
Surface Pattern and Textiles (Part-time) (BA Hons)
The Surface Pattern and Textiles programme at Swansea College of Art, ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø is a vibrant, multidisciplinary programme that focuses on an exploration of textiles, materiality, pattern, and making. Our focus spans various contexts, including fashion, interiors, and design-led galleries. The course is both academically challenging and has a contemporary outlook, ensuring you gain a comprehensive education in this dynamic field.
Throughout your studies, you will develop a wealth of practical and technical skills. You will enjoy the design potential of our extensive, innovative digital and traditional facilities. This combination of cutting-edge technology and time-honoured techniques provides a well-rounded foundation for your creative journey.
We bring our students together to create a strong group identity, while allowing you to choose a specialism that aligns with your interests and career goals. The studio culture is central to the Surface Pattern and Textiles student experience. This professionally focused, collaborative learning environment mirrors the workplace, promoting a positive, engaging, open approach to working with others.
Graduates of our programme emerge as skilled designers and makers, ready to excel in a variety of creative jobs and enterprises. The integration of significant live projects, exhibition experiences, and industry liaisons into our curriculum is a defining feature of our course. These projects have been conducted with esteemed collaborators such as Rolls Royce Bespoke Interiors, H&M Design, Eley Kishimoto London, Hallmark UK, and Orangebox. Such experiences ensure you are prepared to enter the creative industry with confidence and competence.
Our dynamic programme is built to evolve alongside the industries you will enter. Employability is at the heart of what we do, ensuring you are well-prepared for the professional world. The course also includes live briefs and opportunities for competitions, further enhancing your readiness for industry challenges.
Our facilities support various creative processes. You will have your own dedicated studio space and access to our excellently equipped workshops with a wide range of facilities including a textile screen printing room, dye studio, printmaking, digital application suite, Mac suites providing industry standard software, laser cutters and a sewing room, providing comprehensive hands-on learning opportunities.
The Surface Pattern and Textiles programme at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø offers an engaging and comprehensive education, preparing you for a successful career in the creative industries. With a focus on both traditional and digital techniques, extensive industry connections, and a strong emphasis on employability, this programme is the ideal choice for aspiring designers and makers.
The part-time option of our BA Surface Pattern and Textiles degree allows you to balance study with your personal and professional life, making it an ideal choice for those seeking flexibility.
Course details
- On-campus
- Part-time
- English
- Bilingual
Tuition Fees 25/26
Home (Full-time): £9,535 per year
Overseas (Full-time): £15,525 per year
Why choose this course?
What you will learn
Our philosophy on the Surface Pattern and Textiles programme is to provide a practice rich experience, focused around creating exciting and innovative surfaces and structures for a breadth of contemporary design contexts. We emphasise hands-on experience, fostering creativity and innovation through a balance of practical and theoretical approaches, industry engagement, and personal development to prepare you for a career in the creative industries.
The programme is structured, so our learners experience a breadth of processes and practices. From the outset you will participate in a range of working methods and learning environments supported by a dedicated team: study visits, research, drawing, designing, making, digital and analogue printing methods, dyeing and colouration, tutorials, contextual practice, live projects, competitions, industry experience, exhibitions, self-promotion and portfolio preparation. When you leave us, you are workplace ready.
Year one and two is teaching intensive, introducing you to a variety of new ways of learning, a breadth of material processes, visual studies practice, and forward-looking design thinking. you will build foundational skills in textile design, focusing on pattern, materiality, and making. You will explore various techniques, including digital and traditional methods, while developing a strong understanding of design principles and research. This year introduces key concepts and practices essential for your creative journey.
Compulsory
(10 credits)
(10 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(10 credits)
(10 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
The third and fourth years expands your technical and practical knowledge through advanced projects and specialised modules. You will engage with live briefs and industry collaborations, enhancing your professional skills and creative thinking. This year focuses on developing your personal design identity and preparing you for real-world applications in fashion, interiors, and beyond. Contextual studies develop your understanding of historical and contemporary art and design theories and prepares you for the Independent Project module in year 5.
Compulsory
(10 credits)
(10 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
(10 credits)
(10 credits)
(20 credits)
(20 credits)
In the fifth and sixth year, you will refine your expertise and focus on professional practice. You will undertake significant live projects and exhibition opportunities, working closely with industry partners. This year is dedicated to perfecting your portfolio and ensuring you are industry-ready, with a strong emphasis on employability and entrepreneurship.  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Compulsory
(40 credits)
(20 credits)
The year culminates in a body of work or design collection that fully expresses your creative journey as a designer or maker, exhibiting as part of the Degree Show. 
