Product, Ceramics and Jewellery

Year 1

This full-time, studio-based year will develop your creative and critical practice and challenge your understanding of the Art & Design disciplines. These experiences will expand on both your contextual and practical knowledge, introduce you to the Creative Industries and inform your course options for Year 2.

Year 2

New technologies and computer aided design and visualisation are core throughout Year 2. You will extend your knowledge in Designing and Making through thematic and technically driven projects which are delivered in studio and workshop environments. You will develop an understanding on more advanced creative thinking methods and systems, materials and making processes.

Year 3

Self-directed study and studio project work helps to develop your specialist interests in preparation for Year 4. You will take part in collaboration design projects with external clients and work in teams from across the design departments. There will be opportunities to participate in a range of external projects, exchanges and placement activities to develop your professional abilities.

Year 4

Working independently, with guidance and support from staff, you will develop your self-directed proposal for work related to your areas of specialist interest. Depending on your specialist route, you will take part in a number of graduate events including the Degree Show and New Designers in London.

Learning Methods

You have the opportunity to explore your chosen specialism through research, development and innovation in materials and processes. You will be provided with dedicated studio space to develop your own thoughts and ideas, an integral part to your learning journey. Industry-linked projects, European exchanges, design internships, live competitions and public facing external events are an integral part of our course and provide you with valuable professional and practical experience.

In your final year, you will develop a professional portfolio of work and exhibit in the Degree Show, and New Designers Exhibition in London.

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 16 students per group, 1 hour per week
• Seminars - 16 students per group, 1 hour per week
• Tutorial - 1 student per group, 1/2 hour per week
• Project Supervision - 16 students per group, 1 hour per week
• Practical class or workshop - 16 students per group, 1 hour per week
• Supervised time in studio / workshop - 16 students per group, 10 hour per week
• External Visits - 16 students per group, 2 days in term 1

Unless specified, activities vary between 1-5 hours per week depending on the module you are undertaking. More detailed information about indicative student workload hours can be found within each module's detailed information page.

How long is a BA (Hons) Product, Ceramics and Jewellery course?

The duration of a Product, Ceramics and Jewellery degree is 4 years. This includes lectures, seminars, time in the studio and other activities.

Independent Study

Throughout the course particular emphasis is placed on your development of independent learning through self-directed design project/s. By Year 4 you undertake independent study fully, reflecting on your previous 3 years’ experience of building expertise and specialist knowledge within your chosen pathway towards professional practice level.

Staff Delivering on This Course

Teaching staff have expert knowledge in all areas of the course delivery including Product Design, Contemporary Jewellery Design, Lighting and Furniture Design along with Ceramics and Glass. You will be supported by expert technicians across all materials and processes including wood, metal, resin and plastic. All staff members have experience of working within the industry and some have worked extensively as consultants and designers.

Industry experts contribute to the course as Professional Associates and through the Guest@Grays lecture programme, which invites national and international artists and designers to speak about their work.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed each year:

Year 1

• 1 written assignment, including essay
• 3 portfolios

Year 2

• 2 written assignments, including essay
• 3 portfolios

Year 3

• 2 written assignments, including essay
• 3 portfolios

Year 4

• 1 dissertation
• 1 portfolio

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Placements

You will have the opportunity to undertake an optional 10-week work placement in Year 3, Term 2. This is a fantastic opportunity to put into practice some of the design techniques and skills you have developed and to broaden your understanding and contextual awareness of the subject. Past placements have included:

• Iona Crawford Atelier – Scotland (Glasgow based interiors and soft furnishings Designers)
• Dezion Studio - Australia (Sydney based Product and Craft Designers)
• Vakvrouwen – Netherlands (Amsterdam based Furniture Designers)

You are responsible for finding your placement with support from the placement office and academic staff. 

Study Abroad

In Year 3, Term 2, there is the opportunity to undertake a period of international study exchange with our partner colleges across Europe, Canada and the US. The course has very well established partnerships with academic institutions in Milan, Hanover, Dusseldorf, Hameenlinna, Turku and Hasselt. 

Job Prospects

This course is built to provide you with transferable design and business skills to operate confidently in a wide range of design careers within the creative sector. These include working with product and industrial design consultancies, within the manufacturing and retail sectors and setting up as an independent freelance designer.

Recent graduates can also apply to our Graduate in Residence (GiR) scheme which supports the next stage of their professional journey, whether this involves setting up a business, applying for postgraduate study or building a portfolio.

Is Product, Ceramics and Jewellery a good career choice?

 Graduates from this course could go on to pursue varied creative careers:

• Designers within business settings
• Self-employed product designers 
• Designer-makers 
• Ceramicists 
• Jewellery designers 

Many of our graduates have gone on to extend their academic experience through further study at the Royal College of Art and at other postgraduate institutions.

There is also the option of extending your academic experience through postgraduate study at Gray’s School of Art.

What is needed for a BA (Hons) Product, Ceramics and Jewellery degree?

Standard Entry Requirements

Entry to Year 1

These requirements relate to the first year of the BA (Hons) Foundation Art and Design. Entry to the BA (Hons) Product, Ceramics and Jewellery course is from year 2 only either via suitable entry qualifications as stated, or after completion of year 1 BA (Hons) Foundation Art and Design. 

• SQA Higher: BCC to include Art & Design (or a creative design and/or media subject e.g. Graphic Communication, Media Studies) and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English)
• GCE A Level: CC to include Art & Design (or a creative design and/or media subject e.g. Media Studies) and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English e.g. History).
• Irish Leaving Certificate Higher: H3H3H4 to include Art (or a creative design and/or technology subject e.g. Graphic Communication, Media Studies) and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English)
• IB Diploma: 24 to include Higher Level Visual Arts and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).

All applicants with the appropriate qualifications (or due to sit appropriate qualifications) will be invited to attend a portfolio review/interview and participate in a selection process.

Entry to Year 2

Suitable qualifications for entry to Year 2 (or above) may include relevant GCE A Levels, HNC/HND or Diploma in Foundation Studies (e.g. Art & Design, Design & Media, Fashion Design, Textile Design).

• GCE A Level: BCC to include Art & Design (or a creative design and/or technology subject e.g. Product Design, Design & Technology) and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English).
• IB Diploma: 27 to include Higher Level Visual Arts and English (or a written subject requiring the use of English)

All advanced entry applicants with the appropriate qualifications (or due to sit appropriate qualifications) and who successfully meet the criteria will be invited to attend an ‘advanced’ portfolio review/interview and participate in a selection process.

Minimum Entry Requirements

The minimum entry requirements for widening access applicants are:

Entry to Year 1

• SQA Higher: CCC to include Art & Design (or a creative design and/or technology subject such as Graphic Communication, Design & Manufacture) and English or a written subject requiring the use of English

Applicants from Partner Colleges

A relevant HND from one of our partner colleges will be considered for entry into Year 2 or 3, subject to successfully meeting the partner course criteria.  

All advanced entry applicants with the appropriate qualifications (or due to sit appropriate qualifications) and who successfully meet the criteria will be invited to attend an ‘advanced’ portfolio review/interview and participate in a selection process.

Alternative Qualifications

Those who may not hold the standard qualifications listed are encouraged to apply if they can evidence other appropriate/relevant creative work, qualifications and/or life experiences. Such candidates are advised to contact the Student Admissions Service for further advice and guidance.

A portfolio review/interview is still a requirement for this category of candidate.

International Students

The International College at Robert Gordon University offers first year degree entry into Art and Design courses at Robert Gordon University for International Students.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.0 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Additional Costs

• Studio Fund - £100 Year 1, £150 Year 2, £150 Year 3, £150 Year 4