Design: Ceramics

· Trimester 1
October to January
In the first trimester you’ll establish the direction of your creative practice through studio and workshop-based making, gaining the opportunity to develop skills and to explore their place within a range of possible approaches to production. Masterclasses will be delivered by course staff and visiting artists/makers. You’ll also undertake a Research Methodologies module, providing you with a strong sense of methodological purpose when thinking in, through and about your practice. We’ll outline established models of academic enquiry - both practical and intellectual - proposing ways to gather, analyse and communicate a wide range of data and ideas.

· Trimester 2
February to June
In the second Trimester, you’ll negotiate a proposal for self-directed study, taking an experimental approach to advancing your ceramic practice. You’ll deepen your knowledge and understanding of debates in ceramics and situate the personal interests and concerns that inform your work within an appropriate contemporary context. Building on the knowledge acquired in Trimester 1, you’ll map out a rationale for production in ceramics through reference to a range of cultural, theoretical and historical perspectives and develop your ability to communicate concepts and working methods.

· Trimester 3
June to September
The final trimester, leading to the MA, comprises an individually negotiated and self-initiated body of work building on the knowledge and skills already acquired. You’ll be encouraged to set up your project in the context of a clearly thought through approach to production and exhibition and will be supervised by tutorial through to completion.

Course assessment

At the end of each trimester modules are assessed by internal staff, moderated by an external examiner. Practice modules are assessed through studio exhibition of work with a supporting statement; theory modules through written assignment and verbal presentation. The final Masters Project is assessed through exhibition and Evaluative Report. There are no written examinations.