About this course
The urgency for sustainability in fashion and textiles has never been greater, driving global impact and transformative change. On this sustainable textiles degree, you’ll gain a fundamental understanding of the changing landscape and demands of textile sustainability in the contemporary luxury sector. While developing the skills to design and create luxury textiles in the fields of fashion, interiors and accessories.
Through techniques like printing, knitting, weaving, felting, and stitching, you’ll gain the skills to drive change in the global textiles industry. By combining new technologies with traditional craft practices, you'll discover digital solutions for sustainable innovation, ethical manufacturing, and product enhancement.
You’ll also develop critical thinking and reflection skills to refine your design and creation processes. Allowing you to improve sustainable textile practices, business strategies, consumer behaviour, and marketing communications.
As a Sustainable Luxury (Textiles) student, you'll benefit from:
- the opportunity to apply for a year in employment
- guest speakers and involvement in projects from luxury brands, textile suppliers, manufacturers and studios
- opportunities to enter industry competitions, earn bursaries and complete internships
- collaborative projects with students studying different courses
- the option to study abroad for a semester at one of our international exchange destinations
Facilities, resources and support
You'll have your own dedicated studio workstation with a desk and display wall, and access to specialist print, knit and weave workshop resources and computer-aided design (CAD) suites. You'll be taught and supported by professional creatives with extensive academic and industry experience, and expert textile and digital technicians.
You'll also gain knowledge and expertise in:
- future trends and industry influences
- marketing communications
- creative problem solving
- teamworking and collaboration
- presentation
- business entrepreneurship
Enrol on this course with a foundation Pass
If you've completed an arts foundation course, a Pass is equivalent to an A-level.
We regularly review our courses to ensure and improve quality. This course may be revised as a result of this. Any revision will be balanced against the requirement that the student should receive the educational service expected. Find out why, when, and how we might make changes.
Our courses are regulated in England by the Office for Students (OfS).
Course location
This course is based at Winchester.
Awarding body
This qualification is awarded by the University of Southampton.
Download the Course Description Document
The Course Description Document details your course overview, your course structure and how your course is taught and assessed.
Entry requirements
For Academic year 202526
A-levels
Our standard offer is BBB including a creative arts subject at A-level or equivalent qualification, we also consider grades of comparable value and offer on these taking into account the suitability of the portfolio submission for the intended course.
A-levels additional information
A Level offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBC and grade A in the EPQ.
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 30 points overall with 15 points at Higher Level including a creative arts subject.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
RQF BTEC
Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma in a including a creative arts subject. Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level including a creative arts subject. Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus BB in two A levels including a creative arts subject.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
QCF BTEC
Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma in a creative arts subject. Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in an A level including a creative arts subject. Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus BB in two A levels including a creative arts subject.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 24 must be at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit including a creative arts subject.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3 including a creative arts subject.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
M2 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including a creative arts subject.
Welsh Baccalaureate
BBB from 3 A levels including a creative arts subject or BB from two A levels including a creative arts subject and B from the Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate Skills Challenge Certificate
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
T-Level
Not accepted for this course.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.
If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Foundation programmes for international students
A foundation programme will give you the language skills and subject knowledge you need if you're not qualified for direct entry to your chosen undergraduate course.
You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the foundation programme.
Find out more about undergraduate foundation programmes for international students.
Mature applicants
We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.
Non-academic entry requirements
All applicants will need to provide a portfolio of art work
For Academic year 202627
A-levels
Our standard offer is BBB including a creative arts subject at A-level or equivalent qualification, we also consider grades of comparable value and offer on these taking into account the suitability of the portfolio submission for the intended course.
A-levels additional information
A Level offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
A-levels with Extended Project Qualification
If you are taking an EPQ in addition to 3 A levels, you will receive the following offer in addition to the standard A level offer: BBC and grade A in the EPQ.
A-levels contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all applicants with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise an applicant's potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Diploma
Pass, with 30 points overall with 15 points at Higher Level including a creative arts subject.
International Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
International Baccalaureate Career Programme (IBCP) statement
Offers will be made on the individual Diploma Course subject(s) and the career-related study qualification. The CP core will not form part of the offer. Where there is a subject pre-requisite(s), applicants will be required to study the subject(s) at Higher Level in the Diploma course subject and/or take a specified unit in the career-related study qualification. Applicants may also be asked to achieve a specific grade in those elements. Please see the University of Southampton International Baccalaureate Career-Related Programme (IBCP) Statement for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
BTEC
RQF BTEC
Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC National Extended Diploma in a including a creative arts subject. Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC National Diploma plus B in an A level including a creative arts subject. Distinction in the BTEC National Extended Certificate plus BB in two A levels including a creative arts subject.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
QCF BTEC
Distinction, Distinction, Merit in the BTEC Extended Diploma in a creative arts subject. Distinction, Distinction in the BTEC Diploma plus B in an A level including a creative arts subject. Distinction in the BTEC Subsidiary Diploma plus BB in two A levels including a creative arts subject.
