Ceramics MA

Location

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Stoke-on-Trent campus

Studying Ceramics in Stoke-on-Trent puts you at the centre of UK excellence in the industry. Enhance your career opportunities through this internationally recognised award.

MA Ceramics at University of Staffordshire is recognised worldwide as one of the leading postgraduate programmes in ceramics for small and mass manufacture. 

Renowned for its ceramic design and manufacturing focus, the course offers a broad-based creative experience that intersects a diversity of contemporary ideas and practices. From product design to sculpture and installation, it embraces current inter-disciplinary perspectives that investigate ceramics as both material and subject.

The course continues to build upon a wealth of accumulated specialist knowledge, practical skills and good working practices which have been developed in Staffordshire, Stoke on Trent and at University of Staffordshire over many years.

Recent investment in cutting edge technologies provides students with an excellent opportunity to exploit both digital tools with traditional know-how and material knowledge. Although clay and ceramics remain core to this study, it fully embraces an open exploration of other materials which may enrich and extend individual expression.

 

MA Ceramics at University of Staffordshire is recognised worldwide as one of the leading postgraduate programmes in ceramics for small and mass manufacture. 

Renowned for its ceramic design and manufacturing focus, the course offers a broad-based creative experience that intersects a diversity of contemporary ideas and practices. From product design to sculpture and installation, it embraces current inter-disciplinary perspectives that investigate ceramics as both material and subject.

The course continues to build upon a wealth of accumulated specialist knowledge, practical skills and good working practices which have been developed in Staffordshire, Stoke on Trent and at University of Staffordshire over many years.

Recent investment in cutting edge technologies provides students with an excellent opportunity to exploit both digital tools with traditional know-how and material knowledge. Although clay and ceramics remain core to this study, it fully embraces an open exploration of other materials which may enrich and extend individual expression.

 

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA Ceramics

On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA Ceramics

Part-time study

The course is part-time over 24 months. The expected study pattern is for you to complete 80 credits in the first year of study and 100 credits in the second to meet the 180 credit requirement.

Course content

Tools and Techniques, an introduction into ceramic processes and techniques. 20 Credits.

Research in Practice, the dissertation. 20 Credits.

The Collaborative Project, a client led brief. We have collaborated in recent years with Portmeirion, the V&A Wedgwood Collection, Balineum and Phoenix Tile Studio, Steelite International and more. 40 Credits.

Professional Practice, the first project where students can write their own brief. 40 Credits.

The Masters Project, the final major project. 60 Credits.

Tools and Techniques, an introduction into ceramic processes and techniques. 20 Credits.

Research in Practice, the dissertation. 20 Credits.

The Collaborative Project, a client led brief. We have collaborated in recent years with Portmeirion, the V&A Wedgwood Collection, Balineum and Phoenix Tile Studio, Steelite International and more. 40 Credits.

Professional Practice, the first project where students can write their own brief. 40 Credits.

The Masters Project, the final major project. 60 Credits.

Academic year

Students chosen to create Fenton’s new ceremonial mace

News

Students will create a new ceremonial mace for Fenton as part of Stoke-on-Trent’s Centenary celebrations.

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Masters Project (Ceramic Design) 60 credits
Professional Practice 40 credits
Research Methods Seminar 20 credits
The Collaborative Project 40 credits
Tools And Techniques 20 credits

Modules

The tables provide an indicative list of the modules that make up the course for the current academic year. Each module is worth a specified number of credits. Our teaching is informed by research, and modules change periodically to reflect developments in the discipline. We aim to ensure that all modules run as scheduled. If for any reason a module cannot be run we will advise you as soon as possible and will provide guidance on selecting an appropriate alternative module.

Year 1 compulsory modules
Research Methods Seminar 20 credits
The Collaborative Project 40 credits
Tools And Techniques 20 credits
Year 2 compulsory modules
Masters Project 60 credits
Masters Project (Ceramic Design) 60 credits
Professional Practice 40 credits

Entry requirements

  • An undergraduate degree of 2:1 or higher or equivalent experience. 
  • Interview and portfolio discussion

You’ll also be considered if you have an appropriate level of interest and relevant experience. 

  • An undergraduate degree of 2:1 or higher or equivalent experience. 
  • Interview and portfolio discussion

You’ll also be considered if you have an appropriate level of interest and relevant experience. 

For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.

Choose your country

Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.

GO

Facilities

  • Excellent ceramic workshop provision including; kilns, print, glaze, plaster, slipcasting, throwing, CAD.  Also available to all students are extensive workshops for metal, wood, resins, photography and much more.
  • The MA Ceramics studio is a communal working and teaching space with a desk for each student for the duration of their studies; no hot-desking.
  • Access to University of Staffordshire's SmartZone which includes extensive 3D scanning and plastic 3D printing as well as extensive laser cutting including metal.

