Mixed Media Textiles

An introduction to a wide range of textile techniques, with the chance to specialise in an area of personal interest.

Mixed Media Textiles is studied within the Creative Arts programme, and is studied in combination with another subject. We encourage students who would like to have a broader experience of Textiles to apply for this course - you are encouraged to develop your creative potential using textiles to express ideas and to solve design problems. Attention is always paid to the interaction of Textiles with the various subject combinations within Creative Arts - for instance if you decide to combine Mixed Media Textiles and Art the subject may function in a different way than if you choose Mixed Media Textiles and Dance.

You will choose one of the following subjects to study alongside Mixed Media Textiles:

• Art
• Ceramics
• Visual Design
• Creative Writing
• Dance
• Drama
• Music

Mixed Media Textiles is an introduction to a wide range of textile techniques, with the chance to specialise in an area of personal interest.

Why study Mixed Media Textiles?

Students are encouraged to develop personal ideas and concepts in depth to prepare them for work as textile artists, designer makers or in the industry (for example, textile conservation; display; textile prediction and promotion). Students may also go on to set up their own businesses.

Ratio of applications to places

No. of applicants on Creative Arts (2011): 528

No. of places on Creative Arts (2011): 70

National student survey results

Satisfaction with teaching for Creative Arts courses (2011): 85%

Course structure

In Year one the modules are workshop based and cover design and textile techniques, fibres, dyestuffs and drawing. You’ll also engage in visual research in support of your technical work, and you’ll understand the inter-dependence of practical, historical, theoretical and intellectual skills.

In the second year you’ll continue to develop specialist skills in textiles (printed, woven, knitted, and embroidered) combined with visual research to explore further possibilities. As the year progresses you are encouraged to develop personal ideas and concepts in depth in an individual textile study programme.

Your final year allows you to develop your personal ideas and skills in order to prepare a final piece, textile collection and portfolio of work. The focus of the course is Mixed Media Textiles within a broader Art context and students are free to work across disciplines if they wish.

Modules

 Sample modules include:

• Introduction to Mixed Media Textiles
• Advanced Textile Workshops
• Individual Study Programme (choosing from a combination of Printed, Knitted, Embroidered or Woven Textiles, you will work across the disciplines and cross the conventional boundaries of techniques and materials to create mixed media textiles that are innovative and original).

Course assessment

Entirely on coursework and exhibitions. This includes:

• Projects
• Workshops
• Notebooks
• Experimental work
• Seminar presentations

 Attention is always paid to the interaction of Textiles with the various subject combinations within Creative Arts, and you are encouraged to develop your creative potential using textiles to express ideas and to solve aesthetic, conceptual and design problems.

Teaching methods

Lectures and seminars provide the context for individual studio and workshop practice. You are encouraged to develop your creative potential using textiles to express ideas and to solve design problems.

Application method

All full time applications are through UCAS

Course enquiries

For more information please contact Susan Bradley on s.bradley@bathspa.ac.uk

Entry requirements

260–300 UCAS Tariff points. Preferred subjects – Art, Art and Design, Fine Art, Photography, Textile Design, Dance, English, Music, Theatre Studies, Drama or Visual Arts (depending on subject choice).

Art Foundation course is also acceptable.

Offers may be based on portfolio of work.

Career opportunities

The course will prepare you for work as textile artists, designer makers or to work within the textile industry (for example, textile conservation; display; textile prediction and promotion). Students may also go on to set up their own businesses.

What students say...

Graduate Profile: Nina Davis, graduated 2010

“Last year I exhibited my eco design work at Free Range Graduate show work, at New Designers and then at the Festival of Quilts (when I won the Student Graduate Bursary prize from the Quilter’s Guild of the British Isles). I then joined one of the UK’s leading girls independent boarding school as Artist in Residence, and worked with the students on several textiles and sculptural projects, culminating in my own solo exhibition. Needless to say I love my job! Since graduating I feel I have been tested in a manner of ways and am perpetually learning every single day.”

Sue Bradley, Course Leader:

My own specialism is within knitted textiles and I have had my own design label for more than 20 years. I find teaching at Bath Spa very inspiring and rewarding, the campus itself is beautiful and we have excellent workshop facilities and the most up to date equipment. It is very exciting for students to be studying across two subject areas and to be able to cross over ideas between the disciplines; this makes the course truly unique.