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
Access to HE Diploma
60 credits with a minimum of 45 credits at Level 3, of which 24 must be at Distinction and 21 credits at Merit including a creative arts subject.
Irish Leaving Certificate
Irish Leaving Certificate (first awarded 2017)
H2 H2 H3 H3 H3 H3 including a creative arts subject.
Scottish Qualification
Offers will be based on exams being taken at the end of S6. Subjects taken and qualifications achieved in S5 will be reviewed. Careful consideration will be given to an individual’s academic achievement, taking in to account the context and circumstances of their pre-university education.
Please see the University of Southampton’s Curriculum for Excellence Scotland Statement (PDF) for further information. Applicants are advised to contact their Faculty Admissions Office for more information.
Cambridge Pre-U
M2 M2 M2 in three principal subjects including a creative arts subject.
Welsh Baccalaureate
BBB from 3 A levels including a creative arts subject or BB from two A levels including a creative arts subject and B from the Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales.
Welsh Baccalaureate additional information
Offers typically exclude General Studies and Critical Thinking.
Welsh Baccalaureate contextual offer
We are committed to ensuring that all learners with the potential to succeed, regardless of their background, are encouraged to apply to study with us. The additional information gained through contextual data allows us to recognise a learner’s potential to succeed in the context of their background and experience. Applicants who are highlighted in this way will be made an offer which is lower than the typical offer for that programme.
T-Level
Not accepted for this course.
Other requirements
GCSE requirements
Applicants must hold GCSE English language (or GCSE English) (minimum grade 4/C) and mathematics (minimum grade 4/C)
Find the equivalent international qualifications for our entry requirements.
English language requirements
If English is not your first language, you must show that you can use English to the level we require. Visit our English language pages to find out which qualifications we accept and how you can meet our requirements.
If you are taking the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), you must get at least the following scores:
IELTS score requirements
- overall score
- 6.5
- reading
- 6.0
- writing
- 6.0
- speaking
- 6.0
- listening
- 6.0
If you do not meet the English language requirements through a test or qualification, you may be able to meet them by completing one of our pre-sessional English programmes before your course starts.
You might meet our criteria in other ways if you do not have the qualifications we need. Find out more about:
- our Ignite your Journey scheme for students living permanently in the UK (including residential summer school, application support and scholarship)
- skills you might have gained through work or other life experiences (otherwise known as recognition of prior learning)
Find out more about our Admissions Policy.
Foundation programmes for international students
A foundation programme will give you the language skills and subject knowledge you need if you're not qualified for direct entry to your chosen undergraduate course.
You'll progress to your chosen course after successfully completing the foundation programme.
Find out more about undergraduate foundation programmes for international students.
Mature applicants
We welcome applications from learners of all ages. Students who are aged 21 and over at the start of their undergraduate course are defined as mature by the University of Southampton. We take a holistic assessment of the application looking for academic ability and commitment to study. Typical entry requirements, which may vary from discipline to discipline, includes for example, evidence of recent formal academic qualifications or professional qualifications, relevant work experience or volunteering. You may also be invited to attend an interview with an Admissions Tutor. For some degree programmes, there may also be a Professional, Statutory and Regulatory Body (PSRB) requirement. We accept many different academic qualifications. For more information, please contact the Admissions Team.
Non-academic entry requirements
All applicants will need to provide a portfolio of art work
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Course structure
This is a full time course taught over three years. Between your second and third year, you'll have the option to study a semester in a different country or apply for a year in employment to gain valuable industry experience. The year in employment will increase the duration of the full course to four years.
Each year is made up of core and compulsory modules.
Year 1 overview
This year is about exploration and experimentation. You'll learn the principles of sustainability, luxury and artisanal practice in textile design, materials, processes and techniques. Participating in practical design and making workshops, and introducing you to relevant digital tools and technologies.
Year 2 overview
The second year will enable you to build on your subject knowledge, teamwork and practical skills in advanced textile techniques and innovative materials. These will help you to build deeper knowledge and skills in advanced luxury textile techniques and innovative materials. You'll work on collaborative projects with industry partners, and develop your understanding of how to incorporate luxury, sustainable circular design and ethical professional practices.
This year has the option to choose to study in a different country or take part in work placement options.
