IWTO is committed to supporting wool textile education, including collaboration between industry and academia, cross-disciplinary approaches, and degree programmes that link with research.
Projects such as Feel the Contest by Pitti Filati’s Feel the Yarn and Wool in Schools by Campaign for Wool New Zealnd are just two examples of collaborations that educate by showcasing the wonderful natural properties of wool.
Looking for resources or ideas for school-aged children?
British Wool’s learning website has lesson plans, worksheets, assembly ideas, quizzes, games and more. Likewise, you’ll find a number of woolly resources on the Campaign for Wool New Zealand’s Wool in Schools website.
You can also download this Wool in South Africa (PDF), in which Mr Malusi the Meerkat takes children on a journey through the wonderful world of wool.
Australia
Queensland University of Technology
Focusing on cross-disciplinary studies, the Creative Industries Faculty and the School of Design offer teaching and research in design and sustainability while science degrees provide skills relevant to profitable and sustainable textile industries. Many different courses can lead to careers in wool and the environmental sciences. www.qut.edu.au
University of New England
UNE is the only university in Australia to offer a comprehensive range of sheep and wool units developed and funded by industry bodies. The Australian Wool Education Trust (AWET) developed the courses and scholarships to educate students and encourage them into a career in the Australian sheep and wool industry. The programme covers all aspects of the Australian sheep and wool industry and supply chain, from farm to fabric. University students from across Australia participate in the sheep and wool units offered by UNE creating a unique opportunity to develop contacts and networks across Australia.
Belgium
Ghent University
The International Master of Science in Textile Engineering brings textile education in a multidisciplinary way. The strengths of the most renowned specialists in the domain of textiles in Europe are brought together. This ensures that the demands of an industry continuously striving for technological innovation, creativity and quality are fulfilled.
This 2-year masters programme is supported by the European Commission as an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree. It was and still is a unique programme offering advanced education in Textile Engineering in which the latest developments in the textile field as well as contemporary teaching methods are incorporated.
This degree leads to different careers involving textile knowledge in the broadest sense of the word. Students obtain a thorough understanding of all aspects related to textiles and are hence well-prepared for jobs requiring elaborate knowledge in textiles. Graduates go for a career in academia or industry.
https://studiekiezer.ugent.be/international-master-of-science-in-textile-engineering-en/2023
France
HEC Paris – School of Management
In association with luxury brand Kering, HEC Paris offers a unique “Luxury Certificate” programme that aims to help future leaders learn how best to handle luxury brand management challenges, to explore key sectors within the luxury market, and develop an in-depth understanding of the many facets of working in the luxury industry.
Kering – www.kering.com
Germany
Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences/Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology
Based in Mönchengladbach, this is one of the largest and best-known faculties of textile and clothing technology in Europe, with teaching and research from fibre to final textile product. Bachelor and Master programmes. International opportunities include semester abroad, fairs, design competitions, and internships.
Ireland
Wool in School
Wool in School is a wool inspired education company, committed to increasing the awareness of wool, its production and sustainable qualities in the School, Home and Community environment.
By encouraging cross generational learning by exploring wool in its natural form, promoting further investigation into wool’s uses and benefits as a sustainable resource, Wool in Schools aims to lead the discussion of wool’s role in combatting the effects of climate change.
There has never been a more decisive time to explore the benefits of wool.
Italy
Biella Master delle Fibre Nobili
Biella is an area traditionally linked to high quality textiles. The “Biella Master of Noble Fibers” is a 13-month post-graduate course, which provides participants with a substantial scholarship.
For 13 months, the scholarship holders alternate theoretical training with direct contact with companies through internships which allow them to learn, through direct experience, all the manufacturing phases and procedures that take place within the textile – clothing and distribution sector: from breeding of flocks of sheep to the sale of wool at auction, from the creation of the yarn to the finished fabric, from the cutting of the fabric to the conception of the garment, up to the distribution logics of the large American and Japanese department stores.
The objective of the master is in fact the training of managers who add global practical experience to the theoretical knowledge of technologies.
POLI.design (Politecnico di Milano)
Information may also be requested about POLI.design’s Specializing Master in Fiber Design and Textile Processes.
New Zealand
Massey University – College of Creative Arts
Offers Bachelors and Post-Graduate degrees in Textile Design, located in Wellington, New Zealand.
Develop skills in colour, styling, texture, pattern, and surface application. Specializations include print, dye, knit, weave, mixed media and non-woven textiles, going beyond traditional fabrics.
Massey provides an intellectual and creative environment, encouraging critical debate. Students are positioned to make their own choices about the design and manufacture of textiles. That could include questions like sustainability values and ethical production. Training covers the ability to create opportunities, identify new concepts, and take part in the global industry.
View all textile offerings at Massey University here.
