Please note:
This seems to be a popular choice! This course is now full for 2026/27 and so you will not be able apply for it as one of your course choices.
However, you can join our waiting list for this course by emailing us at waitinglist@stbrn.ac.uk
In the meantime, please apply for an alternative course to go alongside your other choices. If a place becomes available, we will contact you and discuss whether you want to swap to this course back into your programme.
As course choices change and students shuffle around, it is very unusual for students to remain on waiting lists and not get onto all of their first choice courses by the beginning of term. We will keep you updated!
A-level Textile students are encouraged to develop their individual creativity. Working on projects that can be based in fashion, furnishings or textile sculpture we build our portfolios with an emphasis on creativity.
Projects are devised to help students understand the fundamental process of design through their own research and sampling, developing ideas into unique and exciting finished pieces.
The specification studied is the OCR Art & Design (Textile Design). It may be taken alongside Photography, Fine Art and Graphic Communication.
A Level: Textile Design Entry requirements 2026 intake:
- You need Grade 4 or above in a arts or design based subject, OR
- Bring a portfolio to enrolment that shows you have the skills and potential to succeed.
Portfolio checklist
You must bring 5 images showing your strongest work. Choose one of the following:
- Your best work from the last year
- Work from your GCSE Art & Design course
- Your 5 best images from the summer task
These images should show creativity, skill, and how you explore ideas. Your portfolio can be digital or physical.
What You Could Include: Textile Design examples
- Textile Design
- Stitching or fabric manipulation
- Printing, dyeing or batik
- Textile illustrations or embroidery
- Material or fibre experiments
- Photos of finished textile or fashion outcomes
If you forget to bring a portfolio, you will need to complete a 45‑minute creative task during enrolment to secure your place on the course.
Course Content
This is a two-year course. Students are assessed on the following two units at the end of the second year:
Unit One
Personal Investigation
60% of A-level
Unit Two
Externally Set Task
40% of A-level
Students following the course explore surface textile design in its widest sense, through coursework projects and theoretical knowledge.
In the first year we run a series of projects which introduce a range of techniques including collage, screen and lino printing, fabric dying, applique, machine and hand stitch. The use of computer software is included in the course in order to aid the design process.
In the second year students will choose their own areas of study and will set their own design briefs building upon the knowledge and skills that they have learnt in the first year.
They are encouraged to work independently in order to prepare them for higher education and employment. Staff will facilitate and guide them to realise their ideas.
Students are required to produce a written study about an artist or designer as part of their Personal Investigation.
This is a two-year course. Students are assessed on the following two units at the end of the second year:
|
Unit One |
Personal Investigation |
60% of A-level |
|
Unit Two |
Externally Set Task |
40% of A-level |
Students following the course explore surface textile design in its widest sense, through coursework projects and theoretical knowledge.
In the first year we run a series of projects which introduce a range of techniques including collage, screen and lino printing, fabric dying, applique, machine and hand stitch. The use of computer software is included in the course in order to aid the design process.
In the second year students will choose their own areas of study and will set their own design briefs building upon the knowledge and skills that they have learnt in the first year.
They are encouraged to work independently in order to prepare them for higher education and employment. Staff will facilitate and guide them to realise their ideas.
Students are required to produce a written study about an artist or designer as part of their Personal Investigation.
Methods of Teaching, Learning and Assessment
The course is taught by specialist practitioners. All practical sessions are supported by demonstrations, a theoretical background and critical studies. A minimum of 4.5 hours private study per week is required.
It is essential that students are encouraged to do first hand research and a number of trips are organised.
Assessment
All units will be marked internally by the Creative Arts team and will be moderated by the exam board.
The course is taught by specialist practitioners. All practical sessions are supported by demonstrations, a theoretical background and critical studies. A minimum of 4.5 hours private study per week is required.
It is essential that students are encouraged to do first hand research and a number of trips are organised.
Assessment
All units will be marked internally by the Creative Arts team and will be moderated by the exam board.
Resources
The Textiles area is very well equipped with facilities to create a range of traditional and digital textile outcomes, including high quality screen and block printing equipment, Bernina sewing machines and an A1 digital printer. Students are also given a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud which they can run on their home computer.
The Textiles area is very well equipped with facilities to create a range of traditional and digital textile outcomes, including high quality screen and block printing equipment, Bernina sewing machines and an A1 digital printer. Students are also given a subscription to Adobe Creative Cloud which they can run on their home computer.
Enrichment
Trips and visiting speakers are organised throughout the year in order to inspire students and give them a broader understanding of Textiles and Design. These will come at a variable cost but we will always keep costs down wherever we can.
Trips and visiting speakers are organised throughout the year in order to inspire students and give them a broader understanding of Textiles and Design. These will come at a variable cost but we will always keep costs down wherever we can.
Progression
The A-level in Textiles Design provides a sound basis for students who wish to proceed to higher education as well as being a useful background to a career within the creative industries.
The A-level in Textiles Design provides a sound basis for students who wish to proceed to higher education as well as being a useful background to a career within the creative industries.
Charges
A studio kit fee is required for this course and costs approximately £150.
Details on ordering your kit can be found here
Students are expected to have funds to cover additional equipment and printing costs as directed by their individual project requirements.
The cost of all trips will be the responsibility of the student. Financial assistance is available if required.
A studio kit fee is required for this course and costs approximately £150.
Details on ordering your kit can be found here
Students are expected to have funds to cover additional equipment and printing costs as directed by their individual project requirements.
The cost of all trips will be the responsibility of the student. Financial assistance is available if required.
Where can this course lead?
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