BA Textile Design at Chelsea is one of the leading textile courses in the UK and Europe. With us, you’ll enjoy the opportunity to specialise in areas including printed, woven, knitted, stitched and digital textile design. We see these fields as fluid and overlapping, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of current textile-design practices.

On the course, we place emphasis on the synthesis between concept and process, promoting innovative and creative approaches to textile design. Our specialist workshops are situated close to the studios, making for easy interaction between new technologies and traditional craft processes.

You’ll be introduced to perspectives and culturally diverse contexts through exchanges, theory lectures and project themes. Your live projects will inform your practice and see you working within professional fashion and textile industries. In the past, our students have worked with Burberry, WGSN and InDesign.

In year two, you’ll participate in an international trade fair, for example Indigo in Paris, giving you a unique insight into current market trends and practices, and helping you build valuable contacts. Our students have sold design work to companies including Louis Vuitton, Kenzo, DKNY, Diane Von Furstenberg and Desigual at these events.

Key Facts

A core course focus is sustainability. Our aim, supported by staff research interests, is to embed environmental issues and concerns in all stages of the curriculum.

We have links with many colleges worldwide. Through the Erasmus programme, you can study with our partners in Germany, France, Sweden and Finland. Or we can arrange exchanges with the Fashion Institute of Technology and Rhode Island School of Design in the US.

During the first two years of the course you are given the opportunity to explore concepts and themes in response to project briefs through your own enquiry, developing an increasingly professional level in your work. In the final year of the course, you will embark on an individual negotiated project, establishing and defining your design identity through conceptual thinking. You will also be expected to have generated innovative approaches to textiles, whether applying a new process or applying an existing process within a new context.

Year 1

You will be introduced to textile design through projects that explore conceptual ideas and process. Experimental practical workshops help you decide what to specialise in by accessing London's educational, industrial and professional resources to inform and inspire visual research into contemporary fashion and interior design solutions.

Year 2

Involves a variety of projects including international exchange within Europe and the USA. work-based learning, live projects and simulated professional conditions, all of which provide the opportunity to make valuable contacts. Students participate in a professional trade fair/showcase of work e.g. the prestigious Indigo Exhibition in Paris and develop innovative design through projects set by international companies. An issue-based theory programme also encourages deeper reflection and lively debate.

Year 3

You will further explore and evolve your design understanding through self directed project work and participation in creative professional contexts. A written dissertation explores the subject matter linked to your design interests and to support and broaden your emerging design identity.

Graduates have gone on to work in international design studios for fashion and interiors or set up businesses of their own. Some graduates joined design teams and are working within couture to high street production in many countries. Recent destinations include WGSN, H&M, Julian MacDonald, Liberty, Stella McCartney, Amanda Kelly, Donna Karan, Anna Sui, Chloe and many more. Some graduates have gone on to postgraduate study, for example on Chelsea's MA Textile Design and courses at other renowned institutions such as the Royal College of Art.

Entry Requirements

Foundation Diploma in Art & Design plus 1 GCE A-level plus 3 GCSEs grade C or above
Or
BTEC National Diploma or NVQ Level 3 plus 3 GCSEs grade C or above

The College also takes into consideration prior learning and experience.

Applicants whose first language is not English must show proof of IELTS level 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in each of the four skills. All information regarding acceptable tests, scores and exemptions from testing can be found here: http://www.arts.ac.uk/international/apply/englishlanguagerequirements/

International Applicants

We welcome applications from international students and will be pleased to help with the application process. To receive advice and help with your application you are invited to contact one of the University's local representatives in your own country or one of our International Student Advisors in London.
www.chelsea.arts.ac.uk/international

Study Abroad Applicants

This course accepts a limited number of Study Abroad students (international students who would like to spend one, two or three terms studying alongside our undergraduates, as part of their course at their home university). To find out further information about Study Abroad fees and the application process please visit the CCW Study Abroad pages. 

What we look for

We encourage a wide variety of student applicants from all kinds of backgrounds. Our student group is dynamic because of its diversity and linked through each individual’s enthusiasm for the subject and innovative approaches to design problems

We would like applicants to demonstrate

• An ability to research a variety of concepts and arrive at a design solution.
• An enthusiasm for colour, texture and imagery.
• A portfolio demonstrating a personal response to a project brief.

What we look for in the portfolio and interview

• Research activity including drawing.
• Evidence of development of research towards design (not necessarily textiles).
• Use of colour in various media.
• Any work in textiles demonstrating enthusiasm for the subject.
• A concise portfolio indicating a selective approach.
• Ability to present critical reflection of the subject in discussion.

UK/EU Applicants

You need to apply through the UCAS online application system. You can complete your UCAS application from anywhere that has internet access.

You will be able to find Chelsea courses listed under University of the Arts London on the UCAS website. All Chelsea College of Art and Design UCAS Course Codes can be found on the course 'At a Glance' tab or on the UCAS website.

Our University code is UAL.

Our College Code is U65.

There is no 'Campus Code' for Chelsea College of Art and Design.

What happens next

All application forms, personal statements and references will be read and subject to meeting the entry requirements, you may then be invited to a portfolio review and interview. 

For further information about UCAS, or their application procedure, please contact them directly.

T: +44 (0)870 1122211
E: enq@ucas.ac.uk

For any other information please contact Chelsea College of Art and Design.

T: +44 (0)20 7514 7751
E: info@chelsea.arts.ac.uk

International Applicants

Please visit the CCW International apply page for details.
or contact the CCW International Office.

T: +44 (0) 207 514 1852
E: ccwinternational@arts.ac.uk

Study Abroad Applicants

International undergraduate students can apply to join this BA course for a period of up to three terms as a Study Abroad student. Please visit the CCW Study Abroad pages for details on how to apply or contact the Study Abroad office:

T: +44 (0) 207 514 2249
E: studyabroad@chelsea.arts.ac.uk