Full Time 3 Month Ceramic Development Course

Clips from our 2021 Full-Time Student's interviews

Our 2020 Full-Time Students Final show on ZOOM

Course Dates: 20th April - 26th July 2026

Deadline for application: 5th January 2026

Aimed at aspiring potters wanting to discover their identity as ceramists, their distinct style and preferred materials.

The course..

Maximum number of students - 8

Course length - 3 months

Times: 9.30am – 4pm

Supported learning hours - 19 hours a week mostly mornings

Private study hours – 8 hours a week

Students have access to the studio anytime

Total expected study hours a week – 30 hours

Fees - £5950

Accommodation costs are not included

Graduates..

Course Aims

To give potters the time, space, materials and equipment to really explore new processes in the development of their work and style.

To give them the confidence and skills needed to set up their own studio and to exhibit and sell their work.

Support Tutor : Gillian Goldfarb

Visiting Artists

Students will learn from a team of practising ceramicists.

We will also be inviting some of the country's leading potters to share their expertise and knowledge.

This year we have:

Ben Davies - Introducing his Nerikomi techniques
John Higgins - Experimenting with combining techniques and pushing boundaries
- Sharing her inventive approach to making sculptural forms
Patia Davis - Sharing her skills on the potter's wheel and slip decorating techniques
Chloe Monks - Glaze development and chemistry
Craig Underhill - Sharing his extensive decorating and hand building techniques

Being practitioners all our lecturers understand both the problems surrounding the creative process and what it takes to become a successful artist, supporting you professionally with marketing, pricing, finance and social media.

Work by Adele Hammond

Qualification

As yet the course is not accredited but graduates will be presented with a certificate of completion from the School, including a summary of their experience and referencing the contributing artists.

Students are not given grades but during individual tutorials will be constructively critiqued. Deadlines for completing projects will be important and help to deepen their exploration and development.

Maintaining excellent attendance, timekeeping and a respect for other people and the working environment will be expected.

Work by Nicky Cook

Topics

Surface Treatments and Clay Types
Design and Concept Development
Hand Building
Throwing
Glazing and Glaze Technology
Firing Methods
Studio Management
Basic Plaster Mould Making
Professional Development

Assessment – Qualification

As yet the course is not accredited but graduates will be presented with a certificate of competition from the School, including a summary of the course content.

Students are not given grades but during individual tutorials will be constructively critiqued and encouraged. Deadlines for completing projects will be important and help to deepen their exploration and development.

The final show is an important opportunity for each graduate to; present their work, receive feedback, make contacts, sell and take commissions. Plus working towards the show gives them invaluable experience of the pressures of deadlines.

Maintaining excellent attendance, timekeeping, and respect for other people and the working environment will be expected.

Teaching Methods

Teaching methods will include group and individual tutorials to discuss ideas and clarify concepts. Individual projects will be set that are specifically designed to encourage students to creatively explore and engage with their chosen themes and interests.

As well as demonstrations, talks and outings, tutors would be on hand to help and provide support most days.

Students will be encouraged to explore what inspires them in their enviourment. If it be a piece of architecture, a pebble found on the beach or a rusty drain cover, it will help them to establish their own ideas and pathways to follow. They will also be encouraged to take risks and rise to creative challenges to really explore different working methods and the materials.

They will be expected to manage their own space, recycle clay, mix up glazes and pack and fire the kilns. Keeping a sketchbook to work through ideas, recording results and take notes will be essential. Familiarizing themselves with the history of studio ceramics, visiting galleries and following favored artists on social media will be important.

Outside kiln site

Opening the gas kiln

Made by Sophie Deegan

Monthly Breakdown

Phase 1 – Introduction to techniques that students may have limited knowledge of, to open up new possibilities of exploration.

Phase 2 – Students decide on a personal focus in their work.

Phase 3 - Students work on producing a body of work that shows a strong direction and character for a final exhibition, a celebration of their development and the start of their professional careers as Potters.

We will continue to mentor and support them in their journey ahead.

Facilities, Materials and Working Environment

We have a fully equipped studio including 8 electric wheels, electric and gas kilns, and we can: Raku, Saggar and Pit Fire. Plus cover Oxidation and Reduction Firings.

Materials will be ordered depending on students requirements.

There is a kitchen for your use. to prepare lunches etc

Listening to the views of students

Student feedback is important and is obtained through project evaluation forms.

All feedback will be taken seriously and responded to as necessary.

Enrolment Process

Apply online using the application form below.

Applicants should have a strong collection of ceramic pieces, sketchbooks, and any supporting material. They should show a passion and commitment to following a career in Ceramics.

All applicants will be contacted mid February

Interviews will be via skype and successful applicants will be informed by the end of February

Application Form