This module will enable you to actively engage in a programme of negotiated personal research and development to explore aspects of ceramic practice for which you have a stated personal commitment.

You will originate and develop your own project proposal and negotiate this with your course leader/supervisor. You should carefully propose and structure this body of work to directly reflect your own abilities and potential professional career aspirations, and therefore your expected area of specialism.

It will provide an opportunity and environment where you can substantially develop your creative ability within a particular context of ceramic, design and industrial practices as appropriate.

You will continue to develop an appropriate market awareness and an informed location or context for your work and for subsequent academic study. Your work should demonstrate self-management together with the effective integration of other course content, particularly, related business, professional, theoretical and research issues.

It serves to create a platform of experimentation and prototype work which can be further developed, if appropriate, to a higher level and formal conclusion in the Masters Project.

Assessment 1: Coursework

You are expected to demonstrate an iterative, research-informed design process through sketchbooks, notebooks, maquettes, and a digital portfolio. Work should evidence the development of original ideas in response to the brief, supported by exploration of materials, processes, and techniques.

Evidence of contextual understanding must be included, showing how the work is informed by relevant historical and contemporary ceramics, design, art and other creative disciplines as appropriate.

Final submissions should include developed ceramic pieces, supported by testing, development work, and clearly articulated indication of conclusion.

Assessment 2: Presentation

You will present your design proposals and outcomes to a professional standard, clearly communicating the rationale, process, and indication of resolution for your work.

Presentations should demonstrate the ability to articulate decisions, reflect on the development of the work, and situate outcomes within an appropriate contextual and professional framework.

You are expected to respond to questions, demonstrating clarity of communication and depth of understanding.

Formative Assessment:

Midway formative feedback will be embedded within practical sessions, providing structured opportunities for feedback on work-in-progress to support your development and progression.

The learning activity is centred on project based independent study. This is supported by a range of learning strategies including lectures, peer-to-peer learning in group seminars and one-to-one tutorials. Outside of timetabled sessions, you are expected to arrange and utilise workshops and facilities appropriate to your selected area of research.

1. Define and undertake a coherent programme of self-directed art and design research and development aligned to your personal and professional objectives.

Research Skills
Personal Development and Entrepreneurship

2. Formulate and resolve complex creative problems through the development of original, evidence-based outcomes, demonstrating critical reasoning and engagement with feedback where appropriate.

Application & Problem Solving
Critical Reasoning & Collaboration

3. Demonstrate a systematic understanding of contemporary ceramic and creative practices, situating your work within relevant professional, cultural, and societal contexts.

Knowledge and Understanding

4. Present your work to a professional standard, critically articulating and reflecting on your process, decisions, and outcomes through appropriate visual, and verbal formats.

Communication
Reflection

Classroom sessions
Ceramic workshops
3D CAD software
2D CAD software
Student Life https://www.youtube.com/@uniofstaffsstudentlife/videos
University Careers https://staffs.careercentre.me/Members
University Library https://libguides.staffs.ac.uk/library
Blackboard Virtual Learning Environment will support this module where relevant
Specialist Spaces etc.
Smart Zone
CAD Labs
Print Bureau
Betty Smithers Design collection

Adamson, G. (2019) Thinking through craft. London: Bloomsbury Publishing PLC.

Beam, L.S. (2022) The creative entrepreneur : a DIY visual guidebook for making business ideas real. Beverly, Massachusetts: Quarry Books.

Creswell Bell, A. (2017) Clay. Fisherman’s Bend: Thames and Hudson (Australia) Pty Ltd.

Dunne, A. and Raby, F. (2014) Speculative everything : design, fiction, and social dreaming. 1st ed. Cambridge, Massachusetts: The MIT Press.

O’Reilly, D. and Kerrigan, F. (2010) Marketing the arts : a fresh approach. London: Routledge.

Where older texts are included, they are retained as foundational texts within the discipline, remaining relevant where no more recent equivalent texts are available.

Trade periodicals, for example, Tableware International, Elle Decor, World of Interiors, and as appropriate websites and design blogs (examples below);

https://www.ceramicreview.com
http://ceramicartlondon.com
https://www.thedesigntrust.co.uk
https://www.craftscouncil.org.uk
https://www.dezeen.com/

How can you push the boundaries of contemporary ceramic practice?

In this module, you will define and negotiate your own project brief, developing a self-directed programme of research aligned to your career aspirations. Through experimentation, testing, and critical analysis, you will explore and refine a specialist area of practice.

You will situate your work within relevant professional, cultural, and market contexts while developing your ability to manage a sustained project independently. This module encourages risk-taking and innovation, creating a platform for experimental work that can inform and progress into your Masters Project.