BA (Hons) Design Crafts: Glass, Ceramics and Jewellery

Program Overview

The University of Wales Trinity Saint David (UWTSD), situated in the United Kingdom, offers a dynamic and immersive BA (Hons) Design Crafts: Glass, Ceramics and Jewellery program at its Swansea College of Art. This highly practical degree is designed to nurture students' creative voices while equipping them with the comprehensive design and 3D-making skills necessary for professional practice in the contemporary crafts sector. The curriculum integrates traditional hand-making techniques with cutting-edge technologies such as laser cutting, waterjet cutting, 3D printing, and CAD/CAM. Students work with a diverse range of materials including ceramics, cold and kiln-formed glass processes, various metals, plastics, wood, resins, and textiles, allowing for broad material exploration. The program is delivered by established craft practitioners with international reputations, supported by an experienced technical team and enriched by a program of visiting lecturers and practitioners. It prepares graduates with a comprehensive knowledge base, practical skills, and innovative approaches to sustainable craft practices, fostering critical awareness and resourcefulness for the evolving field of design crafts.

Curriculum: The BA (Hons) Design Crafts: Glass, Ceramics and Jewellery curriculum at UWTSD is structured to provide a progressive and hands-on learning experience over three years. The first year establishes core design principles and fundamental skills across various materials and processes. Modules typically include "Ways of Thinking," "Ways of Perceiving," "Design and Make 1: Introduction to Ceramics, Glass and Jewellery," "Design and Make 2: 3D Thinking," "Professional Practice 1: Digital Era," 1 and "Professional Practice 2: Making Futures." This initial phase focuses on experimental and analytical approaches, encouraging students to develop drawing, design, and material skills through workshop-based projects. The second year ("Establishing Practice") encourages students to specialize in particular materials and processes, combining traditional approaches with new technologies through structured, often research-led or live projects, and exploring professional work experience opportunities. The final year ("Resolution of Practice") culminates in an advanced creative enquiry, where students fully realize their creative ambition through self-directed projects, focusing on innovative outcomes, professional portfolios, and the development of entrepreneurial skills for a self-sustaining practice. Assessments are varied, including portfolios, sketchbooks, project journals, 3D models, material samples, artefacts, and written assignments.  

Research Focus: The research focus within the BA (Hons) Design Crafts: Glass, Ceramics and Jewellery program at UWTSD is inherently applied and practice-based, centering on material exploration, innovative making processes, and the contextual understanding of contemporary craft. While not a traditional academic research degree, the curriculum strongly emphasizes students' ability to undertake investigative, experimental, and analytical approaches to their work. Through modules and particularly the culminating final year project, students are encouraged to conduct in-depth inquiries into areas such as sustainable craft practices, the use of waste materials (e.g., recycled glass), the integration of new technologies into traditional crafts, and the historical and theoretical contexts that underpin their creative practice. The program aims to develop reflexive practitioners who can critically evaluate their design choices, material applications, and the broader implications of their work within the design crafts field.

Industry Engagement: UWTSD places a significant emphasis on industry engagement within its BA (Hons) Design Crafts: Glass, Ceramics and Jewellery program, ensuring that graduates are well-prepared for professional careers. The program fosters strong links with leading designers, manufacturers, and the wider crafts sector through various initiatives. Students regularly work on "live briefs" and client-based scenarios, gaining invaluable experience with real-world projects. Opportunities for placements, internships, and residencies are embedded within the curriculum, providing direct exposure to professional practice. The program also benefits from a robust visiting lecturer series featuring established craft practitioners with international reputations, offering students insights into current industry trends and networking opportunities. Graduates are encouraged to participate in major craft and jewellery bodies' competitions and exhibitions, further building their professional profiles and industry connections.

Global Perspective: The BA (Hons) Design Crafts: Glass, Ceramics and Jewellery program at UWTSD inherently incorporates a global perspective by recognizing the international nature of design, craft, and artistic influence. The curriculum encourages students to explore diverse material and process practices, drawing inspiration from global craft traditions while also engaging with international contemporary design trends and sustainable practices relevant to a globalized market. The program aims to develop designers and makers who can create work that resonates with international audiences and addresses universal challenges, such as the need for sustainable production and ethical material sourcing on a global scale. Furthermore, the reputation of the teaching staff and visiting lecturers, many with international recognition, exposes students to a global network of practitioners and ideas, preparing them to contribute to the international craft and design community.