(60 credits)
Course Disclaimer
-
The modules outlined above provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this course based on recent academic teaching. We continuously review our courses to ensure quality enhancement and to manage our resources. The precise modules available to you in future years may vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course includes optional modules, these are to provide an element of choice within the course. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
You’ll typically complete 120 credits per year of study on a full-time course. For more information visit our Student Agreement.
testimonial
Staff
Our People
You will be taught and supported by a wide range of professional staff and teams here to help you get the university experience you are looking for. Our teaching staff were ranked 2nd in Wales for Teaching, Assessment and Feedback and Academic Support (NSS 2024) meaning that the support and feedback you get will help you learn and develop strong academic skills. Our students have placed us 1st in Wales for Learning Opportunities and Student Voice (NSS 2024) meaning that there are a wide range of opportunities available to enhance your studies and that students play an active role in shaping their learning experiences. Our commitment to your learning has seen our students place us as 1st in Wales and joint 3rd in the UK for student satisfaction (Times Higher Education, 2024, ‘Overall Positivity’ measure). Find out more about our academic staff who teach across our courses.
Facilities & Exhibitions
Facilities & Exhibitions
The programme is housed in a lively, light and airy studio that accommodates all years of the course making it the heartbeat of our Surface Pattern and Textiles community.

View a sample of diverse body work created by this year's graduates of our BA in Surface Pattern Design.

Meet our Students
Meet our Students
News
News
Further information
-
120 UCAS tariff points 
-
e.g. A-levels: ABB, BTEC: DDM, IB: 33 and Portfolio
The UCAS tariff score is applicable to you if you have recently studied a qualification that has a UCAS tariff equivalence. UCAS provides a  for you to work out what your qualification is worth within the UCAS tariff. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
We are interested in creative people who demonstrate a strong commitment to art and/or design and, therefore, we welcome applications from individuals from a wide range of backgrounds.
We arrange interviews for all applicants to assess suitability for the chosen course. Your skills, achievements and life experience will be considered, as well as your portfolio of work.
³Ò°ä³§·¡²õ 
GCSE grade A*-C (grade 9-4 in England) in English and Mathematics is also required. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Alternative entry routes text
If this course interests you, but you don’t have the entry requirements to join our bachelor’s degree you could consider: &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
-
Certificate in Higher Education (CertHE).
This is a one-year course offering a comprehensive introduction to art and design, establishing a strong basis for your creative future. During the course, you will engage with a broad range of artistic disciplines and design areas, helping you to discover your passions and refine your skills.
Admissions Advice and Support 
We may make you a lower offer based on a range of factors, such as your background, experiences and individual circumstances. This is known as ‘Contextual Admissions’. For specific advice and support you can contact our enquiries team for more information about entry requirements. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
English language requirements 
If English is not your first language or you have not previously studied in English, our usual requirement is the equivalent of an International English Language Testing System (IELTS Academic Test) score of 6.0, with not less than 5.5 in each of the sub-tests. We also accept other English language tests. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Visit the International Applications section of our website to find out more about our English Language Requirements and pre-sessional English Language Courses.
Visa and funding requirements 
If you are not from the UK and you do not already have residency here, you may need to apply for a visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For courses of more than six months’ duration you will require a Student visa. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
International students who require a Student visa should apply for our full-time courses as these qualify for Student visa sponsorship.  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
For full information read our visa application and guides. â¶Ä¯â¶Ä¯&²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Please note students receiving US Federal Aid are only able to apply for in-person, on-campus programmes which will have no elements of online study. 
-
-
Assessment is carried out through coursework, both written and practical. There are no exams on this course. Students are formatively assessed throughout a module in a variety of blended digital and campus-based styles. Summative assessment takes place at the end of a module — work is specified to be either submitted to digital platforms or presented at desks, or in exhibition scenarios. A variety of teaching and learning methods are used throughout the course which includes amongst others;
Informal Tutorials  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
These tutorials are held on a regular basis, across all levels. In Year 1 each student sees and discusses his / her work with a member of staff at each studio session, likewise in Year 2. Third and fourth-year students tend to work more independently and sign up for a tutorial when she/he feels the need arises. However, as a team, we ensure that every student in Year 3 is seen by at least one member of the academic staff each week.  We pride ourselves on the fact that there is the opportunity to see staff regularly.Formal Tutorials &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
These are held at least once a term with individual students. The work and progress are discussed, through practical and conceptual development, future intentions of the student etc. It is an opportunity for any issues/concerns by either party, to be raised. A recorded account of the tutorial is duplicated for the student to store in their feedback file and refer back to.Group critiques &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
These are held on a regular basis, across all levels, either with a member of staff or student-led. They provide an excellent opportunity for students to share and exchange ideas with their peers in a structured manner in addition to valuable input from staff.Informal and Formal presentations &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
The nature of the presentation varies according to the level. Presentations may be to peers, staff or industry/live brief partners. They may be presented by individuals to an audience, or by groups, working together. Informal presentations are introduced in order to help students gain confidence in talking about their work to their peers and staff throughout the programme. There are other situations where presentations can take a more formal part of the assessment at the end of a project.Exhibiting work &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Again, the nature of this varies within the context of the projects, the work to be assessed and the stage of the programme — it can range in formality from a public venue, a digital showreel, to the individual student’s desk space. As a programme, we love the opportunity to share and get our students’ work out into the world, so usually, any worthwhile opportunities for the exhibition are capitalised on to enhance the student experience. -
Our students have access to a diverse range of equipment and resources, which in most cases are sufficient to complete their programme of study. We provide the basic materials necessary for students to develop their practical work within our extensive workshop and studio facilities.