Ceramics workshops

Our plaster modelling workshop, casting benches, throwing room, glaze lab and kiln room and computer workshops are where you’ll create functional ceramicware and sculptural forms using the techniques of slipcasting, handbuilding, throwing and more. Read more

Find out more about our ceramics workshops

Our plaster modelling workshop, casting benches, throwing room, glaze lab and kiln room alongside computer workshops are where you’ll create functional ceramicware and sculptural forms using the techniques of slipcasting, plastic clay, forming hand throwing and hand building.
Watch video View virtual tour

Smart Zone

A bustling centre of invention, innovation and creation with two floors of dedicated workshop and collaboration spaces for engineering and creative students. Read more

The Smart Zone fuses state-of-the-art fabrication spaces with augmented and blended reality facilities, allowing you to bring your ideas to life using the latest digital and immersive technologies. Find out more about our Smart Zone.
Watch video View virtual tour

3D Printing Bureau

Book in jobs, pay for prints, collect work and get technical support using our collection of 3D printers. Read more

Available Printers include Mojo, Up Box, Markforged Onyx One, Formlab 3, and Stratasys J55. Print in various materials - resin, metal, carbon fibre and clay! Find out more about our Print Bureau and our 3D printing facilities

 

 

CAD Modelling Labs

Our dedicated CAD studios replicates real practice where you'll have access to excellent drawing and computer facilities including the latest industry-standard software. Read more

Software includes: Rhino, VRED, SolidWorks, Alias, Maya, KeyShot, and Adobe Creative Suite. Find out more about our computer workshops
Watch video

Careers

Students go on to a variety of careers, from designer to artist, designer maker, teacher, and more, including:

  • Artist
  • Designer/ Maker
  • Designer in industry
  • Surface pattern designer
  • Retail product developer or in-house brand designer
  • Retail buyer
  • Teachers and Lecturers

All students have access to Career Connect, our dedicated careers team.

Teaching and assessment

Assessment

You’ll be assessed on the submission of coursework for each module. It may consist of any one or a combination of the following components:

  • Sketchbooks and portfolios
  • Research 
  • Ceramic developments and conclusions
  • A dissertation
  • A spoken presentation

 

You’ll be assessed on the submission of coursework for each module. It may consist of any one or a combination of the following components:

  • Sketchbooks and portfolios
  • Research 
  • Ceramic developments and conclusions
  • A dissertation
  • A spoken presentation

 

Learning support

Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:

  • Study skills (including reading, note-taking and presentation skills)
  • Written English (including punctuation, grammar)
  • Academic writing (including how to reference)
  • Research skills
  • Critical thinking
  • Revision, assessment and exam skills (including time management)

Additional support

If you have additional needs like dyslexia or a sensory impairment, then our Student Inclusion Services are here to help make sure nothing stands in your way.

Feedback

The academic staff will give you formative feedback throughout the course and written assessment feedback for each module.

The academic staff will give you formative feedback throughout the course and written assessment feedback for each module.

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices. 

Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices. 

Independent learning

As well as timetabled sessions, students are expected to work independently in the studios and workshops.

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a workshop you’ll find it at Staffordshire University.

As well as timetabled sessions, students are expected to work independently in the studios and workshops.

We’ve invested in state-of-the-art facilities to help you make the most of your private study time. Whether you need a library, a computer, or a workshop you’ll find it at Staffordshire University.

Staff

Our teaching team are all professional artists and designers, and active researchers with extensive experience.

Alison Rafferty

Lecturer

With a wide-ranging background in industrial ceramic design, studio ceramics, & research covering shape, pattern, technical process, packaging, marketing and more, Alison is passionate about all facets of ceramics.

Alison's profile

Nigel Turner

Senior Lecturer

Senior Lecturer for Automotive & Transport Design, and Product, Furniture, Ceramics, with 20 years’ experience as a luxury designer for Wedgwood, Royal Doulton, Viners, Aspreys, and 10 years as a product development manager at Michelin Lifestyle.

Nigel's profile

Professor Neil Brownsword

Professor

Prof. Brownsword is an artist, researcher and educator. His research into the legacy of deindustrialisation in relation to North Staffordshire's ceramic industry, has had national and international cultural impact.

Neil's profile

Reiko Kaneko

P/T Lecturer (Hrly) - Ceramics

Reiko Kaneko is ceramicist, designer and educator based in London. She works at various scales in a range of typologies, designing both products for manufacture and bespoke pieces for commissioned projects.

