This course aims to develop intelligent makers with appropriate cultural and professional awareness to effectively contribute to the expanding creative industries. It offers the only opportunity to study Ceramics at Honours degree level in Scotland.
Team working, live projects and critical discussion will help develop your interpersonal skills and professional awareness. The curriculum also provides and encourages individual choice that promotes personal understanding and self-confidence, enabling you to become a highly motivated and inquisitive learner, capable of independent study.
You are encouraged to take part in the annual New Designers Exhibition at the Design Centre in Islington, London. This design exhibition showcases all final year students' work from universities around the UK, providing a professional platform for career opportunities at a national event.
Year 1
This year provides a diagnostic experience that ensures you can make an informed choice for specialist study in either Fine Art or Design and Craft. Projects introduce a range of fundamental skills such as research, development and critical reflection.
Year 2
This year focuses on acquiring knowledge through critical making concerned with context and the cultural relevance of ceramics, glass and jewellery. Each project is grounded by material and process experience. This is combined with the exploration of experimental traditional and digital drawing as well as the application of digital manufacture.
Year 3
You will focus on studying one discipline in-depth and challenge its perceived boundaries. Live projects with companies linked to professional studies will provide the framework for study. In semester 2 you are encouraged to undertake a placement in the creative industries, or an exchange period with our partner institutions in Finland, Belgium, Germany or the USA.
Year 4
You will devise your programme of study, supported by academic staff. Concepts and ideas are directed towards the realisation of a collection of work for retail, exhibition or portfolio. Parallel with studio practice is a piece of critical writing that contextualises the collection of work.
Year 1 Entry
SQA Higher: BBC preferably to include English and Art/Design or equivalent.
GCE A Level: CC preferably to include English and Art/Design or equivalent.
Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: BBC1, preferably to include English and Art/Design or equivalent.
IB Diploma: 24, including Visual Arts and English at Higher Level or equivalent.
Entry to year 1 is subject to an interview and the presentation of a portfolio of work.
Alternative Qualifications: HNC, Access to Higher Education Programmes or equivalent qualifications may also be considered. Applications are welcome from students where work experience replaces formal qualifications. Evidence of competence in written work may be required. Equivalent international qualifications plus evidence of proficiency in English for overseas students will be required.
Year 2 Entry: Entry to year 2 and later would be subject to an interview and the presentation of a portfolio of work. Accompanying qualifications may include HND, Diploma in Foundation Studies in Art or equivalent qualifications.
Interview/Portfolio Review: Suitable applicants will be invited in with their portfolio for an informal review/discussion with academic staff. This allows students to meet staff, see the teaching environment and allows the School to explore your ambitions through informal discussion. You may also be invited to attend an interview.
Special requirements: To provide materials for our students at the best possible prices, we have a Studio Fund for each of our courses. Depending on the course and year, students pay between £20 and £130 annually. This is common practice in art schools throughout the UK.
Placement
An optional exchange study period is available in semester 2, year 3. Exchange partnership countries are: Finland for ceramics and glass, and Belgium and Germany for jewellery.
Work placement is also available, providing an opportunity to build on previous learning whilst developing new skills and professional practice.
Additional Information
Students are eligible for student membership of the Chartered Institute of Designers.
If you are a Scottish resident or EU national you are not liable to pay fees and should apply to SAAS for funding.
Students from other parts of the UK should visit the appropriate website:
Scholarships
For Academic Year 2011/2012
UK/EU Students
International Students
All course fees are reviewed annually and subject to change.
For further information see Student Finance pages
You must apply online at UCAS - www.ucas.com/apply.
Once you register and create your username and password, you are guided through the process of applying. After submission, log in to your UCAS Track account and you can see the progress of your application, and view and respond to your offers.
Many of our graduates are now working as designers within a wide range of companies, and as self-employed jewellers, ceramicists and interior design consultants. Some fi nd careers in related disciplines such as design management, arts administration and teaching, whilst others have gone on to further study at MA level.
Graduate Margaret Gray
