
It will introduce you to the transformational material of clay, exploring contexts of making, craft and manufacture. This course is part of the Product, Ceramic and Industrial Design programme.
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BA Ceramic Design students create a public artwork marking 75 years since the end of the Second World War.
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Today we are happy to announce the graduating students shortlisted for this year's MullenLowe NOVA Awards and declare voting open for the YourNOVA Award.
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. We define design as the methodology and strategy through which we teach – a productive enquiry founded in a curiosity for the application of clay in a range of creative or challenging contexts towards a breadth of conceptual responses and a wide range of possible creative applications. These range from the handmade bespoke object to public sculpture, performance, installation and designs for industrial production. Students may define their practice through a range of lenses from designer, maker, craftsperson through to artist.
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, hand building, 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, artists 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 the British Museum, Busaba Eathai, Ella Doran, Joseph, National Memorial Arboretum, NIO, Marks & Spencer, The Conran Shop, Traidcraft, Vista Alegre and Wedgwood.
BA Ceramic Design is designed to help your creative and professional development. You will undertake a series of creative projects which engage with professional communities across the breadth of the subject – from art, through craft and into design. You will develop your own visual language, while also learning transferable skills to suit a variety of work environments.
Students explore their practice through hands-on engagement with skills and processes within the subject of ceramics. Stage 1 focuses on craft and skill; it’s process-rich and built on the acquisition of a multitude of core skills that act as a toolkit for future practice. In Stage 2, you will apply these skills within broader contexts and develop a conceptual framework in which to apply these skills. In Stage 3, you will begin to inhabit a specialist practice and become a confident, critical practitioner. Over time students start to bring other materials into their studio practice or seek opportunities within other disciplines. This reflects a growing self-awareness and confidence in the student designers.
The course promotes student-centred experiential learning, enabling you to identify and expand on your own strengths, through active reflection and an immersive iterative making process.
Across the three stages of BA Ceramic Design, studio practice is the main component of the course. Supporting studies include specialist technical teaching; contextual studies; and personal and professional development. These elements provide a critical understanding, so you can explore and develop your work with the ceramic medium.
Unit 1: Capacity to Learn: Introduction to Study in Ceramic Design Contexts
Unit 2: Skilling Up
Unit 3: The Production of Art: Capacity To Do
Unit 4: Ceramics +
Stage 1 focuses on developing an awareness of material. Regardless of prior ceramics knowledge, you will be introduced to a broad spectrum of skills and processes focusing on the making experience and the intrinsic qualities of objects and material.
Unit 5: The Art of Manufacturing
Unit 6: Agency to Change
Unit 7: Atelier Me
Unit 8: Creative Unions: Socially Engaged Practices for an Ethical World
In Stage 2, you will undertake a series of workshop-based activities which engage with the subject and its relationship to the wider creative fields. You will be introduced to how to design in response to specific briefs and how to design using a reflective and concept based approach.
Unit 9: Practice in Context
Unit 10: Making It Real
In Stage 3, you will grow your own intellectual practice, developing your personal agenda and research approach. You will develop a professional persona: the crafts person, designer-maker, artist, or designer for production, supported by a relevant portfolio of work.
Between Stage 2 and Stage 3 of the course there is an option for you to work with industry for the duration of an academic year (across three terms/two blocks) and complete a Diploma in Professional Studies. Whilst the Diploma is an optional aspect of the course, it is designed as an integrated and assessed part of your journey through the course, if you do take up this option. The Diploma results in a standalone qualification (rated at 120 credits), which involves researching, undertaking and reflecting on a 100 day/20-week (minimum) placement related to your professional interests and aspirations. The Diploma provides a valuable opportunity to make professional contacts and to develop your personal employability skills. In recent years, BA Ceramic Design students have had placements at Maham Anjum, Simon Stevens Design Studio, Studio Levien and Wanted Design Festival.
BA Ceramic Design is actively engaged in the University’s Study Abroad scheme, with the incoming international students bringing an important additional dynamic to the course.
Currently only a small number of places are available, which will be subject to Government guidelines on travel abroad during the COVID-19 pandemic.
BA Ceramic Design runs for 90 weeks in full-time mode. It is divided into three stages over three academic years. Each stage lasts 30 weeks. You will be expected to commit 40 hours per week to study, which includes teaching time and independent study.
The course is credit-rated at 360 credits, with 120 credits at each stage (level).
On successfully completing the course, you will gain a Bachelor of Arts with Honours (BA Hons degree).
