First year study is both diagnostic and experiential; building upon skills and processes to equip the student with the vocabulary to develop their own personal creative voice.

Teaching and learning styles are specific to the module, however thematic projects ensure that skills learned are transferable across modules.

All modules have a Formative and Summative Assessment point. Feedback and feed forward take place using a diverse range of formats. Students are introduced to working with weekly tutorial forms as part of their studio practice. This enables the student to become a reflective practitioner and develop key time management skills.

RSN Hand Embroidery, is taught by a team of RSN trained Tutors plus a Hand embroidery Technician. All students develop the knowledge, vocabulary and skills of hand embroidery through thematic projects, developing discipline-specific skills of RSN hand embroidery techniques.

Practical studio modules are delivered through thematic projects and workshops which are tailored to each specific group.

Project themes are reviewed annually to ensure the programme maintains a contemporary approach. Projects allow individual students to explore their own creative response to a specific question or theme of enquiry.

Students are introduced to methods of reflective practice and critical analysis. Contextual studies are taught through a critical engagement with the material culture of hand embroidery, through workshop sessions, lectures and seminars.

Onsite teaching takes place in studio spaces utilising the RSN specialist art and design library, IT Suite and handling collection. Offsite learning occurs through a bespoke series of visits to galleries, exhibitions and collections, KSA library services

Students have the unique opportunity to access and engage with the RSN’s extensive collection of historic textiles and paper-based materials. As an adjunct to the physical collection, students engage with digital collections as part of their learning to make comparative analyses of objects.

All level four students undertake a workshop in social media etiquette and developing online profiles. They are encouraged to create their own professional social media accounts to document and showcase their practice throughout the course. This allows the course and RSN social media accounts to share and promote the work of the students during the course. The RSN Marketing Manager works closely with the students throughout their course and attends the Board of Study. Student news stories and profiles are shared via the RSN professional accounts.

Personal Development Planning forms a component of the Hand Embroidery Practice module.

Live Projects at Level four have included: The Worshipful Company of Glovers, Glove Competition; Miniature Textile Competition, Austria; Society of Dyers and Colourists, Colour Competition; Helena Gavshon hand embroidery for Premier Vision, Paris.

Personal Tutor meetings will be scheduled at key points throughout the academic year.