Course summary

If you want to pursue a creative degree at Arts University Plymouth but feel you have yet to acquire the experience and range of skills necessary, our Extended BA programme will prepare you for entry to one of our BA (Hons) undergraduate courses. What is Extended BA? Our Extended BA (Hons) Degrees offers a unique four-year route for students aiming to delve into the diverse realm of art, design, and media. This programme provides an initial exploratory year, where you'll cultivate insight into various creative skills and approaches, laying a robust foundation before advancing to a specialised degree of your choice. Whether you're returning to education after a hiatus or entering without formal qualifications, our Extended BA equips you with the requisite skills, knowledge, and experience to secure a place in our full undergraduate program. Our Intensive Extended Degree program is a dynamic blend of lectures, workshops, and practical studio sessions designed to challenge and inspire. Our diverse student body spans from fresh-faced eighteen-year-olds to seasoned creatives in their seventies, fostering a rich collaborative environment. With the freedom to take risks and experiment, you'll develop a diverse skill set through hands-on experimentation with materials, processes, and methodologies. This transformative journey hones critical skills essential for degree-level study, expanding your proficiency in drawing, visual research, contextual studies, digital imaging, and design methods. Gain invaluable experience in a supportive atmosphere that encourages creativity, collaboration, and innovation. Why Choose BA (Hons) Textile Design? Our BA (Hons) Textile Design course is an exciting, industry-focused, experimental environment where you will develop essential skills needed to design for different markets and audiences. Our course covers all aspects of the textile design sector, including trend forecasting, product development, branding, and marketing. As a student on this course, you’ll collaborate with experienced tutors to nurture your unique design personality through project-based units. These units delve into an exciting mix of surface experimentations and constructed processes. Our curriculum emphasises hands-on learning, encouraging students to engage with creative industry live briefs and project opportunities. Our course structure revolves around experimentation, innovation, and the exploration of sustainability in textile strategies. Through a blend of production methods, textile printing, dyeing processes, and business modelling, students delve into new avenues of creativity and longevity in the textile industry. Our curriculum addresses global challenges and sustainability from various perspectives, fostering a holistic understanding of this critical aspect. You’ll be urged to push boundaries and broaden your understanding of fabrics, techniques, and processes. Drawing, design research, CAD skills, technical knowledge, and professional practice are seamlessly integrated into the curriculum, empowering you to excel in your craft. We actively encourage participation in national and international design competitions, providing opportunities for showcasing your talents on a global stage. Throughout the course, you’ll have the freedom to explore new materials, techniques, and technologies, ranging from traditional print processes and knit and dyeing methods to contemporary digital printing and creative surface pattern design. Access to our natural dye garden and a wide range of industry-standard resources complements your learning experience, while acquiring current digital design skills enables you to bring your creative visions to life. On successful completion of your Extended Degree year, you will be guaranteed a place on one of our full undergraduate BA (Hons) programmes. Many of our past students have gone on to achieve high grades in their degrees, including a large number with First Class Honours.