Under the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications the stages for a BA are: Stage 1 (Level 4), Stage 2 (Level 5) and Stage 3 (Level 6). In order to progress to the next stage, all units of the preceding stage must normally be passed: 120 credits must be achieved in each stage. The classification of the award will be derived from the marks of units in Stages 2 and 3 or only Stage 3, using a dual algorithm.
If you are unable to continue on the course, a Certificate of Higher Education (CertHE) will normally be offered following the successful completion of Level 4 (or 120 credits), or a Diploma in Higher Education (DipHE) following the successful completion of Level 5 (or 240 credits).
During your course you will engage with learning and teaching that includes both online and face-to-face modes. Typically, this will include:
Reader, Course Leader and Stage 3 Leader, BA Ceramic Design
Anthony Quinn
Reader in Knowledge Exchange; Stage 1 Leader, BA Ceramic Design
Duncan Hooson
Stage 2 Leader, BA Ceramic Design
Emma Lacey
Contextual Studies Leader, BA Ceramic Design, MA Design (Ceramics); MA Design (Furniture); MA Design (Jewellery)
Elizabeth Wright
Visiting Practitioner: Barnaby Barford
Visiting Practitioner: Ian McIntyre
Visiting Practitioner: Anna Barlow
Visiting Practitioner: Matt Raw
Associate Lecturer: Teresa Peters
Diploma in Professional Studies Coordinator: Carla Sorrell
We are committed to making university education an achievable option for a wider range of people and to supporting all of our students in achieving their potential both during and after their courses.
We welcome applications from people with disabilities. If you have a disability (e.g. mobility difficulties, sensory impairments, medical or mental health conditions or Asperger’s syndrome) we strongly encourage you to contact us on disability@arts.ac.uk or +44 (0)20 7514 6156 so that we can plan the right support for you. All enquiries are treated confidentially. To find out more, visit our Disability & Dyslexia webpages.
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 high proportion of successful applicants complete a Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.
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:
OR a combination of these factors.
Each application will be considered on its own merit but we cannot guarantee an offer in each case.
IELTS level 6.0 or above, with at least 5.5 in reading, writing, listening and speaking (please check our main English language requirements webpage).
We offer English Language Development for Overseas students. See how we can help you with your studies.
Learn MoreWe select applicants who can demonstrate current ability and potential to:
Demonstrate a range of skills and technical abilities:
Provide evidence of intellectual enquiry within your work:
Demonstrate cultural awareness and/or contextual framework of your work:
Articulate and communicate intentions clearly:
Demonstrate commitment and motivation in relation to the subject and the course:
We are seeking people who are open to new ideas, informed risk taking and challenge, and who are willing to get involved in the different disciplines and activities of ceramic design practice.
You should apply through Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS) and you will need the following information:
University Code: U65
UCAS Code: W270
Central Saint Martins does not accept applications for deferred entry. You should therefore apply in the year you wish to study.
If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:
Year 2, if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1
Year 3, if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2
Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry). Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.
Please be ready to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.
We recommend you apply by 29 January 2021 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.
After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents / portfolio / book an interview, through the portal. You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.
Please add csm.ukeu@arts.ac.uk to your contacts to ensure that you do not miss any important updates re: your application to UAL. Also consider altering your spam or junk mail filter to ensure that emails from @arts.ac.uk get through to you.
There are three ways international students can apply to an undergraduate course at Central Saint Martins:
You can only apply to the same course once per year whether you are applying via UCAS, UAL representative or using the UAL online application system. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn.
If you are applying via UCAS you will need the following information:
University code: U65
UCAS Code: W270
You can only apply to the same course once per year whether you are applying via UCAS, UAL representative or using the UAL online application system. Any duplicate applications will be withdrawn.
For further advice on how to apply please visit the UAL International Students webpage.
Central Saint Martins does not accept applications for deferred entry. You should therefore apply in the year you wish to study.
If you are currently studying somewhere else on a course in an equivalent subject area and would like to transfer to this course, you can transfer to:
Year 2, if you’ve completed 120 credits in Year 1
Year 3, if you’ve completely 240 credits in Years 1 and 2
Apply via UCAS and choose Year 2 or 3 for your POE (Point of Entry). Please check our Student Transfer Policy for more important information and be ready to provide us with your current course handbook and Year 1/Year 2 unit transcripts.
Please be ready to provide an official document (translated into English) from your current university, explaining the learning outcomes of the units you have completed.
We recommend you apply by 29 January 2021 for equal consideration. However this course will consider applications after that date, subject to places being available.
Whether you are applying online via UCAS or through a UAL representative or direct application you will need to complete an immigration history check to establish whether you are eligible to study at UAL. If you do not complete the check we will not be able to proceed with your application.