Reiko's profile

Fees

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Full-time £9,165 per course £16,750 per course

For the course starting on 22 September 2025 the tuition fees are:

Study option UK / Channel Islands International
Part-time £9,135 per course £16,740 per course

If you would like to know more about the fees listed and what this means to you then please get in touch with our Enquiries Team.

Alumni discount

If you've previously completed a University of Staffordshire undergraduate degree (excluding HND and foundation degrees) you may be entitled to a discount of up to 25% off your course fees for any subsequent postgraduate taught course (terms apply, see the alumni discount page for details). If you have any questions about how this relates to you, please contact feesandbursaries@staffs.ac.uk.

Included in the fees:

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all workshops, studios and specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.

Travel, and accommodation costs incurred by compulsory trips and visits away from the University that are directly linked to the learning requirements of a specific module.

The use of all workshops, studios and specialist technical facilities and hire of equipment relating to the course of study.
Not included in the fees:

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

The cost of materials for the development of a student’s individual practice and work. Additional costs vary dependent upon student’s own choice of materials and approach to their practice.

Optional personal insurance when borrowing equipment such as cameras, lighting equipment etc. for extended period of use off campus [Approx £50-£100]. It may be possible to add some items to home contents insurance.

The estimated cost of text books over the duration of the course. All essential text books are available from the library, but some students chose to purchase their own copies.

Travel, subsistence, entrance fees etc. incurred by optional trips and visits away from the University related to the course.

The cost of materials for the development of a student’s individual practice and work. Additional costs vary dependent upon student’s own choice of materials and approach to their practice.

Optional personal insurance when borrowing equipment such as cameras, lighting equipment etc. for extended period of use off campus [Approx £50-£100]. It may be possible to add some items to home contents insurance.
Accommodation and living costs

Accommodation and living costs are not included in our fees. 

For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation

Sources of financial support

Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,570 to help with tuition fees, maintenance and other associated costs. Student loans are available for many of our postgraduate degrees and are provided by the Student Loans Company (SLC). The loan can cover a wide range of postgraduate study options; part-time, full-time and distance learning. 

For more information and how to apply visit masters loan.

Our students

Ceramics Technician Dave Finney with artist in residence Margaret O'Rourke

Work by Sabrina Vasulka

The programme has given me the opportunity to not only build on designing and making skills but allowed me the space to learn new ones such as throwing. There are numerous live briefs with established companies that has helped me to focus and refine my vision as a designer and given me the confidence to be more assured in what I make.

Nicole Waefler

MA Ceramics

Learning to integrate contemporary design with industry focused practical skills during my MA in Ceramic Design prepared me to take on many challenges. I've since worked with artists, communities, schools, industry, fellow designers, academics and multi-national brands. My current role at Burleigh incorporates a lot of facets; from glaze development to pattern design and even being a judge on the Great British Throw Down!

Alison Howell

Design Development Manager at Burgess and Leigh (Burleigh)

We did a lot of research before we decided to come to Stoke-on-Trent. Staffordshire University was the only place that offered this very niche course which was exactly what we were looking for. We took 18 months out of our work to learn from the best!

Lik Kian Loh and Debbie Ng

Current students and Independent Designer Makers

The facilities are great, and the tutors and studio technicians are very supportive. It’s made me a lot more comfortable in my area; I’ve gained a lot of confidence, allowing me to be more confident in the work I’m producing, as well as in my abilities.

Holly Kemp

Graduate - Independent Designer Maker

The MA gave me the opportunity to work on renowned projects, start a career in the academic field and gave me the self-confidence to develop many new pieces. It’s opened so many doors and gave me a huge step forward in my career; I´m really thankful for that and I know the future is promising.

Sabrina Vasulka

Graduate - Independent Designer Maker

Studying for my Masters was the biggest learning curve I’ve ever been on, but I’ve finished feeling confident and prepared to build the career that I want and have even started my own business as a designer maker.

Laura Plant

Graduate

Apply

Location Award Study option Start date
Stoke-on-Trent campus MA Full-time 22 September 2025 Apply now

Rules and regulations

If you are offered a place at University of Staffordshire, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.

Students of University of Staffordshire enter into a contract with us and are bound by these rules and regulations, which are subject to change. For more information, please see: University Policies and Regulations. 

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Have you considered?

for Career Prospects

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Facilities

Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2023

for Social Inclusion

The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2023

of Research Impact is ‘Outstanding’ or ‘Very Considerable’

Research Excellence Framework 2021

of Research is “Internationally Excellent” or “World Leading”

Research Excellence Framework 2021

Four Star Rating

QS Star Ratings 2021