Students begin Year 1 by developing strong foundations in ceramic craft through intensive hands‑on studio work, where they learn the essentials of wheel‑throwing, hand‑building, glaze mixing, kiln operation, surface decoration and safe workshop practice. Alongside this technical grounding, they study design history, drawing and introductory CAD so they can communicate ideas visually and understand how contemporary design has evolved. By the end of the first year, students are confident working with clay, glazes and kilns, and understand the full cycle of ceramic production from raw material to finished piece.

In Year 2, students deepen their technical skills and begin to shape their own creative direction. They refine advanced production methods, explore glaze chemistry in greater depth, and take on more independent responsibility for firing electric, gas and wood‑fired kilns. Their design work becomes more research‑driven, supported by CAD, prototyping and experimentation, while modules in professional practice introduce them to pricing, marketing, time management and the realities of working in the ceramics sector. A work placement or live industry project helps them apply their skills in a real‑world context and understand routes to market.

Year 3 focuses on professional identity, specialisation and preparing for a career in ceramics or design. Students undertake a major self‑directed studio project that showcases their technical and creative strengths, supported by advanced design development, critical reflection and experimentation. They complete a dissertation that connects academic research with their studio practice, and they build a professional portfolio, brand identity and promotional materials. The year culminates in a public graduate exhibition, where students present a resolved body of work that demonstrates their readiness to enter the creative industries as skilled ceramic makers and designers.