CERAMICS

Programme

The course work starts with the physical construction of ceramic form. Students work with hand-building, relief and texture, gain an introduction to plaster and pottery, and learn how the behaviour of material affects structure. These foundations establish an understanding of volume, surface and process before the work becomes more technically or conceptually complex.

Surface and finishing are developed through engobes, glazes, painted decoration, firing technology and mixed techniques. These are handled as connected stages, not as decorative additions applied at the end: decisions made during construction influence drying and firing, while choices of surface, colour and finish affect how the object is finally perceived. Technical knowledge therefore grows together with practical experience of the complete ceramic process.

Alongside material skills, students develop work through sketching, idea development and project planning. Later stages extend the practice toward environmental ceramics and the creation of an authorial collection, encouraging greater independence and coherence across a body of work. Students are also introduced to the logic of managing an independent studio, connecting creative development with an understanding of how ceramic practice is organised beyond a single finished object.

What You Will Learn

• construct ceramic forms by hand
• work with relief and texture
• understand the basics of plaster
• use the potter’s wheel
• work with engobes, glazes and painted surfaces
• understand firing technology
• combine different ceramic techniques
• develop work from sketch and idea to an authorial collection

How You Learn

The course follows a staged development from basic material skills toward greater technical and creative independence. Students learn by making: construction, surface, firing and finishing are understood as connected decisions within one process. As technical control grows, more emphasis is placed on developing personal ideas and organising them into a coherent set of works.

Outcome

Both practical and theoretical knowledge of ceramics, together with experience of taking an idea through material development, firing and finishing toward a more independent creative practice.