This is a practice-led honours degree focused on developing high-level ceramic making skills, alongside design thinking, research, and professional practice. Students learn through intensive studio work, supported by theory, drawing, digital tools, and entrepreneurship. The emphasis is on making, materials, processes, and craftsmanship, with strong preparation for professional practice or further study.

No. The programme is ab-initio, meaning applicants do not need formal training in ceramics. Applicants are selected based on potential, commitment, creativity, and aptitude, not qualifications alone. An interest in making and working in 3D is essential.

Application consists of an initial interview are giving an opportunity to explain about their creative portfolio.
Applicants who successfully pass the interview will be called for a bench test.
See here: https://www.atu.ie/courses/bachelor-of-arts-honours-ceramics-skills-and-design#how-to-apply

• Submit an application through the portal on the ATU website
• Attend an interview with a portfolio (ceramics, drawing, making, or other creative work)
• Shortlisted applicants complete a bench test involving basic throwing and drawing exercises

Final selection is typically 12 to 16 students

Students develop skills across:

• Wheel throwing from basic forms to advanced production
• Hand-building, mould-making, jigger/jolly and press moulding
• Clay and glaze technology, including testing and recipe development
• Surface decoration, including slips, glazing, printing, lustres and decals
• Kiln operation, using electric, gas, wood and specialist kilns
• Design development from concept to finished work

The focus is on functional, sculptural, and contemporary ceramic work, depending on the student’s interests.

It is predominantly practical.
Across the three years:

• Most assessment is based on studio work and projects
• There is supporting theory, history, and research, but always linked directly to making
• Written work increases slightly in later years, especially for the final-year dissertation
  Students typically spend more than half of their time in studios and workshops.

Yes.
Students undertake a work placement or live project during year 2, allowing them to gain real industry experience, build contacts, and understand professional studio practice. Students spend six weeks working in a real ceramics or related creative workplace.

The final year is centred on:

• A major Capstone Project, where students develop a personal body of work
• A written dissertation linked to their ceramic practice
• Professional preparation modules covering communication, entrepreneurship and exhibition practice

The year concludes with a public graduate exhibition.

Graduates typically pursue careers such as:

• Independent ceramic designer / maker
• Production potter
• Studio assistant or technician
• Craft business owner
• Gallery or retail roles in craft and design
• Further study, such as MA or postgraduate programmes in creative practice

The programme strongly supports self-employment and entrepreneurship.

The programme is delivered in the DCCI Centre of Excellence in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny.

This programme suits students who:

• Enjoy making, materials, and hands-on work
• Are motivated, resilient, and willing to practise skills repeatedly
• Are interested in a career in craft, design, or creative production
• Prefer studio-based learning over large lectures