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).
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.