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Fashion and Textiles A Level

The Fashion and Textiles A Level course at Queen Mary’s College will allow you to design and make fabrics for fashion and interiors where you will learn an array of techniques such as weaving, knitting, printing and more. Students are introduced to a wide range of processes in order to develop knowledge and understanding of designing fabrics. Students will additionally be introduced to using Photoshop to aid the development of digital print designs and fashion illustration.

Queen Mary’s College have access to a wealth of industry standard equipment and resources and benefit from excellent relationships with universities, artists and designers who support our students progressing into successful careers within the arts.

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Textiles cloth

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Designing Fabrics

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Pillow Textiles Pieces

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Heat From Our Students

Where can this course take me?

We have students who are now architects, costume designers, photographers, designers, book illustrators, interior designers, graphic designers, fashion assistants, teachers and practicing artists.

Students have gone on to study degrees at institutions including Central St Martins, Royal College of Art, London College of Fashion, Royal School of Needlework, UCA (Farnham, Epsom), UAL (Kingston, Camberwell), Manchester Metropolitan, Bournemouth, Falmouth, Brighton, Winchester and UWE (Bristol).

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ENRICHMENT OPPORTUNITIES

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Practicing Artists

You will be given the opportunity to go on trips to galleries and locations to enhance your experience by looking at the work of others and engaging in practical activities away from the classroom. We believe that these experiences are vital to your development as an artist and would urge you to take these opportunities whenever you can.

One of the key experiences we offer is our annual trip to Venice at the start of the second year. The students who come with us get an amazing experience and come back having developed their practice and understanding and with a body of work which really pushes them forward as photographers and artists. As well as the work you produce for your A level, you will be given opportunities to enter local and national competitions and engage in projects outside of your normal studies. We regularly have talks from universities, artists and companies to give you a broader understanding of future options and if you decide to pursue Art past A level, we will work with you to put together your portfolio and prepare for interviews.

We also offer a wide range of enrichments within the art department, to help develop your skills and give you a broader experience which will benefit your future ambitions, such as:

Art – Unwind your mind art enrichment
Embroidery Class
Fashion Production
Professional Practice- Art Curation and Exhibitions
Sculpture

View more enrichment opportunities here.

Fun facts

Art used to be an Olympic Event between 1912 and 1948.
The Mona Lisa has her own mailbox in Le Louvre for all the love letters she receives.
In 2016, Anish Kapoor bought the exclusive rights to Vantablack (the ‘blackest’ black) to use as an art material.

A Snippet into the life of a Fashion and Textile Student

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need prior experience in Textiles to take this course?

While prior experience in Textiles or Art at GCSE is helpful, it’s not always essential. A strong interest in design, creativity, and hands-on projects will help you succeed in the course.

What topics will I study in the course?

In the first year, you’ll explore techniques like surface pattern design, constructed textiles, and digital tools such as Photoshop and Illustrator. In the second year, you’ll work independently on a personal investigation, mastering advanced skills like screen printing, heat press, weaving, and knitting to create professional-level work.

How is the course assessed?

The Textiles A Level is assessed through:

Component 1: Personal Investigation (60%) – A portfolio of work showcasing your skills and creativity, along with a written element that explores your chosen theme.
Component 2: Externally Set Assignment (40%) – A project based on a theme set by the exam board, including a practical final piece completed under timed conditions.

What materials and equipment will I need?

You may need basic sewing tools, fabrics, sketchbooks, and access to design software like Adobe Illustrator.

What career opportunities can Textiles A Level lead to?

This course is a pathway to careers in fashion design, textile design, interior design, costume design, and other creative industries. It also prepares you for higher education courses in Fashion, Textiles, or Art and Design.

Can I combine Textiles A Level with other subjects?

Absolutely! Textiles pairs well with subjects like Art & Design, Photography, Business Studies (for those interested in fashion entrepreneurship), or English (for fashion journalism).

Is there a lot of written work involved?

While the course is predominantly practical, you’ll be required to complete a written personal investigation as part of your coursework. This involves research, analysis, and evaluation of your creative process and chosen theme.

Do I need to create a portfolio for this course?

Yes, your portfolio will be a key part of your assessment, showcasing your creative journey and final outcomes. It will include sketches, samples, experiments, and written reflections on your work.

Will there be any trips?

Yes, you will have the opportunity to go on trips to galleries and other locations to enrich your learning experience. A highlight of the course is our annual trip to Venice, which takes place at the start of the second year.

Any Questions?

Our Head of Department, Tom Cops will be happy to help.

Email here

News

14/03/25

Former QMC Student Awarded The Prestigious Young Scientist Award

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