The aim of the program is to immerse students into the global textile design market, enabling them to develop both their technical and artisanal skills for industry leading or entrepreneurial ventures. The focus of the program is to enhance students’ understanding of global textiles issues around sustainability, provenance, heritage and ethical practices to prepare them for future-facing careers. Practice-based studio courses will be individually directed to support students in development of their Masters Design Project.  

This 18-month program includes semesters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and Galashiels, Scotland, with courses totaling 35 TJU/210 HWU credits. The curriculum plan is as follows:

Semester 1 - Fall

(Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA)

• Textile Design Management (3 TJU credits/15 HWU credits)
• Global Textile Heritage (3 TJU credits/15 HWU credits)
• Textile Design Ideation (3 TJU credits/30 HWU credits)

Semester 2 - Spring

(First 7 weeks at Thomas Jefferson University, Philadelphia, PA)

• Research Methodology (3 TJU credits/15 HWU credits)
• Global Textile Artisanship (3 TJU credits/15 HWU credits)

Semester 2 - Spring

(Second 7 weeks at Heriot-Watt University, Galashiels, Scotland)

• Textile Design & Production (5 TJU credits/30 HWU credits)—pathway options in Print, Weave or Knit

Semester 3 - Summer

(Locations variable)

• Textile Industry Internship (5 TJU credits/30 HWU credits)—in various, pre-approved locations

Semester 4 - Fall

(Heriot-Watt University, Galashiels, Scotland)

• Masters Design Project (10 TJU credits/60 HWU credits)