Year 3 overview
In your final year you'll focus on preparing for your future in the professional field of sustainable luxury textiles. You'll develop your career employability and enterprise skills while designing and making a collection of specialist luxury textiles to promote your sustainable thinking, design and production skills.
You'll develop a portfolio of sustainable textiles to showcase and exhibit on a professional stage and engage in activities to promote and help your transition onto your chosen career or further education.
Want more detail? See all the modules in the course.
Modules
The modules outlined provide examples of what you can expect to learn on this degree course based on recent academic teaching. As a research-led University, we undertake a continuous review of our course 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. Find out why, when and how we might make changes.
For entry in academic year 2025 to 2026
Year 1 modules
You must study the following modules in year 1:
Changemakers
This module works together with all three of the other level 4 modules and will form the foundations of this programme and provide you with knowledge and inspirations to generate idea’s that you will carry forward into your level 5 and level 6 projects. ...
Creative Design Interpretations
This module introduces you to Creative Design Interpretations across Textiles, which considers the principles of the programme - Sustainability, Luxury and Ethical Artisanship in relation to Textiles. You will creatively interpret the contexts, theory, te...
Principles of Sustainability, Luxury & Artisanship
This module will introduce you to the three principles of this programme – Sustainability, Luxury and Ethical Artisanship in relation to Textiles, including knit, weave, print, stitch, felting and dyeing textiles for apparel, interior, lifestyle, function...
The Textile Industry
This module will introduce you to the background and workings of the Textile Industry and the wide-ranging career opportunities that studying textiles today will offer you. You will be introduced to the different sectors, markets, applications and context...
Year 2 modules
You must study the following modules in year 2:
Collaborate (Sustainable Luxury (Textiles))
This module engages you in research and knowledge exchange projects, using interdisciplinary learning to embed the practice of collaboration within disciplines in WSA. This collaborative project module supports the University’s goal of enabling curiosity,...
Innovative Materials, Technologies & Processes
This module will introduce you to the world of innovation, from past, present and newly emerging materials, technologies and processes used in Textiles and product related lifecycles, sustainability and circularity. You will build on your knowledge and sk...
Sustainable Artisan Skills & Practice
This module will build on your knowledge and understanding of the Sustainable Global Artisan. You will also build on your learning and experience of working on collaborative projects. You will delve deeply into the skills, practices, culture, ethical valu...
The Future Artisan
The Future Artisan delves into the intersection of traditional craftsmanship and contemporary innovation within the sustainable luxury textile industries. This module builds on foundational knowledge to demonstrate how ethnic artisan communities can evolv...
Year 3 modules
You must study the following modules in year 3:
Enhance and Refine
This module is aligned with your Final Major Project module, where you will be making a collection of specialist sustainable, luxury textiles. This module continues the research, analysis and conceptual idea generation you developed during semester one, y...
Ethical Luxury Practice
Within this module you will explore the key themes of what it is to be an ethical designer and maker of Sustainable Luxury Textiles. Beginning with an examination of what Ethical practice means within the textile industry and luxury marketplace, you will ...
Final Major Project - The Collection
Within this module you will realise your creative ambitions through the independent development of a Final Collection of Sustainable Luxury Textiles. You will undertake projects that are highly relevant to own career aspirations which are either self-init...
Global Issues, Trends & Innovation
This module is designed to equip you with the knowledge and understanding of global contemporary and emerging developments in sustainable, ethical and innovative materials, techniques, processes and practices for the luxury textile sector. This module wil...
Professional Planning (Sustainable Luxury Textiles)
This module aims to equip you with the necessary tools to maximise your success of gaining employment and securing a successful career or enterprise in your specialist discipline or establishing a plan for postgraduate study. Professional Planning focus...
Learning and assessment
The learning activities for this course include the following:
- classes and tutorials
- coursework
- individual and group projects
- independent learning (studying on your own)
Course time
How you'll spend your course time:
Year 1
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 1:
How we'll assess you
- creative projects
- essays
- oral presentations
- portfolios
- self-assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 1:
Year 2
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 2:
How we'll assess you
- creative projects
- essays
- oral presentations
- portfolios
- self-assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 2:
Year 3
Study time
Your scheduled learning, teaching and independent study for year 3:
How we'll assess you
- creative projects
- essays
- oral presentations
- portfolios
- self-assessment
Your assessment breakdown
Year 3:
Academic support
You’ll be supported by a personal academic tutor and have access to a senior tutor.
Course leader
Elaine Igoe is the course leader.
Careers and employability
The employability and enterprise skills you'll gain from this course are reflected in the Southampton skills model. When you join us you'll be able to use our skills model to track, plan, and benefit your career development and progress.