University of Otago – Centre for Materials Science and Technology
Offers undergraduate programmes in the fibres and textile field (designated CLTE). These have international accreditation by The Textile Institute, a very useful recognition for graduates seeking employment in any branch of the textiles field. Postgraduate qualifications are also available, such as PhD, Master’s Degree (MSc and MAppSc) and Postgraduate diploma.
Contact: Professor Raechel M Laing, Director of the Centre for Materials Science and Technology.
Australia
Queensland University of Technology
Focusing on cross-disciplinary studies, the Creative Industries Faculty and the School of Design offer teaching and research in design and sustainability while science degrees provide skills relevant to profitable and sustainable textile industries. Many different courses can lead to careers in wool and the environmental sciences. www.qut.edu.au
University of New England
UNE is the only university in Australia to offer a comprehensive range of sheep and wool units developed and funded by industry bodies. The Australian Wool Education Trust (AWET) developed the courses and scholarships to educate students and encourage them into a career in the Australian sheep and wool industry. The programme covers all aspects of the Australian sheep and wool industry and supply chain, from farm to fabric. University students from across Australia participate in the sheep and wool units offered by UNE creating a unique opportunity to develop contacts and networks across Australia.
Belgium
Ghent University
The International Master of Science in Textile Engineering brings textile education in a multidisciplinary way. The strengths of the most renowned specialists in the domain of textiles in Europe are brought together. This ensures that the demands of an industry continuously striving for technological innovation, creativity and quality are fulfilled.
This 2-year masters programme is supported by the European Commission as an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Degree. It was and still is a unique programme offering advanced education in Textile Engineering in which the latest developments in the textile field as well as contemporary teaching methods are incorporated.
This degree leads to different careers involving textile knowledge in the broadest sense of the word. Students obtain a thorough understanding of all aspects related to textiles and are hence well-prepared for jobs requiring elaborate knowledge in textiles. Graduates go for a career in academia or industry.
https://studiekiezer.ugent.be/international-master-of-science-in-textile-engineering-en/2023
France
HEC Paris – School of Management
In association with luxury brand Kering, HEC Paris offers a unique “Luxury Certificate” programme that aims to help future leaders learn how best to handle luxury brand management challenges, to explore key sectors within the luxury market, and develop an in-depth understanding of the many facets of working in the luxury industry.
Kering – www.kering.com
Germany
Hochschule Niederrhein University of Applied Sciences/Faculty of Textile and Clothing Technology
Based in Mönchengladbach, this is one of the largest and best-known faculties of textile and clothing technology in Europe, with teaching and research from fibre to final textile product. Bachelor and Master programmes. International opportunities include semester abroad, fairs, design competitions, and internships.
Ireland
Wool in School
Wool in School is a wool inspired education company, committed to increasing the awareness of wool, its production and sustainable qualities in the School, Home and Community environment.
By encouraging cross generational learning by exploring wool in its natural form, promoting further investigation into wool’s uses and benefits as a sustainable resource, Wool in Schools aims to lead the discussion of wool’s role in combatting the effects of climate change.
There has never been a more decisive time to explore the benefits of wool.
Italy
Biella Master delle Fibre Nobili
Biella is an area traditionally linked to high quality textiles. The “Biella Master of Noble Fibers” is a 13-month post-graduate course, which provides participants with a substantial scholarship.
For 13 months, the scholarship holders alternate theoretical training with direct contact with companies through internships which allow them to learn, through direct experience, all the manufacturing phases and procedures that take place within the textile – clothing and distribution sector: from breeding of flocks of sheep to the sale of wool at auction, from the creation of the yarn to the finished fabric, from the cutting of the fabric to the conception of the garment, up to the distribution logics of the large American and Japanese department stores.
The objective of the master is in fact the training of managers who add global practical experience to the theoretical knowledge of technologies.
POLI.design (Politecnico di Milano)
Information may also be requested about POLI.design’s Specializing Master in Fiber Design and Textile Processes.
New Zealand
Massey University – College of Creative Arts
Offers Bachelors and Post-Graduate degrees in Textile Design, located in Wellington, New Zealand.
Develop skills in colour, styling, texture, pattern, and surface application. Specializations include print, dye, knit, weave, mixed media and non-woven textiles, going beyond traditional fabrics.
Massey provides an intellectual and creative environment, encouraging critical debate. Students are positioned to make their own choices about the design and manufacture of textiles. That could include questions like sustainability values and ethical production. Training covers the ability to create opportunities, identify new concepts, and take part in the global industry.
View all textile offerings at Massey University here.
University of Otago – Centre for Materials Science and Technology
Offers undergraduate programmes in the fibres and textile field (designated CLTE). These have international accreditation by The Textile Institute, a very useful recognition for graduates seeking employment in any branch of the textiles field. Postgraduate qualifications are also available, such as PhD, Master’s Degree (MSc and MAppSc) and Postgraduate diploma.
Contact: Professor Raechel M Laing, Director of the Centre for Materials Science and Technology.