This is a studio-based, practice led course demanding a high level of commitment and motivation. Underpinned by a supportive theoretical framework and instruction in professional contemporary practice, it allows for collaborative opportunities for developing pioneering work within the textile industry.

Concern and debate regarding the roles and responsibilities of the designer towards environmental issues is key to the course. It actively responds to the growing awareness of selecting raw materials, the impact of production and the ultimate life cycle of the product, especially concerning its disposal or re-use. Through investigation and innovation you are encouraged to develop solutions which challenge convention and merge design with function.

The course encourages applications from students with a high level of practical textile skills, design development methodologies and encourages an ambition directed towards different aspects of the textile industry. To succeed on the course you will need a high level of commitment and confidence in your abilities. Throughout the course you participate in individual and group tutorials, develop skills through workshops, on-line resources and postgraduate talks designed to introduce you to a range of visiting artists/designers and practitioners.

The Textile Environment Design (TED) project at Chelsea is a unique research unit investigating the role designers play in the field of eco design. It is a resource that students, researchers and designers all benefit from and contribute to. A recent student used TED's extensive library of contacts to establish a unique sustainable craft design project based in Thailand. The unit also encourages MA students to attend conferences in this growing area and report their findings back to the College.

The course follows an outline of three main phases:

Phase 1: Analysis of Practice and Exploration of Methodologies

Phase 2: Development and Consolidation

Phase 3: Resolution

These phases are set within a credit framework of three assessed units: Studio Practice, Advanced Studio Practice (which run sequentially), and Theoretical Studies, running throughout the course.

Studio practice involves evolving and developing a personal programme of studio work and related research. Theoretical Studies provides a framework from which you develop a critical research paper, enabling you to locate your ideas and practice in relation to contemporary debate on cultural and theoretical issues.

Throughout the course you participate in individual and group tutorials, develop skills through Personal Professional Development workshops, on-line resources and postgraduate talks that are organised to introduce you to a range of visiting designers and practitioners.

Graduates have gone on to careers as textiles practitioners and designer-makers either working with, or establishing their own, major and independent fashion labels. Recent employment has included working as print designer for Ralph Lauren in New York, working on sustainable craft design projects in India and as an in-house designer for Heritage Cashmere. Other opportunities include freelance design work, interior product design or other industry related careers. Graduates are also well placed to go on to undertake further research.

• An Honours degree or equivalent academic/professional qualifications
• Written statement of intent
• Selection of recent work
• Applicants whose first language is not English must show proof of IELTS level 6.5 and a minimum of 5.5 in reading, listening, writing and speaking. The University also accepts other tests. Please see the University English tests page for the equivalent scores required in these tests.
• The College takes into consideration prior learning, alternative qualifications and experience

Did you know that the Chelsea College of Art & Design also teach Short Courses in Textiles? Many postgraduate applicants use Short Courses to familiarise themselves with the College and use it as a refresher in education. See the full range of Textile based Short Courses here.

How to Apply

Home/EU Applicants

CCW Graduate School Application Form

Guidelines for electronic submission

Completed forms, including your study proposal, reference & portfolio (if required) can be returned by post to: 

CCW Graduate School Admissions
16 John Islip Street
London
SW1P 4JU

Or you can submit your form electronically to ccwgraduateschool@arts.ac.uk

International students
Please visit the CCW International Apply page to download an application form or contact the CCW International Office.
T: +44 (0)20 7514 1852
E: ccwinternational@arts.ac.uk

We are pleased to announce that international students applying to MA Textile Design may be eligible to receive a CCW international scholarship.  The scholarship will cover the full cost of the fees on this course for one student.  To find out more please visit our funding pages.

Application Deadlines
The deadline for applicants who will be applying to the AHRC (or other funding bodies): 1 March 2012
All other UK & EU applicants: 2 July 2012
International: No official deadline, but you are advised to apply as soon as possible. 

What happens next?
Applications will be reviewed against the entry requirements and selection criteria for the course. You may then be invited to attend an interview at the College on a set day, with your full portfolio if applicable.

Details of any scholarships and bursaries will be posted on the University MA Funding page