MS/MSc in Global Textile Design

College

  • East Falls Campus
  • Kanbar College of Design, Engineering & Commerce

Heriot-Watt University (UK) Scottish Borders Campus

Degree Earned

  • Master of Science

Program Type

  • On Campus

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Contact Information

Name: Marcia Weiss
Position: Co-Director
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Name: Marnie Collins
Position: Co-Director
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This world-leading MS/MSc joint degree program is presented by two of the world’s oldest and most esteemed textile institutions: Thomas Jefferson University (USA) and Heriot-Watt University (UK).

Video: Take a Closer Look at Our Program

Hear firsthand from our students and faculty about what it’s like to study Textile Design at Thomas Jefferson University and Heriot-Watt University in Scotland.

In the textile, fashion, interiors and related fields, there is established interest and importance placed on design sustainability, artisanal heritage and entrepreneurship. The think global/live local movement emphasizes a return to artisanal roots through ethical sourcing and reconnecting with handwork interfaced with technology. Maker spaces proliferate where artisanal skills are celebrated, and resources are shared. This program provides context for designing in a global market where people want to understand the heritage of their products and purchases.  

Through this innovative program, with semesters in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania USA and Galashiels, Scotland UK, students will be immersed in the global textile design market, enabling them to develop both their technical and artisanal skills for foremost industry or entrepreneurial ventures. Students will have unprecedented access to extend and expand their professional networks through involvement with global trade fairs, access to famed archives and placement into premiere textile design industry internships.

Through successful completion of the program, students will:

  • Develop an understanding of international perspectives and issues relating to design, global textiles and artisanal heritage.
  • Appreciate the diversity of expertise, skill, trends and archival inspiration in the global textile field.
  • Develop technical and creative skills for prototyping and visualizing textile design ideas.
  • Critically evaluate a range of techniques and processes within a selected field and progress ideas in response.
  • Understand the relationship between design product and market segmentation.
  • Synthesize contextual issues with research and processes to develop an individual direction.
  • Apply visual research and technical skills to create a final textile body of work.

Entry Qualifications

Relevant subjects refer to graduates with a textile design, fashion, interior design, graphic design or fine art undergraduate degree or related qualification. This could be from a Bachelor of Fine Arts, Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science Degree. Also, graduates with work or project experience in a design related professional practice will be considered.

The submission of a portfolio is required to accompany the application as part of a rigorous selection process.  

Our MS/MSc in Global Textile Design Program Now STEM Eligible

STEM eligibility allows international students on an F-1 student status to apply for an additional two years of work authorization after an initial 12-month period of Post-completion Optional Practical Training (OPT) in the United States if they meet the required criteria.

For more information about OPT and F-1 student status, please visit Jefferson Office of International Affairs website.

Thomas Jefferson University is fully accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education. It is important to note that Heriot-Watt University’s affiliation with Thomas Jefferson University does not extend Jefferson’s accreditation status to Heriot-Watt University. 

Program Highlights

  • Earn an MS/MSc in a joint program delivered by Thomas Jefferson University (USA) and Heriot-Watt University (UK) 
  • Attend global trade fairs in international design capitals to extend and expand your professional network
  • Explore career opportunities through a credited internship with premiere textile industry leaders
  • Access famed textile archives as a point of conceptualization and ideation
  • Unprecedented access to world-class textile design facilities and maker spaces
  •  Join a diverse, international design community