Textile Coloration Science and Technology (level 6), leading to Associateship of the SDC (ASDC)
Course Description
Textile Coloration Science and Technology, leading to Associateship of the Society of Dyers and Colourists (ASDC) is the only professional qualification for colourists worldwide. Textile Coloration Science and Technology has been independently benchmarked by Ecctis/UK ENIC and has been found to be comparable to FHEQ Level 6 (Framework for Higher Education Qualifications). This course, over 3 years, will reveal the fundamental processes of the coloration of textiles. Ultimately gaining this qualification allows the student to apply to be a Chartered Colourist (CCol).
Click here to view the 2023 Prospectus for details of the benefits available to students and employers and the costs involved for those wishing to take part in this course.
More information relating to the Frameworks for Higher Education Qualifications can be found Here.
For employers: a method to educate and create the future experts of the coloration industry to ensure that your business and the industry is in safe hands.
For students: a virtual learning platform providing the opportunity to develop specific knowledge and skills. You will have access to the network of members around the world and can build your own peer groups that will be vital in your future careers.
Application deadline: 22 September 2023
The SDC is committed to supporting the coloration industry especially in these challenging times. We feel that now is the time to plan for the future and want to work with you on your future training needs.
Bursaries for self-funding students
For self-funding students bursaries up to £500 per course are available. If you are self-funding, please follow this link to the ASDC Bursary Application Form
Course Covers:
Degree level syllabus leading to a professional qualification from the Society of Dyers and Colourists
Applied organic and physical chemistry of textile coloration principles and processes
A diverse range of course modules to reflect your needs as a student and to provide a broad scope of knowledge that is relevant for a career in coloration technology
A unique set of resources delivered through the website maximising your learning outcomes
To extend and deepen understanding of the fundamentals of synthetic fibres and the interaction between these fibres and the specific dyes employed at the molecular level.
The first part of the module covers macro molecular structure of synthetic polymer fibres, including their interaction with water.
Ancillary processes are covered, followed by a section detailing the various dyes and methods to impart colour to the more commonly encountered synthetic fibres.
This module will focus on the more commercially important synthetic fibres, namely, polyester (PES), polyamide (PA) and polyacrylonitrile (PAN), as well as the two derivatised cellulosic fibres, cellulose acetate (CA) and cellulose triacetate (CTA).
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To extend and deepen understanding of the fundamentals of textile printing.
Providing students with an overview of the various commercially important textile printing methods, including the rapidly growing sector of digital techniques.
The module will also look at the composition and preparation of the print paste/print ink, as well as print styles employed.
The module will also include a look at the various printing styles available and their application involving specific dyes or pigments to appropriate fabric types.
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Textile Printing – module content
Physical-chemical aspects associated with textile printing
Printing methods, focusing on the more commercially important techniques, such as screen printing and digital ink jet printing
Print paste/ink composition and preparation for printing
Pre and post treatments carried out for textile printing
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Textile Printing – module delivery and accessibility
On line, via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
The module is delivered as a series of lessons, that are broken down further into topics. Quizzes/practice questions are included where appropriate.
The culmination of the module is in the form of a 3 hour written examination.
Chemistry of Colorants and Auxiliary Chemicals – module description
To extend and deepen understanding of the Chemistry of colorants and auxiliary chemicals.
Providing the student an opportunity to understand the fundamental concepts and theories as well as their nomenclature and structure associated with the chemistry of colorants and their complementary auxiliary chemicals.
_________________________________________________ Chemistry of Colorants and Auxiliary Chemicals – module content
Classification of colorants
Colour in organic molecules
Chemical classification of colorants
Application classification of colorants
_____________________________________________ Chemistry of Colorants and Auxiliary Chemicals – module delivery and accessibility
On line, via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
The module is delivered as a series of lessons, that are broken down further into topics. Quizzes/practice questions are included where appropriate.
The culmination of the module is in the form of a 3 hour written examination.
To extend and deepen understanding of the concepts and application of colour physics.
To provide the student with an opportunity to thoroughly understand the underlying theories of colour physics, the biological and psychological aspects and practical aspect of this fascinating subject.
Colour Physics – module content
The nature of colour
Biological aspects of colour vision and theory
Theoretical basis for practical applications
Photo physics (the link between colour and colourant structure)
Colorimetry and colour space systems
Standard observers and colour chromaticity
CIE LAB and colour difference
Colour measurement in textiles
Colour Physics – module delivery and accessibility
On line, via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
The module is delivered as a series of lessons, that are broken down further into topics. Quizzes/practice questions are included where appropriate.
The culmination of the module is in the form of a 3 hour written examination.
To extend and deepen understanding of the fundamentals of dyeing natural fibres.
Providing the student with an opportunity to understand and gain knowledge relating to the processing, morphology and chemistry of natural fibres, including wool, silk, cotton and regenerated cellulosic fibres of the viscose type.
