, interiors, and design-led galleries. The course is both academically challenging and has a contemporary outlook, ensuring you gain a comprehensive education in this dynamic field. Throughout your studies, you will develop a wealth of practical and technical skills. You will enjoy the design potential of our extensive, innovative digital and traditional facilities. This combination of cutting-edge technology and time-honoured techniques provides a well-rounded foundation for your creative journey. We bring our students together to create a strong group identity, while allowing you to choose a specialism that aligns with your interests and career goals. The studio culture is central to the Surface Pattern and Textiles student experience. This professionally focused, collaborative learning environment mirrors the workplace, promoting a positive, engaging, open approach to working with others. Graduates of our programme emerge as skilled designers and makers, ready to excel in a variety of creative jobs and enterprises. The integration of significant live projects, exhibition experiences, and industry liaisons into our curriculum is a defining feature of our course. These projects have been conducted with esteemed collaborators such as Rolls Royce Bespoke Interiors, H&M Design, Eley Kishimoto London, Hallmark UK, and Orangebox. Such experiences ensure you are prepared to enter the creative industry with confidence and competence. Our dynamic programme is built to evolve alongside the industries you will enter. Employability is at the heart of what we do, ensuring you are well-prepared for the professional world. The course also includes live briefs and opportunities for competitions, further enhancing your readiness for industry challenges. Our facilities support various creative processes. You will have your own dedicated studio space and access to our excellently equipped workshops with a wide range of facilities including a textile screen printing room, dye studio, printmaking, digital application suite, Mac suites providing industry standard software, laser cutters and a sewing room, providing comprehensive hands-on learning opportunities. The Surface Pattern and Textiles programme at UWTSD offers an engaging and comprehensive education, preparing you for a successful career in the creative industries. With a focus on both traditional and digital techniques, extensive industry connections, and a strong emphasis on employability, this programme is the ideal choice for aspiring designers and makers.
Modules
Year One - Level 4 (Cert HE, Dip HE, BA & MDes) Digital and Material Futures B1 (20 credits; compulsory) Image Making 1 – Drawing for Design (10 credits; compulsory) Digital and Material Futures B2 (20 credits; compulsory) Major Studies A1 – Ideas into Practice (20 credits; compulsory) Major Studies A2 – Designing for Context (20 credits; compulsory) Visual and Material Culture (10 credits; compulsory) Ways of Perceiving (10 credits; compulsory) Ways of Thinking (10 credits; compulsory). Year Two - Level 5 (Dip HE, BA & MDes) Digital and Material Futures B3 (20 credits; compulsory) Future Ready Toolkit (20 credits; compulsory) Image Making 2 – Drawing for a Live Brief (10 credits; compulsory) Major Studies A3 - Designing for a Live Brief (20 credits; compulsory) Major Studies A4 - A Self-Directed Brief (20 credits; compulsory) Research in Context (10 credits; compulsory) Research in Practice (10 credits; compulsory) Visual and Material Language (10 credits; compulsory). Year Three - Level 6 (BA & MDes) Advanced Creative Enquiry (20 credits; compulsory) Independent Project (40 credits; compulsory; Graduate Attributes Framework module) Major Project (60 credits; compulsory).
Assessment method
Assessment is carried out through coursework, both written and practical. There are no exams on this course. Students are formatively assessed throughout a module in a variety of blended digital and campus-based styles. Summative assessment takes place at the end of a module — work is specified to be either submitted to digital platforms or presented at desks, or in exhibition scenarios. A variety of teaching and learning methods are used throughout the course which includes amongst others; Informal Tutorials These tutorials are held on a regular basis, across all levels. In Year 1 each student sees and discusses his / her work with a member of staff at each studio session, likewise in Year 2. Third and fourth-year students tend to work more independently and sign up for a tutorial when she/he feels the need arises. However, as a team, we ensure that every student in Year 3 is seen by at least one member of the academic staff each week. We pride ourselves on the fact that there is the opportunity to see staff regularly. Formal Tutorials These are held at least once a term with individual students. The work and progress are discussed, through practical and conceptual development, future intentions of the student etc. It is an opportunity for any issues/concerns by either party, to be raised. A recorded account of the tutorial is duplicated for the student to store in their feedback file and refer back to. Group critiques These are held on a regular basis, across all levels, either with a member of staff or student-led. They provide an excellent opportunity for students to share and exchange ideas with their peers in a structured manner in addition to valuable input from staff. Informal and Formal presentations The nature of the presentation varies according to the level. Presentations may be to peers, staff or industry/live brief partners. They may be presented by individuals to an audience, or by groups, working together. Informal presentations are introduced in order to help students gain confidence in talking about their work to their peers and staff throughout the programme. There are other situations where presentations can take a more formal part of the assessment at the end of a project. Exhibiting work Again, the nature of this varies within the context of the projects, the work to be assessed and the stage of the programme — it can range in formality from a public venue, a digital showreel, to the individual student’s desk space. As a programme, we love the opportunity to share and get our students’ work out into the world, so usually, any worthwhile opportunities for the exhibition are capitalised on to enhance the student experience.
How to apply
29Jan
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Application codes
- Course code:
- SUP1
- Institution code:
- T80
- Campus name:
- Dynevor, Swansea
- Campus code:
- V
Points of entry
The following entry points are available for this course:
- Year 1
Entry requirements
Qualification requirements
UCAS Tariff - 120 points
Student Outcomes
Operated by the Office for Students
Employment after 15 months (Most common jobs)
Go onto work and study
The number of student respondents and response rates can be important in interpreting the data – it is important to note your experience may be different from theirs. This data will be based on the subject area rather than the specific course. Read more about this data on the Discover Uni website.
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | £9250 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | £9250 | Year 1 |
| EU | £13500 | Year 1 |
| International | £13500 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
University of Wales Trinity Saint David
College Road
Carmarthen
SA31 3EP