What is the course about?
The Level 2 Diploma is for those who want to build on their skills and knowledge to further develop and explore their creativity and technical knowledge in the area of ceramics. You will refine and continue to enhance your skills in a way that will enable you to practically respond to challenges and issues that motivate you. You will explore a wide range of techniques, continually experimenting with these to push the boundaries of your work to produce highly individual creative responses. You will develop your critical evaluative skills, evolving your interests and direction as a ceramic artist. Through reflection, critiques and collaborative learning you will be able to build your profile and identity as a ceramicist. By working creatively as a team you will engage in exhibition curation and production at the end of your course.
Is a pre-enrolment interview or assessment required for this course?
Yes, please contact our customer services before enrolling.
What level is the course and do I require particular skills, experience or prior qualifications?
This is a Level 2 course. You should have a Level 1 qualification in the subject or equivalent experience.
- A minimum level of Level 1 in English is required for this course.
- You will also need to have basic IT skills as there are assignments each week that are carried out directly onto the computer.
- If you wish to move on to a Level 3 course, you will be advised to study Functional Skills, Level 2 English alongside this course.
What topics does the course cover?
The course is practical and theory based. You will build upon your experience and cover basic preparation and construction process including pinching, coiling, slab building, press moulding, surface decoration and glazing as well as of refining wheel throwing skills. You will engage in drawing and methods of research using visual language and explore experimental approaches to ceramics. You will further develop your research skills, looking at how to use research and how to test ideas to problem solve creative issues and align your ideas to a concept or brief. You will hone your techniques and ceramics knowledge and learn how to effectively optimise and present your work in visual and time-based formats using different media. You will develop skills in general design communication processes as well as develop your creative and reflective skills, evolving your interests and direction as a ceramic artist and working as a team.
You will use your everyday environments, and the wealth of places of interest, such as museums and galleries to collect and research ideas, which will inform your creative response.
Please note this class runs on Mondays , 09.30-16.30, and Tuesdays, 13.30-16.30
How will I be taught and assessed?
You will be taught by art specialists in face-to-face studio sessions, with targeted tutor and technician support, feedback, and supervision. As the course progresses, and your creative awareness and skills increase, you will be able to work in a self-directed and independent way on your final major project, the outcome of which will be displayed at the end of the year.
You will work in both digital and non-digital formats and be expected to digitally record your work, upload it online and produce a digital or e-portfolio of work for assessment. The tutor will use observation, discussion, individual tutorials, and targeted tasks with feedback. Formal assessment will take place at stages throughout the course, and you will receive written and oral feedback. You will be assessed on the Final Major Project and the course work you produce which will be externally moderated by UAL. The qualification will be graded Pass, Merit or Distinction.
Are there any other costs or equipment I need to get?
The materials fee covers all use of equipment and kiln firings, plus decoration and specified glaze materials. You will also be issued with a sketchbook.
There will be a small charge (priced per kilo) for the clay used before the first firing, and for specialist materials that are not offered as a core part of the course e.g. porcelain. For your self-directed study, a basic art kit is required e.g. pens, pencils, brushes, paints, scissors.
Other costs include an investment in your time to complete self-directed study outside of the tutor led activities, around 6-8 hours per week.
By the end of the course what should I be able to do?
By the end of the Level 2 you will have developed further understanding of ceramic practices and how to step out of your comfort zone whilst satisfying the requirements of a brief. You will be able to demonstrate how you are developing your own personal creative identify as a ceramicist by producing your own portfolio of work which will demonstrate your personal 2D and 3D creative response to stimuli and ideas. You will be able to work independently and build the confidence to start exploring and developing your own creative identity.
What are the progression opportunities following this course?
You will have the knowledge and skills to progress to our Level 3 UAL Diploma in Ceramics starting in September, or pursue employment in ceramics and/or the creative industries, whether for an employer of freelance.