After you have successfully submitted your application, you will receive an email confirming we have successfully received your application and providing you with your login details for the UAL Portal. We will request any additional information from you, including inviting you to upload documents / portfolio / book an interview, through the portal. You should check your UAL Portal regularly for any important updates and requests.
Please add csm.international@arts.ac.uk to your contacts to ensure that you do not miss any important updates re: your application to UAL. Also consider altering your spam or junk mail filter to ensure that emails from @arts.ac.uk get through to you.
We check your application to see if you meet the standard entry requirements for the course. If you do, you will be invited to attend a full portfolio review or submit a full portfolio digitally.
The portfolio should be no more than 30 images comprising of your best work showing your skills and thinking. You can create the pages in any layout (For example: presentation boards) but they should be uploaded as jpeg images. It should include:
The only files that can be uploaded as part of the portfolio are:
Your portfolio should contain a range of visual material, including sketchbooks, research and photographs of three dimensional pieces or work of scale. Bring no more than two 3D pieces, in any material.
Your work should demonstrate creative development, whether for a college project or in your personal work. By creative development, we mean:
For more portfolio advice please visit: https://www.arts.ac.uk/study-at-ual/apply/portfolio-advice
Following the review of the portfolio we select a small number of applicants to move on to the next stage of the process. These applicants will be invited to an interview either online or by telephone.
You will receive the final outcome of your application through UCAS track.
£9,250 per year
This fee is correct for 2021/22 entry and is subject to change for 2022/23 entry. Tuition fees may increase in future years for new and continuing students.
Home fees are currently charged to UK resident nationals. However, the rules are complex. Find out more about our tuition fees.
From 2021/22 entry, most EU students will be charged the International tuition fee rate, depending on your individual circumstances. If you started your course in October 2020 or earlier, you’ll continue to pay Home (UK) fees for the duration of your course. Read more advice for EU students.
£22,920 per year
This fee is correct for 2021/22 entry and is subject to change for 2022/23 entry. Tuition fees for international students may increase by up to 5% in each future year of your course.
Students from countries outside of the UK are currently charged international fees. The rules are complex so read more about our tuition fees.
From 2021/22 entry, most EU students will be charged the International tuition fee rate, depending on your individual circumstances. If you started your course in October 2020 or earlier, you’ll continue to pay Home (UK) fees for the duration of your course. Read more advice for EU students.
You may need to cover additional costs which are not included in your tuition fees. These could include travel expenses and the costs of material. Find out more about additional costs.
Find out about accommodation options and how much they will cost.
Find out more about bursaries, loans and scholarships.
Find out how you can pay your tuition fees.
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.
BA Ceramic Design has excellent links with a range of external affiliates in London and beyond that underpin the curriculum, including individuals and companies. It has a history of successful collaborative projects, including Thorsten van Elten, Marks & Spencers, Conran Shop, Vista Alegre Portugal, Few & Far, Wedgwood, Armourcoat, Stanton Williams, Joseph Joseph, Emel Magazine, Traidcraft, Ella Doran and the British Museum.
External projects in recent years have included;
Open competition across all years:
Second year client based team projects:
Third year individually framed projects:
Recent alumni activity demonstrates the breadth of student activity within the subject.
Recent external and competition projects have included: Cersaie architectural ceramics project across four European colleges in association with Italian tile manufacturer in Bologna - first prize and two runners-up. Surface pattern for porcelain tableware with Viste Alegre, Portuguese manufacturer - winner gained placement and ten designs put onto ware. Mug and surface designs with Ethos, volume manufacturer - four students selected for production receiving royalty payments with cash prizes, shown at trade fairs and shops including Urban Outfitters and Argos. Competition for a 'Christmas Crib' for St Martins-in-the-Fields, London - two third-year students designed and installed a sculpture celebrating the meeting of international travellers that was used as a focal point for Christmas carols.
As part of your professional development you'll undertake a number of collaborative projects. The course has links with a range of household names including Conran Shop, Habitat, Wedgwood and Ikea. We also have links with key contributors to creative practice in architecture, spatial, product and decorative arts within unique, batch and volume production. There are also opportunities to work with specific manufacturing sectors including tableware and architectural ceramics.
Students often choose to 'frame' their personal projects using outside collaboration. Examples include a surface pattern project for pets with M&S, a conceptually driven product that enriches contemporary life using ancient cultural understanding with product design consultancy Doshi Levien, and a series of illustrative panels depicting live in Borough Market for Southwark cathedral, London.