Surface Pattern and Textiles (BA, MDes)

The Surface Pattern and Textiles portfolio gives a practice rich experience, focussed around creating exciting and innovative surfaces and structures for a breadth of contemporary design contexts.  This is done through a sustained and staged induction of a professional design process across the 3 or 4 years.  This is a blend of ideas, research, drawing & making, reflective practice and a wide variety of presentation formats.

The programme is structured, so our learners experience a breadth of processes and practices that are applied to their chosen specialism (Maker, Fashion or Interiors) whilst maintaining an approach relevant to contemporary design practice.  
 
From the outset you will participate in a range of working methods and learning environments supported by a dedicated team: study visits, research, drawing, designing, making, digital and analogue printing methods, dyeing and colouration, tutorials, contextual practice, live projects, competitions, industry experience, exhibitions, self-promotion and portfolio preparation. When you leave us, you are workplace ready!

Year 1 is teaching intensive, introducing you to a variety of new ways of learning, a breadth of material processes, visual studies practice, and forward looking design thinking.  These are addressed through pathway and programme specific projects, and also through wider, Swansea College of Art cohort experiences in contextual studies and our graduate attribute modules.   Elements of contextual studies and the graduate attribute modules are in a blended learning style enhancing your digital skills in parallel to your practice based modules.

You will experience a rich and varied programme, designed around the three pathways, enabling you to gain and develop skills in surface treatment and construction methods.  Printed textiles, colouration and Adobe creative cloud workshops deliver the skills for the Majors.  Whilst workshops designed for making give you the opportunity to explore materials in a broad sense, enabling you to work both two and three-dimensionally.

Contextual studies and the graduate attribute modules are designed to underpin your studio practice.

Year 2 builds on year 1, echoing the ‘shape’ of the module structure.  The design project work at this level encourages you to take risks, to analyse, to challenge conventions and to evaluate your individual approach.  You are supported in the development of your ideas with an emphasis on pushing towards innovation and expansion of your own creative voice.

You will continue to advance your practice through live projects, competitions, workshop activities and advanced methods in a wide range of digital and material processes. Contextual studies develops your understanding of historical and contemporary art and design theories and prepares you for the Independent Project module in level 6.

The Graduate Attribute module introduces you to the employment context that you are working towards and offers practical workshops in teamwork, problem solving, and building a professional online presence.  External liaison projects are targeted between levels 5 and 6 giving you the opportunity to make contacts, build networks take research trips or go on a placement, giving you a flavour of future possibilities.

Year 3 asks you to contextualise your studio practice in response to your personal preferences, your skillset, your strengths and ambitions, your scope for innovation, and your external and live project experiences to date.  This is done through a significant personal major project and another live project.   The Independent Project module contextualises your studio practice through an extended piece of writing and offers you the opportunity to delve more deeply into the ideas and concepts that you are investigating. The year culminates in a body of work or design collection that fully expresses your creative journey as a designer or maker, and is exhibited in a public or virtual space; the Degree Show. 

Professional promotion workshops take place to bolster the exit strategy of the individual.

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).

Year Four – Level 7 (MDes)

• Advanced Practice (60 credits; compulsory)
• Contemporary Creative Practice (20 credits; compulsory)
• Research and Innovation (20 credits; compulsory)
• The Thought Experiment (20 credits; compulsory).

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.

This Framework aims to develop your professional skills and competence alongside your academic subject knowledge. You’ll study up to 40 credits per level throughout your programme from the Graduate Attributes Framework.

The Graduate Attribute modules are designed to enable you to develop, and evidence, a range of career-focused skills related to your subject area. These skills include digital competency, research and project management, as well as such personal competencies as communication, creativity, self-reflection, resilience and problem-solving. 

• Find out more about the Graduate Attributes Framework

• Anna Lewis
• Catherine Hammerton  
• Claire Savage Onstwedder 
• Georgia McKie 
• Kate Coode
• Lloyd James
• Sharon Cooper

We are interested in creative people that demonstrate a strong commitment to art and/or design and therefore we welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds. To assess student suitability for their chosen course we arrange interviews for all applicants at which your skills, achievements and life experience will be considered as well as your portfolio of work.

Our standard offer for a degree course is 120 UCAS tariff points. We expect applicants to have a grade C or above in English Language (or Welsh) at GCSE level, together with passes in another four subjects. Plus we accept a range of Level 3 qualifications including:

• Foundation Diploma in Art and Design, plus one GCE A-Level in a relevant academic subject
• Three GCE A-Levels or equivalent
• BTEC Extended Diploma in a relevant subject, with minimum grades of Merit
• International Baccalaureate score of 32
• Other relevant qualifications can be considered on an individual basis

Qualifications are important, however, our offers are not solely based on academic results. If you don’t have the required UCAS points then please contact the courses admissions tutor or email artanddesign@uwtsd.ac.uk as we can consider offers to applicants based on individual merit, exceptional work, and/or practical experience.

See our Interview Guide for more information.

