Textile studies and textile design examine the properties and manufacture of fibers, yarns, fabrics, dyes, and finishes, whether natural or synthetic. The field connects the properties of these materials with the need for functional and fashionable apparel and other textile products. Depending on the program, students may study design, technology, materials science, and the historical and social contexts of textiles.
Textile studies and design programs have a wide range of applications and offer several possible areas of specialization. Universities around the world approach the field from different perspectives, including textile engineering, materials science, fashion, surface design, sustainability, and textile technology.
Today, we discuss a selection of notable textile schools and textile-related programs worldwide.
Top Textile Schools in the World
1. North Carolina State University
North Carolina State University was founded in 1887 as the North Carolina College of Agriculture and Mechanic Arts. It is a land-grant institution and the largest university in North Carolina.
NC State’s Wilson College of Textiles describes itself as the only college in North America dedicated to textiles. The college offers five bachelor’s degree programs, four master’s degree programs, and two doctoral programs.
The Wilson College of Textiles combines textiles education, research, innovation, and service. Its programs prepare students for careers in the global textile industry and related fields.
2. University of Manchester
The University of Manchester was formed in 2004 through the merger of the Victoria University of Manchester and the University of Manchester Institute of Science and Technology, commonly known as UMIST. The university builds on the histories of both predecessor institutions.
The Department of Materials was also formed following the 2004 merger through the combination of the Corrosion and Protection Centre, the Manchester Materials Science Centre, and the Department of Textiles and Paper.
The department’s textiles and apparel researchers develop advanced textile materials, technologies, and products for applications that include biomedical devices, protective equipment, sportswear, composites, smart textiles, and digital apparel. The university offers textile-related study opportunities at the undergraduate, master’s, and doctoral levels.
3. University of Leeds
The University of Leeds was founded in 1904, but its origins date to the Leeds School of Medicine, founded in 1831, and the Yorkshire College of Science, founded in 1874. The Leeds School of Medicine joined the Yorkshire College in 1884. The Yorkshire College then joined colleges in Manchester and Liverpool to form the federal Victoria University in 1887 before becoming the independent University of Leeds in 1904.
The School of Design is part of the Faculty of Arts, Humanities and Cultures. It offers undergraduate degrees in fashion, design, and technology, as well as master’s study in areas including fashion and textiles. The school also offers research degrees, with areas of supervision that include Textile and Fashion Design and Textiles Technology.
The School of Design brings together creativity, innovation, design thinking, and advanced technologies to explore new ideas and develop practical solutions.
4. University of Greater Manchester
University of Greater Manchester traces its roots to the Bolton Mechanics’ Institute, founded in 1825, and achieved university status in 2005.
The Bolton School of the Arts supports fashion, textiles, and surface design with specialist facilities that include digital embroidery, digital printing, nonwoven textiles, garment manufacturing, feltmaking, printed and dyed textiles, and computer-aided design.
Current study options include the BA (Hons) Commercial Surface Design for Fashion, Interiors, and Textiles. Students seeking postgraduate study may also consider the MA (Specialist Title) via Creative Practice, which can focus on Textiles and Surface Design.
5. Dresden University of Technology
TU Dresden was founded in 1828 as the Technische Bildungsanstalt, or Technical Institute, in Dresden. It achieved university status in 1961 and underwent rapid development after German reunification in 1990, when previously independent institutions were integrated and new faculties were established.
TU Dresden’s Institute of Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology offers a four-semester Master of Science program in Textile Machinery and High Performance Material Technology. The program was previously known as Textile and Clothing Technology. It provides an interdisciplinary education for students who already hold an appropriate first degree, such as a degree in mechanical engineering, textile engineering, textile technology, textile chemistry, or a related field.
6. De Montfort University
De Montfort University was founded as the Leicester School of Art in 1870. After operating under several names, including Leicester Polytechnic, it officially became De Montfort University on June 26, 1992. The name commemorates Simon de Montfort, Earl of Leicester.
Current textile-related options include the Textile Design BA (Hons), Fashion Textile Design BA (Hons), and Sustainable Textile Technologies MSc. The university also offers a Design Research MPhil/Ph.D. that includes the work of its Textile Engineering and Materials research group.
The Textile Engineering and Materials research group conducts multidisciplinary research in areas such as textile products and processing, sustainable technologies, natural fibers, material performance, high-performance textiles, smart wearables, and protective clothing.
We hope this article on textile schools around the world was helpful. Feel free to check out the Available Programs for International Students and learn more about studying abroad.
