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Year 1
In the first year, you'll be introduced to the University and the technical workshops and facilities available to you. On the course you’ll learn the technical and conceptual skills that will give you a solid foundation from which to explore your areas of specialist activity.
Research and Experimentation 1
Provides you with the underpinning research, visual and design skills necessary to inspire, inform and extend your hand embroidery practice.Introduction to RSN Technical Stitch
Introduces you to the practice of hand embroidery, exploring a syllabus of formal stitch structures. These include canvas work, blackwork, crewelwork, silk shading and foundation goldwork.
There is a studio fee to ensure everyone has access to the same high quality materials for the Technical Stitch units. This is approximately £130 for first year students and approximately £60 for second year students.Textiles in Context 1
Contextual frameworks for textiles within fashion, interiors and textile arts will be introduced in order to locate your practice within the wider cultural field. You'll also be introduced to some key resources for your understanding of the critical and contextual aspects of textiles, including London and UCA museums and archives.Application for Fashion, Interiors, Textile Art
Introduces you to methods of structuring a 500 word personal research proposal in response to a set project brief. You'll be expected to utilise your knowledge of hand embroidery processes in relation to the disciplines of fashion, interiors or textile art. -
Year 2
During this year you'll have the opportunity to begin to specialise in one of three areas: fashion, interiors or textile art in, for example, your application of stitch technique, research, experimentation and for your work placement. You'll also be expected to work at a more advanced level. Specific projects may change from year to year so these will be given in the course handbook, rather than detailed specifics in the unit descriptors.
Research and Experimentation 2
Builds from the knowledge and experience you've gained. This unit enables you to develop and further your knowledge of visual research methodologies, design development processes and experimental approaches to stitch which will inform your evolving practice of hand embroidery and direct your work towards a defined outcome.RSN Technical Stitch for Fashion, Interiors, Textile Art
Provides you with an advanced level of practical skills in hand embroidery. You'll explore a syllabus of stitch structures including whitework, raised work and advanced goldwork.
There is a studio fee to ensure everyone has access to the same high quality materials for the Technical Stitch units. This is approximately £130 for first year students and approximately £60 for second year students.Textiles in Context 2
Encourages you to position your own practice in fashion, interiors and textile art by recourse to a variety of theories, contextual frameworks and critical evaluations. It introduces a variety of research methods to facilitate independent study towards coherent, self-reflective argument in written form.Live Project
Provides you with the opportunity to develop a personal response to one or more 'live' or simulated project(s) to advance your knowledge of hand embroidery practice within the areas of fashion, interiors or textile art. -
Year 3
At this level, all your work will be expected to synthesise your prior learning and be focused on your area of particular interest: fashion, interiors or textile art, including your dissertation topic, your research and experimentation and your major project, as part of your preparation for your future career.
Research and Experimentation 3
You'll begin this unit by preparing and presenting an illustrated PowerPoint proposal of 500 words with supporting bibliography/literature review. This will be presented to staff and peers and will communicate the key elements of your conceptual, practical, technical, aesthetic and theoretical intentions for the unit.Combined Dissertation or Critical Reflection
A substantial period of sustained, individually negotiated research on a subject that's likely to be related to the contextual and/or theoretical concerns of your discipline or chosen area of practice, towards the provision of structured written argument.Major Project for Fashion, Interiors, Textile Art
Your major project should be original, ambitious, and challenging, using concepts and techniques which are at the forefront of your discipline. The final outcome/collection/portfolio/artefact will be located within one of the following areas: fashion, interiors, textile art or a related area. You will conclude the unit by presenting a resolved and professionally presented outcome/collection/portfolio/artefact. -
Fees
Find out all about the fees for studying with us, as well as the grants, loans and other financial support you may be entitled to:
Additional costs:
For students studying at the Royal School of Needlework, there is a studio fee to make sure everyone has access to the same high-quality materials for the Technical Stitch units. This will be approximately £180 for first year students and approximately £225 for second year students. For more information about additional costs please see: additional costs for students
Renowned for the creative expertise of its students and graduates, the Royal School of Needlework degree students have been selected to work on a number of high-profile commissions.
Our recent connections have included:
- Sarah Burton for Alexander McQueen: hand embroidery for the wedding dress of HRH The Duchess of Cambridge
- Red Carpet Green Dress: hand embroidery for the Oscar dress worn by actress Naomie Harris
- Nicholas Oakwell Couture for the GREAT Britain campaign, an ostrich feather embellished couture gown modelled by Erin O’Connor and worn by Cheryl Versini-Fernandez at the UK X-Factor Live finals
- Hussein Chalayan for Paris Fashion Week
- Patrick Grant and E.Tautz for London Collections Men
- Giles Deacon for London Fashion Week
- Jasper Conran for London Fashion Week
- Liberty Art Fabrics Interiors and the V&A Museum of Childhood’s ‘Small Stories: At Home in a Doll’s House’
- Marks & Spencer and Oxfam ‘Love Mum – Shwop’ campaign.