Study a Textiles Foundation course with OCA
There are many ways to look at textiles: a universal language; a history of mankind and history in the making; a necessity and a luxury; an individual concern and a global industry; something that is ever evolving.
This Open Foundation course will help you develop your visual skills and explore different ways of using materials and tools to develop your own textile ideas.
Once you have been introduced to the nature and context of textiles, you will go on to build up mark-making techniques, explore collage as a means of creative observational drawing for textile-based work, discover the properties of materials and expand your visual vocabulary through drawing, collage and manipulation techniques.
On completion of the five parts of the Open course you should have gained sufficient skills and enough confidence to go on to further study with the Open College of the Arts, and be able to decide on the nature and direction of your future studies and art practice.
Apply NowCourse Aims
The course aims to:
- Introduce you to new ways of developing visual work appropriate for textiles.
- Use a range of media, techniques and approaches in your work.
- Encourage you to experiment and develop your own visual vocabulary.
- See your work in a broader context of contemporary practice.
Course Outcomes
Through the course, you will:
- Acquire new ways of working creatively.
- Develop your observational skills.
- Explore some manipulation techniques.
- Learn more about material properties.
- Gain an understanding of the creative design process.
- Extend your awareness of contemporary textile artists and designers.
- Develop textiles based on your visual vocabulary.
- Gain greater confidence in your potential for textile-related work.
Priscilla Edwards - Unit Leader for Foundations in Textiles
“My inspiration comes from a variety of sources exploring the concept of identity, memory and nostalgia.
I live close to the sea in Lancashire and adore the colours and reflective light that can only be found in a coastal town.
I have work in both public and private collections and I continuously exhibit my work nationally and internationally. My design portfolio includes designing for greeting cards, fashion/interior fabrics and wallpaper…”
Foundations
£1025
Per course
Level 1 (HE4)
£4,950
For the level
Level 2 (HE5)
£4,950
For the level
Level 3 (HE6)
£4,950
For the level
Breakdown of costs...
Level 1 (HE4) |
£1,650 Per course unit (4o credits) |
All of the OCA’s Level 1 (HE4) course units are worth 40 credits each. If you’re studying towards an Open degree, you’ll need three Level 1 (HE4) course units to gain the necessary 120 credits to move on to Level 2 (HE5). Deposit is £495 followed by 6 monthly instalments of £192.50. |
Level 2 (HE5) |
£2,475 Per course unit (6o credits) |
Some of the OCA’s Level 2 (HE5) course units are worth 60 credits each. If you’re studying towards an Open degree, you’ll need two Level 2 (HE5) course units to gain the necessarry 120 credits to move on to Level 3 (HE6). Deposit is £550 followed by 10 monthly instalments of £192.50. |
Level 3 (HE6) |
£4,950 For the level |
OCA’s Level 3 (HE6) course units hold differing amounts of credits depending upon the given Open degree pathway. |
Foundations
£1,175
Per course
Level 1 (HE4)
£5,670
For the level
Level 2 (HE5)
£5,670
For the level
Level 3 (HE6)
£5,670
For the level
Breakdown of costs...
Level 1 (HE4) |
1,890 Per course unit (40 credits) |
All of the OCA’s Level 1 (HE4) course units are worth 40 credits each. If you’re studying towards a degree, you’ll need three Level 1 (HE4) course units to gain the necessary 120 credits to move on to Level 2 (HE5). Deposit is £567.50 followed by 6 monthly instalments of £220.50. |
Level 2 (HE5) |
£2,835 Per course unit (60 credits) |
Some of the OCA’s Level 2 (HE5) course units are worth 60 credits each. If you’re studying towards a degree, you’ll need two Level 2 (HE5) course units to gain the necessary 120 credits to move on to Level 3 (HE6). Deposit is £630 followed by 10 monthly instalments of £220.50.
|
Level 3 (HE6) |
£5,670 For the level |
OCA’s Level 3 (HE6) course units hold differing amounts of credits depending upon the given degree pathway, and therefore are varied in cost. For individual pricing, please see the individual course unit pages on this website. |
Fees, funding and other costs
Foundation courses are ineligible for Student Finance funding, but we have deposit and instalment options available to help spread the costs.Â
There are also bursaries available for students on low incomes. See our fees and funding page for more info.
Other costs you may find on your degree include purchasing materials/books/texts to assist in your practice and research. These can be around £500–700 for a foundation course.
Fees, funding and other costsDrawing for Textile Art, Design and Fashion
Not sure if this is the course for you? Try a broader textiles and contemporary drawing practice course.
Learn more