Foundation Degree in Hand Embroidery
In September 2009 the Royal School of Needlework launched the only Foundation Degree in Hand Embroidery in the UK.
The Foundation Degree is a full-time two-year course held at Hampton Court Palace. The curriculum covers three areas:-
- acquiring the techniques of hand embroidery to the RSN standard
- contextual studies on the use and history of the techniques
- art and design techniques to support your professional development as a textile practitioner
Being a Foundation Degree, many of the projects within the course are linked to work-based learning and there will be opportunity in the second year to pursue work placement in the RSN Studio as well as with other companies.
Techniques likely to be covered include crewelwork, blackwork, whitework, silk shading, raised work, goldwork, appliqué and canvaswork. The course will end with a final project developed by each student individually in negotiation with their tutor.
Open Days for 2010
Monday 1 November: 11.00am & 2.30pm
Saturday 13 November: 11.00am & 2.30pm
Friday 10 December: 11.00am & 2.30pm
For more details and to confirm your place contact james.hunting@royal-needlework.org.uk
What's available after the Foundation Degree?
Students will be able to continue their studies taking a one year honours degree top up through UCA Farnham in BA (Hons) Textiles for Fashion and Interiors. This will offer students the opportunity to explore stitch in a wider context. For more information about this course please visit http://www.ucreative.ac.uk/index.cfm?articleid=19149//
Alternatively, by 2011 the RSN will launch a one-year honours top up degree programme in hand embroidery.
Course Costs
The 2009/2010 costs are available on the UCAS website at www.ucas.ac.uk
Other charges
In addition, students will need to budget for costs of materials and visits to museums and galleries.
Requirements for interview
When you attend for interview we will expect you to bring a portfolio that contains proof of the following:
- drawings
- design development
- an interest in textile work which may include some hand embroidery
- sketchbooks showing personality and areas of interest
A finished piece of work, and or samples would be helpful
Maximum is ten drawings/pieces of work and two sketchbooks
The portfolio is important to us to show us your working methods, attention to detail, and presentation skills. However, equal weight will be given to your interview where we will talk about your particular interest in embroidery and the reasons you want to study our course.
You will be interviewed on your own and we will be looking for your interest and enthusiasm for embroidery and the course. We will also look for your potential, not just what you have achieved so far. We will be looking for a flexible and enquiring approach - all interviews will take place at Hampton Court Palace.
International applicants will be asked to supply images from their portfolio, work and sketchbooks on disc in advance of the interview which will be held by telephone.
FAQs
- How much does it cost to do the RSN Foundation Degree in Hand Embroidery? Current fees can be found on www.ucreative.ac.uk
- Where can I find information about funding? www.ucreative.ac.uk www.direct.gov.uk/studentfinance
- What are the entry requirements? Four GCSE passes at grade C or above, including GCSE English or Key Skills Communication at level 2 or equivalent plus one of the following:-
a minimum of 80 UCAS tariff points from qualifications larger than 6 units;
BTEC National Diploma (16 units in an appropriate subject); Accredited Access Diploma in an appropriate subject; Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art and Design; for students undertaking International Baccalaureate, a minimum of 14 points (equivalent to 280 UCAS tariff points) will be required; other relevant and international qualifications will be considered.
For mature students previous professional or personal experience of an equivalent nature may be accepted in lieu of some, or all of the formal academic requirements. - How do I apply for the course? Applications must be made through the UCAS system - www.ucas.com
- Can I apply for the course if I live overseas? Yes, for further details of overseas applications and fees please visit www.ucreative.ac.uk and follow the international links
- What if I have missed the UCAS deadlines? Not a problem, contact james.hunting@royal-needlework.org.uk for more details
- Does the RSN offer assistance in finding accommodation? Students are eligible to apply for student accommodation at the UCA halls in Epsom, although they are not guaranteed a place. The RSN can provide local letting agency lists, although the RSN takes no responsibility for this information or the accommodation.
- Can I study the course part time or through distance learning? At present the RSN Foundation Degree is only available full-time, as the course develops we will post further information on our website.
- How many students will there be? The maximum intake for the first year is 24 students.
- What will be the average age of students? There will not be an average age, students will be selected on their merit, ability and potential only.
- How many students will be in a class? The year group will not be split into classes, but there will be tutor groups for specific occasions, and a variety of teaching methods will be used.
- How does the degree differ from the Certificated Course? There is an integrated academic and design content through out the degree. The qualification is recognised by educational authorities opening up potential further learning opportunities and directions. Students applying for the course are eligible for funding and/or student loans.
- Will there be the option of taking a third year, and what will be involved? There will be a third year, subject to validation, that will confer a BA Honours Degree on the students. Students taking up a third year will have a series of self directed projects, aimed at further developing a personal visual identity, investigating techniques of particular interest. There will be continued professional development and opportunities to undertake work placement.
If you have any further questions about the course, please email james.hunting@royal-needlework.org.uk