Graduate Prospects

Interiors

• Textile designers
• Wallpaper designers
• Screen printers
• Designer makers
• Pattern designers
• Interior stylists
• Lifestyle product designer
• In house roles for interior brands
• Freelance for interior brands and clients trend predictions and interior forecasting
• Editorial – magazines, blogging, websites, illustration

Fashion

• Textile designers
• Pattern designers
• Screen printers
• Digital textile designers
• Designer makers
• Design assistants
• Lifestyle and accessory designer
• Graduate trainee positions
• Fashion stylists
• In house roles for brands
• Freelance for brands
• Design studio roles
• Trend predictions and fashion forecasting
• Editorial - magazines, blogging, websites, illustration

Stationery

• Illustrators
• Giftware design – wraps, and associated accessories and ranges
• Stationery design – cards, books, lifestyle ranges

Arts Bodies

• Gallery Management
• Project Management
• Exhibiting makers
• Stocking and selling through curated gallery shops
• Community projects
• Volunteering
• Workshops
• Artists in Residence

Retail

• Visual Merchandising – design and installation  
• Buying
• Styling
• Personal stylist
• Selling through retail outlets

Teaching

• PGCE – Secondary, Primary, FE
• Visiting Lecturers
• University Lecturers
• Workshop, Freelance
• Community Workshops and Arts groups

Work modes

• Employment
• Self-Employment
• Freelance
• Enterprise
• Voluntary

Example List of Companies Students are Currently Working for:

• Monsoon
• Hallmark Creative UK
• Tigerprint
• Misfit Fashion
• Nobody’s Child
• Humbug Design Ltd
• Lush
• In the Style
• H&M, Sweden
• Cubus, Norway
• Talking Tables
• IG International Greetings
• The Silk Bureau
• The National Trust
• Emma Bridgewater
• Tenn Ltd
• John Lewis

Example List of Students who have gone on to run successful Creative Enterprises

• Jo Ashburner – Red Dragon Flags, The Roof Project
• Stephanie Cole
• Nia Rist Prints
• Hannah Davies
• Harriet Popham

Our students have access to a diverse range of equipment and resources, which in most cases are sufficient to complete their programme of study. We provide the basic materials necessary for students to develop their practical work within our extensive workshop and studio facilities.

However, art and design students will likely incur some additional costs to extend their investigation of their personal practice. For example, purchasing their own specialised materials and equipment, joining in optional study trips, and printing. 

Students are expected to bring their own personal art and design equipment with them when they commence the course.  We can advise on the correct equipment needed for your programme of studies and signpost appropriate suppliers if you wish to purchase essential items before or during your studies.  

A basic ‘art and design kit’ will cost approximately £100 but you may well already have much of the equipment required so check with us first.  Also, although we have extensive dedicated digital design studios (PC and MAC) for you to undertake your coursework, you may wish to bring your own digital devices, again check with us first before making a purchase.

• Art & Design Foundation
• Surface Pattern Design (MA)
• Textiles Design (MA)
• Secondary Art & Design (PGCE)
• Secondary Design and Technology (PGCE)

Harriet Popham
How would you describe the BA(Hons) Surface Pattern Design programme here at SCA?
“Surface Pattern is an exciting, challenging and diverse course. Being taught so many techniques allows you to really find your specialism and run with it. The Tutors are incredibly supportive in helping you to reach your full potential and enjoy doing so, and the studio becomes a 2nd home - full of colour, pattern & laughter. I found it immensely inspiring.”  

Ciara Long
What was your favourite part of the Surface Pattern course at Swansea?
“The community atmosphere of working in the studio - I didn't see this at any other University.  
The wide variety of workshops and skills to be learnt.  
Working on live briefs with external companies as it gave the course that realistic element to how life could be post-uni.”

Charlotte Field
“Everything that’s taught on the undergraduate course lays the foundation for the industry. You learn skills that you will use for the rest of your career.” 
What did you learn during your degree that has been the most useful in your career?
“The traditional textile workshops give such a good grounding knowledge in the printing processes that are still used in modern mass manufacturing. Working as a commercial print designer, you have to be aware of the limitations of production so you can achieve best from your designs.”

Fran Dixon
Why did you choose to study Surface Pattern Design in Swansea?
“I chose to study at UWTSD because of the wide range of facilities available within the faculty, the studio space in the Surface Pattern Design department for each student, and the amount of contact tutor time students received every week.”

What were the most useful things you learned on your course that helps you now?
“One of the most useful things I think I learnt whilst being on the course is time management.  A design degree has so many aspects to it that I am now able to juggle many different tasks at once. Also, an appreciation of teamwork and support from course mates is vital. It’s a team effort pulling a show together at the end of the year!”

What was the best part of the course for you?
“My favourite aspect of the course was being able to experiment in a wide range of materials and combining these together to create interesting products. However, the degree show is always a memory that sticks in your mind because it shows the journey that the whole year group has been on together.”

Nicole De Haviland
What were the most important things you learnt whilst studying on Surface Pattern Design at Swansea?
The most important thing I learned in terms of personal development was time management. Throughout the third year, it was key for this to be a priority. There were many projects to keep on top of and maintain these at a consistent standard. With regard to practical development, working with Creative Suite was the most beneficial. Learning shortcuts and how to use the software effectively and confidently was an advantage when looking for a job after graduating as I wanted to enter the commercial side of Surface Pattern. 

Mark Eley Professor of Practice
“The quality and standard of the work by the Surface Pattern students at UWTSD is so professionally executed.  The collaborative effort of the whole programme team should be commended.  Every students' submitted design work would compete in the market they were intended.”

You may be eligible for funding to help support your study.  To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries section.

Study Abroad 

Students can also take up the opportunity to study a semester in the Europe, USA or Canada.

In addition to our University Accommodation at Llys Glas, Swansea also benefits from a number of private student halls, all within a short walk, including:

• The Oldway Centre
• Coppergate
• St Davids

Map View

Please get in touch with us if you have any questions related to the University or to this course in particular.