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MA
Study in Stoke-on-Trent - a city renowned for its ceramics industry
Benefit from close connections with world-famous manufacturers
Giving you the skills to be at the forefront of the ceramics industry
Studying Ceramic Design in Stoke puts you at the centre of UK excellence in the industry. Enhance your career opportunities through this internationally recognised award.
MA Ceramics at Staffordshire University is recognised worldwide as one of the leading postgraduate programmes in ceramics for small and mass manufacture. Taught in Stoke-on-Trent, the home of UK ceramics for over 2 centuries in the Potteries, this long-established course consistently produces career-ready graduates that are in demand by leading ceramic companies both in the UK and overseas. With world-famous ceramic manufacturers quite literally on the doorstep, Stoke-on-Trent provides a unique venue for the study of ceramics.
This course provides a design-led creative experience of ceramics within a broad subject context. Designing through intelligent making allows you to access ideas through a unique material. The deep knowledge of one material helps you to appreciate the opportunities in ceramics but also its translation into other materials and professional opportunities. Whether your personal aspirations are embedded in 2D surface and pattern, and or 3D shape, form and function.
The relationship between the course and the global ceramic industry is mutually beneficial and is primarily responsible for the unique character and international reputation of the course. The strength of this award lies in the accumulated wealth of specialist knowledge and practical skills, which are the essential tools of the ceramics designer; and in the good working practices developed over many years. In the close working relationship with industry, and in the clarity of purpose that ensures academic coherence, and the credibility of the award.
MA Ceramics brochure
On successful completion of study, we will issue the following award: MA Ceramics
The course is part-time over 36 months. The expected study pattern is for you to complete 60 credits in each year of study to meet the 180 credit requirement.
The course will give you a design-led, creative experience of ceramics as well as consideration of a range of market opportunities to meet your personal aspirations whether designer-producer or industrial ceramicist.
You’ll take modules on tools and techniques as well as conduct your own programme of design, research and practice. You’ll consider business, management and enterprise for professional practice. A collaborative project will introduce work with external clients.
A collaborative project will introduce you to working with world leading external clients such as Wedgwood, Dudson, Royal Doulton, Denby amongst many more.
In the final semester, you’ll undertake a final Masters project on your own ceramics project.
Video
MA Ceramics graduate, Corinna talks about the history, environment and expertise that helped her to find her own voice and further develop her ceramics practice.
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.
Module code: 3DES70097
Module code: 3DES70080
Module code: 3DES70075
Module code: 3DES70104
Module code: COST70241
An undergraduate degree of 2:1 or higher or equivalent. You’ll be considered if you have an appropriate level of interest and relevant experience.
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For equivalent entry requirements in your home country, please see the information on our country pages.
Check our entry and English language requirements for your country.
Our kiln room, plaster, print and computer workshops is where you'll create functional ceramicware and sculptural forms using the techniques of slipcasting, plastic clay forming, hand throwing and hand building.
Our modelling rooms will let you realise your designs.
Whether aspiring for a career as a studio-based designer or industrial ceramicist, you’ll be equipped with the required digital and business skills as well as creative knowledge of materials for work in the following roles:
Our students and graduates have scooped prestigious prizes:
Corinna Reynolds introduces her final-year project work 'Relinquish'. Corinna developed a fascinating reverse-engineering process to grow crystals which transformed her practice.
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:
Your course will provide you with opportunities to test your understanding of a subject before completing the formal assessment that counts towards your final mark. The practice or 'formative' assessment is carried out in tutorial and critique situations and feedback is usually provided to you orally, with a written record kept by the award leader.
The formal or 'summative' assessment is provided in the form of a grade point (on a scale of 0-15), at the end of each module which is accompanied by written feedback from the module tutor.
Your course tutors will provide lots of support. But you can also take advantage of our Academic Skills team, who can help you with:
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.
We know that it’s important for you to be able to gauge your progress. So, your tutor will give you feedback on any practice assessments you do. We usually give you feedback on formal assessments within 20 working days, but the format will vary for each module.
3D Designer Maker student, Phillippa takes you round the studios and facilities that will help you realise your ideas across wood, metal, ceramics and more.
Your study time will include scheduled classes, independent learning and assessments. It will vary depending on your module choices.
As well as timetabled sessions, we know it’s important for you to discover things on your own terms. This could involve:
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 lab, you’ll find it at Staffordshire University.
Our teaching team are all design professional and active researchers with extensive experience and industry contacts.
Lecturer
Ed has a proven track record designing best selling ranges for hotels and restaurants worldwide, with over 5 million products sold, from Hilton to Harvester and everything in between. Ed is interested in the intersection of craft pottery and mod…
Professor
Neil's artistic research examines the manufacturing histories of North Staffordshire's ceramic industry, and the effects globalisation has had upon people, place and traditional skills in recent decades.
Senior Lecturer
Tim Forrester is one of Britain's most innovative designers. He achieved great success whilst working in Milan before returning to the UK to design and manufacture his high quality, inspirational and versatile furniture ranges.
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.
If you've previously completed a Staffordshire University 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.
The expected study pattern on this programme enables you to complete modules totalling 90 credits in your first year of study and the other 90 credits in your second year of study. If you follow this pattern of study you will pay the same fee for each year of study. You will be invoiced for the modules that you register for each year, so if your study pattern is different from the expected pattern, you will pay more or less each year accordingly.
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.
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 are not included in our fees.
For more information on accommodation and living costs, please see: Accommodation
Providing you are studying towards a full Masters qualification you may be able to apply for a postgraduate loan of up to £11,222 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.
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.
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!
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!
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.
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.
Studying for my Master’s 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.
Applications are not currently available for this course.
If you are offered a place at Staffordshire University, your offer will be subject to our rules, regulations and enrolment conditions, which may vary from time to time.
Students of Staffordshire University 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.
Times Higher Awards 2020
The Times and The Sunday Times Good University Guide 2021
Midlands Business Awards 2020
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