Sustainable Luxury Textiles (BA)

Award
Bachelor of Arts
Typical Offer
BBC View full entry requirements
Duration
3 years
Course Type
Full-time
Campus
Winchester
UCAS Course code
TD23

About this course

Join a forward-looking textiles degree where luxury textiles and sustainable textiles come together through creative design, innovation and industry insight.

On this full-time textiles course taught over 3 years, you’ll develop a clear understanding of how textiles are designed, developed and manufactured across global supply chains. This includes responsible sourcing, ethical craft practices and how contemporary textile businesses operate.

This textiles course is shaped by real industry challenges. You’ll work on live briefs, take part in study visits, enter competitions and access internship opportunities. You’ll also connect directly with luxury brands.

This combination of creative and commercial learning prepares you for roles in textile design, fabric development, sustainable materials, CMF (colour, material and finish) and product innovation across fashion, interiors, automotive, sportswear and lifestyle sectors.

You’ll study within an international community where sustainability is embedded in every module. Teaching is informed by research-active academics, specialist technicians and industry practitioners.

By the time you graduate, you’ll have the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to contribute to the future of sustainable and luxury textiles.

To see recent student work and updates, search for @wsa_sus_lux_textiles.

How you’ll learn

You’ll build your skills through a combination of studio practice, workshops, lectures and seminars.
Each week, you’ll develop textile making, creative design and critical thinking in an integrated way through structured modules.

In workshops, you’ll gain hands-on experience in:

  • textile printing, knitting, weaving and dyeing techniques
  • embroidery and non-wovens (felt making) and biomaterials
  • advanced digital design which could include e-textiles and smart wearables 

Studio sessions focus on drawing, colour, texture and material storytelling. These help you develop as a creative practitioner ready to respond to challenges in circular and regenerative textile design.

Through lectures and seminars, you’ll explore:

  • Sustainability challenges in the textile industry
  • Principles of luxury
  • Textile business and supply chains
  • Ethical and artisanal production practices 

This supports you in understanding how to make informed, responsible decisions in a global context.

Key features

  • Your own studio workspace from Year 1, alongside fully equipped print, knit, weave and dye workshops
  • A riverside campus within walking distance of student accommodation and Winchester city centre
  • Support from specialist technicians, library resources and archive collections
  • Industry-standard software for digital production, CAD and material innovation
  • Access to the textile industry through our membership of UKFT (UK Fashion and Textiles Assocciation) and The Textile Institute
  • Study at a Russell Group university with global industry and alumni networks 
     

Year in employment or study abroad

Between your second and third year, you can choose to take a year in employment or study abroad.
You may complete internships in the UK or overseas, or study at a partner institution. This helps you build professional experience, expand your subject knowledge and develop cultural awareness.
 

Careers and industry links

You’ll join a global network of graduates working across sustainability, design and buying roles.
Recent graduates have gone on to work with brands including Nike, Stella McCartney, Ralph Lauren, Paul Smith, Liberty Fabrics and Sanderson Design Group.

Enrol on this course with a foundation Pass

If you've completed an arts foundation course, a Pass is equivalent to an A-level.

We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.

Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).

Student adjusting a wooden weaving loom in a textile studio, with threads and tools in the foreground and a modern loom and colourful yarns in the background.

Course location

This course is based at Winchester.

Awarding body

This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.

Download the Course Description Document

The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.