Module manager: Lindsey Waterton Taylor
Email: L.W.Taylor@leeds.ac.uk
Taught: Semesters 1 & 2 (Sep to Jun) View Timetable
Year running 2026/27
TEXT1355 DESN1248
This module is not approved as a discovery module
This module examines how sustainability pressures are reshaping the fashion system, introducing core theories and stakeholder perspectives that influence sustainable practice. It also provides a foundation in the key technologies, terminology and global supply chains behind textile technologies, covering the full process from fibres to finished apparel. Through lectures, seminars and laboratory demonstrations, students will explore current industry trends and the challenges involved in developing a sustainable and circular textile and fashion system.
To introduce key concepts of sustainability as they apply to the global fashion and textile manufacturing system(s). Providing a cohesive understanding of the manufacturing chain, processes and technologies towards the identification of key innovation challenges and interventions to support the development of a sustainable and circular textile ecosystem.
The objectives of the module are to:
1. Introduce sustainability theories relative to textiles and fashion manufacturing processes, business models and the global supply chain.
2. Provide an overview of the salient processes necessary to make textile, fashion products.
3. Introduction to essential terminology, technologies and supply‑chain concepts.
4. Reflection on how students, as future professionals, can influence sustainable change.
To achieve these objectives varied learning activities are used. Lectures and seminars to achieve objectives 1, 3, 4, and demonstrations, and practical lab-work to achieve objective 2, and enhancing the objectives 3 and 4.
1. Recognise and explain key definitions of sustainability within the global fashion system and textile industry.
2. Identify major textile materials and describe their manufacturing processes using appropriate technical terminology.
3. Describe the environmental and ethical issues in the fashion industry and the factors driving sustainable change.
4. Select and use appropriate research resources to address clearly defined problems, analysing both qualitative and quantitative data effectively.
5. Describe and evidence the use of dialogic reflection in their learning journey
6. Apply effective written, visual, and digital communication methods, supported by dialogic reflection, to present ideas clearly.
| Delivery type | Number | Length hours | Student hours |
|---|---|---|---|
| Supervision | 1 | 3 | 3 |
| Supervision | 4 | 1 | 4 |
| Lectures | 22 | 1 | 22 |
| Seminars | 10 | 2 | 20 |
| Practicals | 6 | 1 | 6 |
| Practicals | 9 | 2 | 18 |
| Private study hours | 327 | ||
| Total Contact hours | 73 | ||
| Total hours (100hr per 10 credits) | 400 | ||
Feedback on learning takes place in the seminars as topics are discussed with active student engagement; also, in group tutorials, across both semesters.
Feedback on progress with the coursework/assessment task, in the sessions above, are to support and promote students engaging with their studies, independent time to undertake the coursework in line with the assessment brief and assessment criteria. Therefore, promoting student success through good study and time management skills during their independent private study time.
| Assessment type | Notes | % of formal assessment |
|---|---|---|
| Reflective report/log | Dialogic Reflective Portfolio | 40 |
| Portfolio | Portfolio | 60 |
| Total percentage (Assessment Coursework) | 100 | |
Normally resits will be assessed by the same methodology as the first attempt, unless otherwise stated
Check the module area in Minerva for your reading list
Last updated: 30/04/2026
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