3D Materials Practice

In an exciting and inspiring environment, you will be encouraged to create objects and products that challenge precedents and preconceptions of materials.

Course structure

You can choose to take a three-year BA(Hons) degree or a four-year MDes or MFA integrated masters-level qualification.

Courses are workshop-based, with open access to specialist workshops.

Techniques and processes are taught through short projects, creative events, field trips, lectures, seminars, technical and safety inductions, and demonstrations.

From the beginning of year 2 students chose to specialise in two materials, or one material with visual research.

You will participate in student exchange programmes, foreign study trips, live projects and field trips.

Professional work experience and/or placements are tailored, where possible, to support your individual interests but also include opportunities for work experience with leading makers, artists and design practices. (MDes/MFA only)

Areas of study

The course focuses on material practice knowledge, techniques and processes. You will have the opportunity to work across areas such as jewellery, furniture, sculpture, lighting, batch production and site-specific work.

Visual and other forms of research and communication stimulate and challenge the creative process and are integral to all creative work.

Professional Practice is one of the key aspects of the programme enabling students to place their work within a professional context.

The MDes and MFA awards place specific emphasis on work-related learning, providing vocational knowledge and skills to prepare you for the workplace. The MDes course is focused on the design and production of objects, while the MFA is focused on the creation of artefacts with a craft or fine art approach.

Career and progression opportunities

Our graduates have set up their own practices/workshops exhibiting internationally and nationally in prestigious galleries (Contemporary Applied Arts, the V&A, Crafts Council and The Scottish Gallery). Former students are lead designers in established companies such as Royal Stafford and Pool Pottery and are selling designs to leading design labels such as Habitat. Graduates have won prizes in national competitions and have produced commissions for national collections. Others are working with key arts organisations, for film set designers, as technical assistants to sculptors, for example, Anthony Gormley and Richard Wentworth, in architectural practices such as Building Design Partnership, as curators in leading contemporary art galleries and in education as both teachers and managers of museum education programmes.

Requirements

Typical entry requirements
individual offers may vary

A-levels:
will not normally provide sufficient grounding without a subsequent foundation diploma.

ND/C (Level 3):
DMM.

International Baccalaureate:
individual assessment.

QAA-approved access course:
acceptable, subject-specific units.

GCSE (minimum grade C):
a good profile.

For non-native speakers of English:
IELTS 6.0 overall, 6.0 in writing.

Other:
Art and design Foundation Diploma. Interview and portfolio review.

Degree and/or experience:
We accept applications for direct entry onto years 1, 2 and 3. Direct entry to year 3 requires a foundation degree or DipHE in related subjects, or practical or professional experience. Direct entry to year 4 requires an honours degree or equivalent in related subject, and prior work or creative practical experience. Must demonstrate ability to work at postgraduate level.

Mode of Attendance : Full-time: 4 years (max 8 years)