This course encourages an experimental studio and research-based approach to studying ceramics within a broad based fine art context. Innovation and experimentation are actively encouraged so that you develop your own visual language and understanding. The contextual interpretation of studio activity is supported through lectures, seminars, written and visual assignments that address both historical and contemporary practice. There is a core belief in the development of an understanding and use of skills, material and process knowledge within this specific discipline. The particular interpretation of ceramics at Camberwell provides a diverse and challenging environment for a personal response to the subject. As one of the five fine art subjects within the Art Cluster at Camberwell the course offers a distinct approach to ceramic fine art practice.   

Students have worked on projects with leading companies such as: Armitage Shanks, Wedgwood, Aston Martin and the Victoria & Albert Museum as well as artists, design practices and ceramicists in Europe, Japan and the UK.  

 Students have also taken part in the Erasmus Exchange with The National College of Art & Design Bergen, Norway and Ecole supérieure des arts Décoratifs de Strasbourg.

Year 1

You will acquire ceramic studio skills and explore the boundaries of ceramic studio practice and its relationship to other art practices. You will be encouraged, through a combination of theoretical and practical knowledge and concepts, to establish an experimental, research-based methodology to all aspects of working. This will include the initiation of personal visual research, directed drawing projects and ceramic material technology research. There is access to extensive specialist ceramic studio areas, including hand building, throwing, plaster model/mould making, slip casting workshops and a range of firing facilities.

A series of key ideas lectures will introduce you to several important debates and theories that underpin contemporary art and design. You will be introduced to a range of strategies to help you develop a research methodology and reflective approach to your studies.

Year 2

You will continue to explore the notion of ceramics with a greater personal focus on your studies. You will be encouraged to develop a more thorough working knowledge of ceramic skills and personally directed research methodologies. You will also test out your practice in an appropriate professional context through live projects.

Year 3

You will be planning, developing and realising your individual, self-initiated programme of study. You will be carrying out sustained practical and contextual research. Through a choice of dissertation, work placement or live project you will explore in depth the context within which you choose to locate your practice. You will develop your ideas using an appropriate research based methodology and work towards a completed body of work, which will prepare you for ongoing study and professional practice.

Graduates have gone on to work in diverse areas of the creative industries, including design for industry, enterprise, teaching, research and studio practice. Graduates include internationally renowned practitioners such as Angus Suttie, Henry Pym, Sara Radstone, Sophie Cook, and in the field of the applied arts Bodo Sperlein, Nicola Malkin and Robert Dawson.

Entry Requirements

. Portfolio of work
. A foundation course/ National Diploma/AVCE/ Advanced GNVQ or equivalent
. Passes in 2 GCE A Levels (or 1 GCE A Level plus 2 GCE AS Levels)
. Passes at GCSE level in 3 subjects (grade C or above)
. EU/International students must show proof of equivalent qualification and IELTS 6.0 in English on enrolment
. Applications are welcome from mature students and the College takes into consideration prior learning, alternative qualifications and experience

You need to apply through the UCAS online application system. You can complete your UCAS application from anywhere that has internet access.

All Camberwell College of Arts UCAS Course Codes can be found on the course 'At a Glance' tab or on the UCAS website.

Our University code is UAL.

Our College Code is U65.

There is no 'Campus Code' for Camberwell College of Arts.

For further information about UCAS, or their application procedure, please contact them directly.

T: +44 (0)870 1122211
E: enq@ucas.ac.uk

For any other information please contact Camberwell College of Arts.

T: 020 7514 6302
E: enquiries@camberwell.arts.ac.uk