Sustainable Textile Technologies MSc
Welcome to DMU
Sustainable Textile Technologies MSc is part of the School of Fashion and Textiles at DMU. This school is highly acclaimed for its creativity and research outputs, notably for its commitment to sustainability and work towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which are used as a framework for sustainable education throughout our curriculum.
Based in the award-winning Vijay Patel Building all of our fashion and textile courses are brought together providing inspiring, flexible spaces, studios and facilities which invite creativity and innovation.
The Vijay Patel building also is home to DMU’s Textile Engineering and Materials (TEAM) research group headed by professor Jinsong Shen. The MSc Sustainable Textile Technologies course is closely aligned with the multidisciplinary TEAM research group, with members of this group teaching on the course.
TEAM researchers have a wide range of specialist knowledge and expertise, currently focusing on research to develop innovative eco-friendly textile processes, sustainable materials and high performance textiles with multifunctionality. TEAM provide access to a state-of-the-art, industry-standard testing laboratory, which students can use to help support their work.
For more information about TEAM visit: dmu.ac.uk/team
The Vijay Patel Building, De Montfort University
Textile flammability testing
Programme leader welcome
I have a PhD in medical/technical textiles and a background in sustainable product development, garment design and technology, textile testing and knowledge exchange.
I have worked on UK and International projects within sustainable, technical and medical textiles and pharmacy. Supporting textile SMEs in knowledge exchange to innovate, diversify, develop and become more sustainable within fashion and textiles. I am currently working on a police uniform project and product development project focused on sustainable menstrual wear.
I have a specific interest in product performance and quality control (testing and safety), sustainable textile design and production and garment longevity, medical and healthcare textiles including infection control, performance textiles, wearable technologies, sustainability testing and compliance.
Dr. Angela Davies, programme leader for Sustainable Textile Technologies MSc
Contact: amdavies@dmu.ac.uk
Visit: www.dmu.ac.uk/stt
Sustainable Textile Technologies MSc
• Diverse course suitable for those coming from creative or technical backgrounds from designers, buyers or technologists through to those from scientific or business backgrounds
• Brings together design with technical understanding and application
• Combines technology, design, product development, sustainability into a diverse learning environment
• Course developed in consultation with industry
• Bridging the gap between design and technical understanding strengthening your knowledge, skills and employability
• Diverse topics covered and live projects with industry to seek real-world solutions for innovation and sustainability
• Direct links with industry and live briefs collaborating with fashion and textiles
• Tailored to fit your strengths, development needs and career aspirations
• Optional placement year
• Study full-time or part-time
*previous course name, Textile Design, Technology and Innovation MSc
*
Vijay Patel Facilities
• Award winning art and design facilities
• A state-of-the-art facility housing courses from architecture, design and visual Arts
• Studios, workshops and CAD facilities and open access hub spaces
• Open-plan design studios
• Access to multiple specialist workshops such as laser, 3D printing, metal, glass, ceramics
• Sewing workshops with range of specialist machinery
• Textile dyeing, finishing and printing facilities
MSc focused:
• Full range of textile testing equipment and air-conditioned room capable of maintaining the standard atmosphere for testing of colourfastness, physical and mechanical properties of textiles and specialist performance testing
• Other specialist research equipment such as laserscan, UV-Vis
• Access to interdisciplinary facilities such as microbiology, engineering and computing to support research and development
Supporting product development through:
• Fibre analysis
• Material development and construction
• Fashion and garment design and construction
• Product research and development
• Textile dyeing and finishing
• Testing and product analysis
• Sustainability and end-of-life management of textiles
Martindale abrasion resistance machine
“From the industry-relevant skills and real-world experience
I’ve gained to the teaching and support I received from the academics—overall, my experience of studying at DMU has been exceptional. I would100% recommend this course to any prospective student considering applying.”
During her time on the course, Ellie was shortlisted as a top 10 finalist in the 2022 Woolmark Performance Challenge – a problem-solving platform designed to facilitate innovative, environmentally-considerate solutions for the sports and performance market, by harnessing the unique natural properties of Australian Merino wool.
