What is the course about?

All applicants must have:
- An interview and assessment to confirm that the course is suitable for them.
- English and maths at Level 1 or GCSE Grade 3/D and above
- Good IT skills at level 1 or above.
- Evidence of a creative portfolio, preferably in the subject area

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 Tuesdays, 09.30-12.30 and Wednesdays, 09.30-16.30

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.

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 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.

To progress to our Level 3 UAL Diploma in Ceramics starting in September:
Learners must be working at Level 1 English and maths.
- Have good IT skills at level 1 or above
- Have good levels of punctuality and attendance
- Achieved a merit on level 2 diploma in the subject area.
- Have produced a portfolio of work in the subject area.