Design

You can get into this job through:

• a university course
• a college course
• an apprenticeship
• working towards this role

University

You could take a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in textile design. Other useful subjects include:

• fashion and textiles
• art and design
• textiles and surface design

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• a foundation diploma in art and design
• 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
• 2 to 3 A levels, or equivalent, for a degree

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• student finance for fees and living costs
• university courses and entry requirements

College

You may be able to get into this career by studying for a college qualification like the Level 3 Diploma in Textile Design and Manufacture.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, for a level 3 course

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• funding advice
• search for courses

Apprenticeship

If you are interested in working with specialist technical textiles for industries like healthcare, manufacturing and construction, you could do a technical textile specialist higher apprenticeship.

Entry requirements

You'll usually need:

• 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship

For more information

• equivalent entry requirements
• guide to apprenticeships
• higher and degree apprenticeships

Work

You could start work as a textile operative or design assistant, get relevant work experience and qualifications, and then move into textile design.

More information

Career tips

You'll need to present a design portfolio when you're looking for work. You can also use your portfolio to make job applications to companies whose products match your style.

Professional and industry bodies

You could join The Textile Institute and The Textile Society for professional development training.

Further information

You can find out more about careers and training in textile design through the Crafts Council.

You can explore creative careers through Discover Creative Careers.

View all vacancies in this region

With experience, you could progress to a senior design position or work as a textiles production manager.

You could also move into part-time teaching, university research or set up your own business.