School of Textiles and Design
About our school
Strong heritage
With a rich heritage spanning over 140 years, the Design School at Heriot-Watt University has been a pioneer in design innovation, seamlessly blending traditional techniques with state-of-the-art materials. Our mission is to become the premier hub for sustainable design innovation and inclusive education, sparking curiosity and creativity among forward-thinking individuals and communities.
Built with industry
Our design programmes are geared towards industry relevance, addressing the evolving needs of society and environmental sustainability. Aligned with Dubai’s commitment to sustainable development and economic progress, our curriculum incorporates hands-on learning experiences such as case studies, laboratories, and workshops. We offer three specialized undergraduate courses including Communication Design, Fashion Branding and Promotion, and Interior Architecture and Design, which focus on building an extensive, practical and theoretical knowledge and developing the students’ essential skills to further thrive in the design industry. Our postgraduate programmes include Interior Architecture and Design and Design Management, that are aimed to facilitate career change within the students’ journeys, upskill in an existing career and consolidate existing skills and subject knowledge.
Hands-on learning environment
With their quality teaching expertise and industry connections, our expert faculty brings top-notch teaching and industry insights into the classroom, creating a rich learning environment. With regular guest lectures and workshops from industry experts, internships and live projects, our students gain real-world exposure and experience. Students are encouraged to collaborate in teams and engage individually to develop and deliver a comprehensive design solution that meets industry standards. We also prioritise field trips, both local and international, along with seminars and masterclasses from experts. This comprehensive approach ensures our students not only learn but also embody the confidence to express their unique design perspectives.
Access to modern facilities
Students at the School of Textiles and Design have access to cutting-edge facilities that enables them to unleash their creative potential, nurture their passion and foster innovation.
- Innovation lab (makers space with 3D printer and laser cutter)
- Photography Studio (with DSLR's, iPads, and gimbals)
- Computer Lab (with 31 pc units)
- State-of-art studios with 80 hi-res laptops
- Collaborative spaces
- Exhibition space with AR and VR facility
- Adobe Suite license provided to each student
Undergraduate programmes
Our School of Textiles and Design undergraduate programmes have been designed to give students the necessary skills and technical understanding to help them excel in careers.
Postgraduate programmes
View our unique range of postgraduate programmes we have on offer.
Meet our students
Find out what some of our current students have to say about student life at Heriot-Watt University's Dubai Campus
Head of School
See moreAt Heriot-Watt University, the design school education empowers you to shape the future through innovation. Design for experience, policy, services, and systems are part of traditional branding, communication, product, interior architecture, and management areas. Our design studio learning practices cultivate critical, collaborative, and creative thinking, equipping you with the skills to thrive in a rapidly changing world.