Providing the student with an opportunity to understand and gain knowledge related to the dyeing of natural fibres.
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Dyeing of Natural Fibres – module content
Natural fibre production and key processing steps, in relation to the preparation for the dyeing process.
Natural fibre chemistry and physical morphology.
Natural fibre interactions with water.
Ancillary processes associated with the dyeing of natural fibres
Dye classes, their method of application and chemical interactions with natural fibres.
Dyeing of Natural Fibres – module delivery and accessibility
On line, via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
The module is delivered as a series of lessons, that are broken down further into topics. Quizzes/practice questions are included where appropriate.
The culmination of this module is in the form of a 3 hour written examination.
To extend and deepen understanding of the nature of the molecular interactions that occur between dyes and fibres under aqueous conditions.
Providing the student with an opportunity to understand the underlying theories relating to aqueous dyeing processes. Dyeing can be considered as the application of a dye, most commonly as a molecular or ionic solution, to a textile substrate to obtain a uniform distribution of dye throughout the substrate.
Dyeing Theory – module contents
Intermolecular forces that can occur between dyes and fibres
Thermodynamic phenomena associated with dyeing processes.
Kinetic phenomena associated with dyeing processes
Mathematical considerations relevant for various dye/fibre interactions.
Dyeing Theory – module delivery and accessibility
On line, via a Virtual Learning Environment (VLE).
The module is delivered as a series of lessons, that are broken down further into topics. Quizzes/practice questions are included where appropriate.
The culmination of the module is in the form of a 3 hour written examination.
Why study this course?
Recognised worldwide for over 50 years this course provides a unique opportunity to attain a professional qualification from the only Professional Body in coloration. Studying for an associateship is an opportunity to develop your professional career in the coloration of textiles.
The ASC course is one option in the educational arena that can help students to learn, do better and progress their careers in coloration.
Professor Steve Westland CCol FSDCChair of Colour Science, University of Leeds
The ASDC has played a major part in allowing me to progress and develop my career in textiles and textile coloration by providing the fundamental knowledge needed.
Andrew Filarowski CCol ASDCTechnical Director Society of Dyers and Colourists
The ASDC course has given me a breadth of knowledge of the chemistry involved in dyeing textiles. I now have transferable skills that may come in useful in the future – it definitely opens up career prospects.
Wayne Brown ASDCDyehouse Manager, Johnstons of Elgin, previously taken FTCC/ TCC
The ASDC content was extremely relevant to my job, especially when it came to understanding fibre types and chemical make-up of dyes — all the things I come across in my day-to-day on the shop floor.
James Blackburn CCol ASDCCommercial Manager, FTS Dyers
Our staff who have achieved qualifications add immediate value to the business, and have helped to secure our reputation as in innovative, science-led, garment manufacturer – with a passion for upskilling our staff, and providing first-class customer service to our clients.
Simon CottonMD, Johnstons of Elgin
The added value that our skilled dyers and colourists bring to organisations is more important now than it’s been for many years. We should celebrate these talented individuals and value their contribution in a future world of colour.
Gavin Thatcher CCol ASDCDirector or Operations, Camira Fabrics Ltd
When we opened our new printing and dyeing facility here at David Nieper, the SDC helped by educating a key member of our team with the specific skillset to make our new facility a success.
Christopher NieperManaging Director, David Nieper
Studying for the ASDC via the Virtual Learning Environment gives you the flexibility to work at times that suit you and your busy lifestyle.
I would strongly recommend learning with the SDC.
Seth Clay CCol ASDCProduction Manager, Wooltex UK Ltd
Innovation in materials and new industry demands for sustainability is making colouration and processing an evolving science, creating the need for qualified Colourists across global supply chains.
SDC’s Online educational program - ASDC (Associateship) a UK bachelor degree comparable qualification accessible worldwide, via its virtual learning platform “Colour Network” is for those working in dyeing and colouration industry to gain a professional qualification and progress to the coveted CCol - Chartered Colourist status.
ASDC is a unique professional qualification from the only professional body in coloration that allows you to study at your own place, pace, and time benefitting both employees and employers alike.
Ullhas Nimkar CCol FSDCSDC President 2022
SDC qualifications - especially the ASDC, really come into their own when you are working with less usual fabrics, away from cotton and poly-cottons. Wool can be a difficult material to work with, as can specialist technical textiles, but with our knowledge we can approach a wide range of tasks with confidence. Combining the technical and the theoretical really does produce the best technicians with the greatest professional knowhow when it comes to fibres and chemistry.
Paul Hamilton CCol ASDCTechnical Director, Bulmer and Lumb
SDC education to ASDC level allows us to attract young enthusiastic people into the industry, as they are able to learn the science behind the actual daily work that they do as well as gaining a worldwide recognised degree comparable qualification whilst earning money.
