Entry requirementsThis MA is designed to enable you to operate successfully as a professional practitioner in your area of specialism. Graduates have gone on to establish studios, exhibit professionally, work as curators, Phd study, teaching, work towards site specific commissions
Academic titleContemporary Textiles MA/PgD/PgC
Course descriptionThis programme develops an exploratory and expansive approach to individual creative practice in Contemporary Textiles. Students are encouraged to take an energetic and enquiring approach to practice through articulate questioning, reflection, exploration of techniques and materials, as well as discussion and debate around current discourse in textile practice.
The MA contemporary Textiles develops creative potential and provides students with the entrepreneurial skills to work as successful practitioners. The programme encourages a clear line of enquiry through materials, concept of context, the enhancement of a knowledge base appropriate to your textile practice, and the identification of suitable contexts for the work. You will wotk alongside students working across a wide range of disciplines – jewellery, sculpture, painting, printmaking, and photography – and will be actively involved in current critical debate.
The first stage of the MA focuses on the knowledge and skills needed to survive successfully in the professional environment and you are introduced to research methods and debates, while pursuing a n exploratory approach to the development of textile practice. There are opportunities to update technical skills including information technology. The second stage develops individual practice alongside contextual and theoretical understanding, through modules in advanced practice and issues and debates. The final stage brings together research, practical work and theoretical knowledge in the production of a sustained body of work of professional excellence. Successful completion leads to the MA award.
Staff are experienced in research and professional practice and you also benefit form contributions from visiting artist, designer, maker, and arts professionals.
Teaching methods
The programme is centered on individual practice and encourages critical dialogue between traditions, disciplines and media. The practice modules develop individual practice through a combination of work-in-progress seminars, tutorials and gallery visits and discussions. A sustained body of creative work forms the basis of assessment, supported by written documentation and assignments. The course is also designed to help you acquire research skills and understand what is going on now in contemporary textiles.