The Scool of Art & Design at Nottingham Trent University (NTU) is introducing a new MA/MSc Technology Integrated Knit Design course. The technology-driven postgraduate course aims to combine creative design with an in-depth understanding of new textile materials, Smart products and technological skills.

"Textile manufacturers are offering global products with increasingly complex manufacturing processes and design components. This course will allow you to gain the insight and expertise to develop both your creativity and technological competence," says the NTU course prospectus.

The course is said to be particularly suitable for people with existing traditional skills, such as flat-bed knitting and design development, who are interested in the rapidly developing area of technical textile development.

"You will benefit from the School of Art & Design's decades of expertise in the areas of knitwear design and knitted textiles. This includes significant links with major industry producers in the technical textiles industry, world-leading flat-bed knitting machine manufacturers, yarn manufacturers, suppliers and design companies," the prospectus says.

Course focus

The course emphasises:

• The practical application of technical and design knowledge within a modern industrial context
• The changing global context for the application of knitted structures across a range of industrial sectors
• The development of both traditional and newly-developed fibre materials
• The 3D construction processes used in computerised flat-bed knitting technology for design and manufacture.

Key features

• Input from professionals from across the textile industry
• Opportunities for work experience
• State-of-the-art knit technology including Shima and Stoll
• Study visits to international locations, yarn / trend shows and knitting machine manufacturers
• Business innovation support through access to The Hive, the University's enterprise development centre
• Opportunities for collaboration across the multi-disciplinary postgraduate community

Course structure

During the first 30 weeks of the students will develop the knowledge and skills to become proficient within the field of technology integrated knit design. A structured teaching schedule, including opportunities for industry-linked projects, will help them to develop an individual learning agreement. This will decide their final route of either MA or MSc.

The MA route will include a project following qualitative research methodology to create a knitted product with a design application.

The MSc route will include a project adopting quantitative research methodology. The focus will be in medical textiles, smart textiles and e-textiles and will culminate in a written dissertation.

Download the MA / MSc Technology Integrated Knit Design prospectus for further details and entry requirements