Diploma in Ceramics

Part
1The aim of part 1 is to allow students to become conversant with a number of basic skills in the craft through creative practice inspired by visual research and contextual studies.
Part 2
The aim of part 2 is to build on the skills learned in part 1 by exploring advanced craft skills supported by continued visual research and contextual studies.
Part 3
The aim of part 3 is to launch students into the current professional market through continued personal and professional development.

Part
1Students will be introduced to and develop work in a variety of basic craft skills such as: slab building; coiling; throwing; plaster mould making; underglaze; slip decoration; and glazing. Projects will be set, resulting in both large and small scale ceramics. Contextual and visual research will inform each project. Consideration should be given to functionality, aesthetics and/or co-ordination. It is expected that finished work will be of good quality.

Part 2
Students will be introduced to and develop work in a variety of advanced craft skills such as: further throwing skills; construction of pieces using 2 or more parts; slip casting; agate ware; terra sigillata; glaze development and Egyptian paste. Projects will be set, resulting in both large and small scale ceramics. Contextual and visual research will inform each project. Consideration should be given to functionality, aesthetics, co-ordination and/or construction techniques. Quality of completed work should be marketable.

Students will be encouraged to undertake a separate piece of research based on the development of the craft over time.

Part 3
This course is expected to be flexible and to respond to the individual needs of participants.

Students will be encouraged to develop their own signature style and through experimentation and research develop the quality of their work to a professional standard. They will source and curate exhibitions, trade and craft fairs and take part in the current professional market place. They will explore new marketing techniques and develop a range of skills in presentation and promotion.

They will explore the rudiments of setting up a Ceramics studio, kiln stacking and firing.