The standard entry requirements for this course are as follows:
One or a combination of the following accepted full Level 3 qualifications:
And three GCSE passes at grade 4 or above (grade A*–C).
Entry to this course will also be determined by assessment of your portfolio. A very high proportion of successful applicants complete a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design
IELTS score of 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking (please check our main English language requirements webpage).
AP(E)L – Accreditation of Prior (Experiential) Learning
Exceptionally applicants who do not meet these course entry requirements may still be considered. The course team will consider each application that demonstrates additional strengths and alternative evidence. This might, for example, be demonstrated by:
Related academic or work experience
The quality of the personal statement
A strong academic or other professional reference.
Or a combination of these factors.
Each application will be considered on its own merit but cannot guarantee an offer in each case.
BA Ceramic Design embraces and challenges the versatility of clay as a creative and functional material. On this course, teaching focuses on design through making and haptic engagement with the material. You will apply clay to a diverse range of contexts and design opportunities. The course promotes the idea that working with the material forms research within the curriculum. Students are often drawn to the wide range of possible design applications. These range from the handmade bespoke object to public sculpture, performance and installation.
On the course, the studio and workshop culture are important. The course team work to foster a vibrant designer-maker-community. You will benefit from excellent workshop facilities as well as the support of specialist technicians. You will learn both traditional hand skills and digital production skills. This includes throwing, modelling, casting, moulding, handbuilding, decoration, glazing, drawing, printing and firing. As well as hands-on techniques, the course will also provide you with an intellectual framework. You will examine the potential of ceramics to progress into other visual languages, critical discourses and a wide range of professional opportunities.
BA Ceramic Design aims to send its students out into the world as confident and critically aware designers and makers. Teaching is delivered in relation to professional models of practice. Through self-initiated projects, you will question, articulate and present your ideas. The course also has links with a range of practitioners and external organisations. This provides opportunities for collaborative projects. Previously, these have included Armourcoat, the British Museum, Busaba Eathai, Clayground Collective, Ella Doran, Joseph Joseph, Marks & Spencer, Sebastian Bergne, Stanton Williams, The Conran Shop, Thorsten van Elten, Traidcraft, Vista Alegre and Wedgwood.
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BA Ceramic Design graduates take their knowledge of materiality into an ever increasing range of careers from ceramic practice, design practice and art practice, critical writing, commercial and broader design and cultural trend-spotting and also working with both bespoke, batch and volume production.
At present these are exemplified by BA Ceramic Design alumni such as Kathleen Hills, Ian Stallard of Fredrikson Stallard, Tamsin Van Essen, Jason & Lucy Boatswain of Diffuse, Annabel Johnson and Petr Weigl.
This designer/producer approach offers BA Ceramic Design design graduates a rich model of practice that creates autonomy and opportunity. The model is upheld by showcase marketing initiatives such as 100% Design, Designer's Block and Hidden Art, where our graduates consistently flourish.
Insurance – Single: 300 GBP per year