For the 2022 edition, the Woolmark Performance Challenge partnered with Salomon, challenging students to explore apparel next generation head-totoe running kits for long-distance mountain runners.
The competition had more than 1,200 entries from 191 universities in 25 countries, and Ellie was one of just two UK finalists.
Ellie Jones
Textile Design, Technology and Innovation MSc graduate
(Now Sustainable Textile Technologies MSc)
Ellie is a Textile Design, Technology and Innovation MSc graduate, who is passionate about engineering long-lasting and purpose-built products for the performance sportswear and outdoor apparel markets. She is eager to champion responsible production and deliver bold, game-changing innovations by pursuing a career in materials or product development.
Following a successful Bachelor of Arts Degree in Contour Fashion, Ellie made the decision to continue her studies at DMU as she was keen to develop her knowledge surrounding performance fabrics and textile processes before entering the industry.
During her Master’s Degree, Ellie developed a deep enthusiasm for smart clothing and in her final dissertation study she set out to explore how the performance and environmental footprint of next-generation smart clothing could be improved using the natural electrical conductivity of Geobacter—a species of bacteria that biologically produce protein nanowires capable of conducting electricity in the same way that metal does.
“As a overseas student, it was a great experience to have done the Masters, thanks to the technical and the human quality of all the teachers. At the same time, the laboratories are state-of-the-art, which allowed me to carry out a series of practical tasks that contributed significantly to the results of my research.”
Arturo Vial
Textile Design, Technology and Innovation MSc, graduate (Now Sustainable Textile Technologies MSc)
Arturo is a Chilean industrial designer with 20 years of experience working on product design and sustainability projects. He has worked previously with global brands such as Puma, Michelin, HP, Lexus and FIFA.
Four years ago, he created the brand "Botela" (in Spanish it is a mixture of the words bottle and fabric) with the conviction of being able to contribute to improving the textile industry through more sustainable production. The brand makes bags and backpacks with fabrics made from recycled plastic bottles.
The incessant search for new textile solutions led to Arturo deciding to take a Master's degree in Textile Design, Technology and Innovation. He hoped that the course would deepen and improve his knowledge of the textile industry.
In his final dissertation, Arturo decided to investigate whether through fungal mycelium it was possible to degrade obsolete textile fibres to be able to recycle and naturally degrade textiles.
Dana Vidal
Textile Design, Technology and Innovation MSc, graduate (Now Sustainable Textile Technologies MSc)
Dana took a placement year option during her studies on the Textile Design, Technology and Innovation MSc. During her year-long internship researching lifesaving materials, Dana commented on her experience saying that she was having “the time of her life”. Dana secured a placement with Baltex in Nottingham. Baltex is one of the leading suppliers of high-performance technical textiles to the police, armed forces and military industries. The company’s R&D section is constantly updating and developing the materials to increase performance, comfort, breathability and safety.
Dana, was able to use skills and techniques learned on the course during her internship. She said: “I’ve been testing, inspecting and also reviewing data about the risks, then we can predict how it’s going to behave in the field. The materials have to be breathable but also strong because it has to protect people. This company’s materials could literally save their lives. It’s so exciting to be working in the field and to see the applications of what we study on the course. It has been an incredible experience. Finding this course has really allowed me to combine my passions and interests.”
Before joining the Master’s at DMU, Dana had worked in engineering and fashion, joining the course from a role as a textile consultant.
After completing her placement year, Dana went on to analyse the performance of plastic-free knitted fabrics for activewear in her final dissertation. Her research demonstrated the possibility of partially replacing elastane in activewear fabrics, through the use of the novel fibre Sorona®.
Dana Vidal said she had “the time of her life” on her year-long internship researching lifesaving materials.
Biodegradation - end-of-life management of textiles
Contact
For further information about Sustainable Textile Technologies MSc and for details on how to apply, visit: dmu.ac.uk/stt
For enquiries or to arrange an informal chat with the programme leader, contact: Dr Angela Davies on amdavies@dmu.ac.uk
