Textiles: Innovation and Designed

The MSc in Textiles: Innovation and Designed at Loughborough University is a cutting-edge postgraduate programme dedicated to exploring the dynamic intersection of textile design, innovation, and technology. This course is designed for creative individuals who are passionate about transforming textile concepts into innovative products and solutions. Throughout the programme, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of textile materials, manufacturing processes, and emerging technologies that are shaping the future of the textile industry. The curriculum emphasizes sustainable practices, digital design tools, and the integration of smart textiles, enabling students to become leaders in this rapidly evolving field. Students will have the opportunity to work on real-world projects, collaborate with industry partners, and engage with cutting-edge research to push the boundaries of textile design. The programme aims to foster creative thinking, technical mastery, and entrepreneurial skills, preparing graduates to excel in diverse roles within the textiles and fashion sectors, or to pursue further research or entrepreneurial ventures. With access to state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, students will gain practical experience in textile manufacturing, digital fabrication, and textile innovation. The course also offers seminars and workshops led by industry experts, providing invaluable insights into market trends, sustainability challenges, and technological advancements. Graduates of this programme will be equipped to lead innovation in areas such as wearable technology, functional textiles, and sustainable textile production, contributing to the development of smarter, more sustainable, and aesthetically compelling textile products. The MSc in Textiles: Innovation and Designed at Loughborough University is ideal for ambitious individuals seeking to integrate creativity and technical expertise to impact the future of textiles and design.

What you'll study

Textiles: Innovation and Design provides a stimulating creative environment in which you can develop practical, critical and conceptual skills necessary for high-level contemporary Textiles practice.

We aim to ensure that all students have broad first-hand experience of processes involved in the planning and production of contemporary Textile outcomes, whilst developing specialised knowledge aligning with current contextual requirements - Interiors, Fashion, Textiles Art, Research and the developing area of Digital Production. We encourage the development of significant skills in the practice of Design, Art and Craft informed by an awareness of historical and contemporary practice.

Year 1

Areas studied include drawing, introduction to modern and contemporary art and design, visual research, design development, and textiles process and exploration.

• Drawing: Discourses and Debates
• Introduction to Modern and Contemporary Art and Design
• Visual Research for Textiles
• Design Development for Textile
• Textiles Process and Exploration

Year 2

Areas studied include materials, processes and conceptual application, sampling and textile manufacture, and professional and business practice. You will be given the opportunity to select one optional module from a diverse School-wide list.

• Professional and Business Practice 
• Sampling and Textile Manufacture 
• Materials, Processes and Conceptual Application 
• Elephants and Engines: An Introduction to Creative Writing (Optional)
• From Print to Digital: Publishing Revolutions (Optional)
• Philosophy, Literature and the Arts (Optional)
• African American Culture (Optional)
• Material Culture (Optional)
• Creative Dissent: Protest, Activism and Art (Optional)
• Fashion Theory (Optional)
• 19th Century Bodies (Optional)
• Word and Image: Verbo-visual Exchange in Art and Literature (Optional)
• Non-verbal Communication: Body Adornment and New Technologies (Optional)
• Arts Management (Optional)
• Introduction to Multimodality (Optional)
• Costume Design (Optional)

Final year

Modules studied include Innovation, Exploration and Invention, Textiles Research Report, and a Textiles Studio Practice Final Project.

Applicants are selected on the basis of their UCAS application, and also a portfolio submission and interview in order to assess academic potential beyond that provided as part of the application. An interview also gives applicants the opportunity to visit the School, meet staff and students, see facilities and get an insight into what it is like to be a student at Loughborough.  Loughborough accepts a wide range of qualifications for entry.

What are the English language requirements to study here?

The standard University IELTS English language requirements is 6.5 overall with 6.0 in each individual element (reading, writing, listening and speaking). Some Schools/Departments may require higher levels of English language than those specified. The requirements needed, will be sent to you in your offer communication.

For Research Degrees, some Schools/Departments may ask for a higher standard of English language qualifications due to the nature of the research work involved. Details will be included in your offer letter if this applies.

For Undergraduate Degree courses, some Schools/Departments may require higher levels than those specified.  These higher levels are detailed, where relevant and more information can be found here.

Generally the English Language test should have been taken within the previous two years, but where the test is older, evidence of continuing use of English, whether in the workplace or elsewhere, in the intervening period may be required.

• International Scholarships for Undegraduate study

The MSc in Textiles: Innovation and Design at Loughborough University offers a range of financing options to support prospective students in their studies. International and domestic students are advised to explore various sources of funding to help cover tuition fees and living expenses throughout the duration of the program. The university provides a comprehensive scholarship scheme aimed at attracting talented students, which includes merit-based scholarships, competitive awards, and financial aid packages. Applicants are encouraged to check the university’s official scholarships webpage to identify scholarships for which they may be eligible, with some awards offering full or partial tuition fee waivers.

In addition to university-funded scholarships, students can explore external funding opportunities from government bodies, private foundations, and industry partners. Many students apply for government loans or grants specific to their home country, which can be used to support postgraduate studies in the UK. Loughborough University also offers guidance and support services to help students identify suitable financial aid sources and to assist with the application process.

Part-time work opportunities are available on campus, allowing students to earn supplementary income during their studies, which can help offset living costs. The university’s employment services provide assistance in finding part-time roles appropriate to students’ schedules and visa conditions. Furthermore, students are encouraged to carefully plan their budgets, taking into account accommodation, travel, study materials, and personal expenses, to ensure they can manage financially throughout their course.

Overall, while the program provides some financial support options, students are responsible for securing funding through various channels, and early planning is recommended. It is important for potential applicants to actively seek out all available financial resources, apply for scholarships and funding schemes early, and consult university advisors to maximize their financial support during their studies in textile innovation and design at Loughborough University.

Future career

Recent graduates are presently employed as designers and buyers in major national and international Fashion and Interior companies.

They have also gone on to be stylists for Fashion and Interior magazines, and enter a whole range of other Textiles and Textiles related employment, whilst others are self-employed as freelance designers and textile artists.