However, art and design students will likely incur some additional costs to extend their investigation of their personal practice. For example, purchasing their own specialised materials and equipment, joining in optional study trips, and printing.
Students are expected to bring their own personal art and design equipment with them when they commence the course. We can advise on the correct equipment needed for your programme of studies and signpost appropriate suppliers if you wish to purchase essential items before or during your studies.
A basic ‘art and design kit’ will cost approximately £100 but you may well already have much of the equipment required so check with us first. Also, although we have extensive dedicated digital design studios (PC and MAC) for you to undertake your coursework, you may wish to bring your own digital devices, again check with us first before making a purchase.
-
Some modules in this course are available to study through the medium of Welsh either fully or partially. In all cases students will be able to submit written assessments through the medium of Welsh.
If you choose to study your course either fully or partially through the medium of Welsh, you may be eligible to apply for scholarships and bursaries to support you with your studies.
We are continuously reviewing our Welsh medium provision, the precise availability of modules will vary depending on staff availability and research interests, new topics of study, timetabling and student demand. Where your course offers modules available through the medium of Welsh this may vary from year to year, and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means the availability of specific Welsh medium modules cannot be guaranteed.
Extracurricular Welsh Opportunities
There are many ways to engage with Welsh culture and life at ºÚÁϳԹÏÍø, including joining clubs and societies for Welsh speakers and becoming a member of our vibrant Coleg Cymraeg Cenedlaethol branch. &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
Opportunities to Learn Welsh
We also provide a variety of opportunities to learn and develop your Welsh language skills.  &²Ô²ú²õ±è;
-
You may be eligible for funding to help support your study. To find out about scholarships, bursaries and other funding opportunities that are available please visit our Scholarships and Bursaries section.
-
Students can also take up the opportunity to study a semester in the Europe, USA or Canada.
-
Graduate Prospects
Interiors
- Textile designers
- Wallpaper designers
- Screen printers
- Designer makers
- Pattern designers
- Interior stylists
- Lifestyle product designer
- In house roles for interior brands
- Freelance for interior brands and clients trend predictions and interior forecasting
- Editorial – magazines, blogging, websites, illustration
Fashion
- Textile designers
- Pattern designers
- Screen printers
- Digital textile designers
- Designer makers
- Design assistants
- Lifestyle and accessory designer
- Graduate trainee positions
- Fashion stylists
- In house roles for brands
- Freelance for brands
- Design studio roles
- Trend predictions and fashion forecasting
- Editorial - magazines, blogging, websites, illustration
Stationery
- Illustrators
- Giftware design – wraps, and associated accessories and ranges
- Stationery design – cards, books, lifestyle ranges
Arts Bodies
- Gallery Management
- Project Management
- Exhibiting makers
- Stocking and selling through curated gallery shops
- Community projects
- Volunteering
- Workshops
- Artists in Residence
Retail
- Visual Merchandising – design and installation
- Buying
- Styling
- Personal stylist
- Selling through retail outlets
Teaching
- PGCE – Secondary, Primary, FE
- Visiting Lecturers
- University Lecturers
- Workshop, Freelance
- Community Workshops and Arts groups
Work modes
- Employment
- Self-Employment
- Freelance
- Enterprise
- Voluntary
Example List of Companies Students are Currently Working for:
- Monsoon
- Hallmark Creative UK
- Tigerprint
- Misfit Fashion
- ±·´Ç²ú´Ç»å²â’s&²Ô²ú²õ±è;°ä³ó¾±±ô»å
- Humbug Design Ltd
- Lush
- In the Style
- H&M, Sweden
- Cubus, Norway
- Talking Tables
- IG International Greetings
- The Silk Bureau
- The National Trust
- Emma Bridgewater
- Tenn Ltd
- John Lewis
Example List of Students who have gone on to run successful Creative Enterprises
- Jo Ashburner – Red Dragon Flags, The Roof Project
- Stephanie Cole
- Nia Rist Prints
- Hannah Davies
- Harriet Popham