COURSE CURRICULUM

The BA (Hons) Ceramics degree at Cardiff Metropolitan University is structured over three years to develop students’ technical skills, creative practice, and professional readiness. In the first year, students explore a diverse range of clay practices, including throwing, hand-building, plaster work, construction techniques, and firing methods through the Beginning and Individual Project modules. Research Basics introduces core academic research skills, while Interdisciplinary Understanding encourages collaborative working, critical thinking, and reflection through projects addressing societal and cultural challenges. In the second year, the Create module allows students to experiment with techniques, develop their personal practice, and choose a specialisation, such as tableware, sculpture, surface design, or installation. The 21st Century Challenges module builds on interdisciplinary problem-solving, while Real-World Contexts encourages the application of skills to external stakeholders and communities. The Research Proposal strengthens research abilities and prepares students for independent enquiry in the final year. The third year focuses on professional practice and career development through the Research & Development module, helping students refine their skills and define their career paths, whether in studios, education, curation, or further study. Positioning in Practice supports career readiness, and Contribution allows students to demonstrate research, analysis, and practical expertise in a final submission, consolidating three years of learning and creative development.