Download skills overview
Work experience opportunities
Choosing to do work experience is a great way to enhance your employability, build valuable networks, and evidence your potential. Learn about the different work and industry experience options at Southampton.
Careers services and support
We are a top 20 UK university for employability (QS Graduate Employability Rankings 2022). Our Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise team will support you. This support includes:
- work experience schemes
- CV and interview skills and workshops
- networking events
- careers fairs attended by top employers
- a wealth of volunteering opportunities
- study abroad and summer school opportunities
We have a vibrant entrepreneurship culture and our dedicated start-up supporter, Futureworlds, is open to every student.
Your career ideas and graduate job opportunities may change while you're at university. So it is important to take time to regularly reflect on your goals, speak to people in industry and seek advice and up-to-date information from Careers, Employability and Student Enterprise professionals at the University.
Fees, costs and funding
Tuition fees
Fees for a year's study:
- UK students pay £9,535.
- EU and international students pay £24,200.
What your fees pay for
Your tuition fees pay for the full cost of tuition and standard exams.
Find out how to:
Accommodation and living costs, such as travel and food, are not included in your tuition fees. There may also be extra costs for retake and professional exams.
Explore:
Bursaries, scholarships and other funding
If you're a UK or EU student and your household income is under £36,200 a year, you may be able to get a University of Southampton bursary to help with your living costs. Find out about bursaries and other funding we offer at Southampton.
If you're a care leaver or estranged from your parents, you may be able to get a specific bursary.
Get in touch for advice about student money matters.
Scholarships and grants
You may be able to get a scholarship or grant to help fund your studies.
We award scholarships and grants for travel, academic excellence, or to students from under-represented backgrounds.
Support during your course
The Student Hub offers support and advice on money to students. You may be able to access our Student Support fund and other sources of financial support during your course.
Funding for EU and international students
Find out about funding you could get as an international student.
How to apply
What happens after you apply?
We will assess your application on the strength of your:
- predicted grades
- academic achievements
- personal statement
- academic reference
Portfolio guidance
What do you want to see in my portfolio?
Your digital portfolio should demonstrate a well-organised, clear developmental flow and individual approach to the creative development of your given projects and self-directed work. It should show evidence of your research methods, experimentation with different materials, media and processes, and communicate a keen interest in contemporary issues and trends.
You should demonstrate and illustrate how you have developed your original ideas from inspiration to finished pieces. Present your portfolio in a landscape presentation format and include digital images, photographs and supporting text to explain your project work, the storytelling and show your digital skills.
Show us a range of methods, techniques and materials to give us an idea of your interests, style, skills and knowledge of the creative arts. Explain with written notes, the inspirations, meanings, messages and technical details of your work and tell us about what your think worked well and what you want to develop further.
How many pieces should I include?
Your portfolio should include at least 3 different projects, from concept to potential end use, over a maximum of 25 slides. Your work should have been produced within the last twelve months, and can show your personal development over this time.
Earlier work can be included if it is particularly relevant to your interests and development.
Information for Mature students
We understand that mature students may not have work that is structured in the same way as A-Level or Foundation students. We are, however, still interested in seeing self-directed work, including sketchbooks, conceptual work and finished pieces.
We also understand that some applicants may have to include work that is over a year old. Work experience and any courses that you may have taken over the last few years will be relevant, but make sure that you include as much recent work as possible in your digital portfolio.
Will I be expected to include textile related work?
We welcome students from a wide range of creative arts and design backgrounds, including material sciences and digital technologies that may be applied to textiles. Just make sure to include work that demonstrates your ability to understand the creative process from an inspirational concept or idea to a final outcome, evidencing investigation, experimentation, organisation and problem-solving. Show some knowledge of sustainability and materials, and an awareness of the issues and trends around textiles.
Top tip
Tailor your portfolio to the course you are applying to. Investigate the Sustainable Luxury (Textiles) programme thoroughly before making your selection for your portfolio. Remember that courses with the same name at different universities can vary greatly.
We'll aim to process your application within 2 to 6 weeks, but this will depend on when it is submitted. Applications submitted in January, particularly near to the UCAS equal consideration deadline, might take substantially longer to be processed due to the high volume received at that time.
Equality and diversity
We treat and select everyone in line with our Equality and Diversity Statement.
Got a question?
Please contact our enquiries team if you're not sure that you have the right experience or qualifications to get onto this course.
Email: enquiries@southampton.ac.uk
Tel: +44(0)23 8059 5000
Related courses
Sustainable Luxury (Textiles) (BA) is a course in the Art, design and fashion subject area. Here are some other courses within this subject area:
