University of Sunderland

Ceramics

* Exceptions may apply.  Please see Fees and Finance for further information.

Introduction

Do you want to re-evaluate and develop your practice?

Do you want to develop new skills and approaches?

Are you a committed, organised and independent learner?

Do you want to test and expand your creative ideas with a peer group?

If the answers to the above questions are 'yes' then this programme is for you.

Students on this programme will develop a synergy of both creative ideas and technical skills to a professional level.

In addition the programme aims to:

• Encourage independent innovative creativity to develop a student's individual perspective and aspirations.
• Encourage the student to identify, locate, develop and test their personal working approaches, skills, and ideas in response to contemporary and historical issues as relevant.
• Develop and deepen knowledge of relevant skills and issues relating to a student's individual perspective of practice through specialist technical and theoretical support.
• Develop relevant professional research, communication and scholarly skills to support a student's career aspirations.

The department is a centre of diverse creative and academic activity in the form of artist access, skills programmes and research.

There are a number of research students working in Ceramics as well as artists in residence, including a Crafts Council 'Next Move' placement. All staff associated with the programme are engaged in professional practice or research. Students on this programme will work alongside MA Glass students, providing a lively and diverse peer group.

The department has a proven track record of attracting a broad range of students in terms of age, nationality, and background. Students have joined the programme having studied or worked in other areas such as fine art, glass, sculpture, jewellery, architecture, photography, painting, interior design or engineering.

To go to the Glass and Ceramics Section of the Faculty of Arts, Design and Media website click here.

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Course Content

Stage 1
Postgraduate Certificate (PgC) 60 credits

• Ceramics - Self Negotiated Stage 1
• Studio Work and Critical Studies

Broadly experimental. Students are encouraged to reflect on their previous practice and develop new approaches.

Stage 2
Postgraduate Diploma (PgD) 60 credits

• Ceramics - Self Negotiated Stage
• Studio Work and Critical Studies

Consolidation and professionalism. Students are encouraged to further develop their studio practice and consider what 'professionalism' might mean in relation their practice.

Stage 3
Masters (MA) 60 credits

• Ceramics Exhibition and
• Report Synthesis

Students are encouraged to continue to develop their artwork to create a synthesis of form and content. They will set their artwork within a wider context of art and design in a written report.

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Entry Requirements

You are welcome to apply if you hold an honours degree in a subject related to art and/or design.

Applications are also welcome from those with equivalent or relevant experience.

We are also happy to consider applications from diverse backgrounds.

All applicants will be invited for interview.

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Fees and Finance

The fees for this course are as specified in the table at the top of the page.

Please note that different fees apply to students studying for "Equivalent or Lower Qualifications" (ELQs). For more information about ELQs, please see the page Information for applicants who already have an HE Qualification.

For information about University scholarships and bursaries please see the page Fees and Finance.

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Teaching and Assessment

The programme comprises of three stages and is modular in structure. Each stage represents 60 credits. To successfully complete the MA in Ceramics each student must complete 180 credits. Each stage is delivered consecutively and the content is cumulative.

Stages 1 and 2 include one 40 credit Ceramics Self-negotiated Project module. These modules run concurrently with 20 credit Critical Studies modules.

Stage 3 comprises of one 60 credit module that includes a written report representing 20% of the final marks. The remaining 80% relates to the visual presentation.

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Work Experience

Study visits and personal research are undertaken by prior arrangement and MA students are encouraged to work on commissions and 'live' projects where applicable.

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Career Opportunities

The postgraduate students leaving with this award are likely to enter, or return to, employment within the cultural industries.

This programme has a clear vocational focus. The skills gained in all modules will equip students to further their careers within the sector. This award may also prepare students to take advantage of opportunities for further study at doctoral level or other professional development routes.

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Supplemental Information

Please Note: there is a studio contribution fee of £160 per stage. This provides basic materials.

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Facilities

Ceramics at Sunderland
The University of Sunderland has been teaching ceramics and glass for over 20 years and is now one of the key providers in Europe.

The University's provision was greatly enhanced when the department moved into new studio spaces at the National Glass Centre in 2001.

Since then the level of equipment and space has been further enhanced with over £1 million of external funding in the last two years. This gives Masters students access to a unique range of equipment including; large kilns, a large water-jet cutter, mould making area, glaze lab, lathe room, slip casting room, print studio, and computer suite.

*World Class Web/Design Tools*
The University of Sunderland has made a significant investment in providing students with access to the latest releases of Adobe products.

Selected PCs within the St Peter's and Murray Libraries have been pre-loaded with the Creative Suite 4 (CS4) Adobe Design Premium Suite for your exclusive use.

CS4 Creative includes key products such as Indesign, Illustrator, Dreamweaver as well as Photoshop and a range of many others.

Further information is available from:

http://www.adobe.com/uk/products/creativesuite/design/
For information regarding locations of PC or Macs within your own faculty that have access to Adobe products please contact your Faculty IT Support.

If you are interested in purchasing Adobe products for your own PC/Mac Adobe offer significant savings for student purchases via any of its approved re-sellers.

Please visit:

http://www.student-software.co.uk/

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Related Courses

• Glass
• Glass
• Ceramics

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