The acquisition of generic and subject specific skills aimed to further knowledge and understanding of ceramic materials, processes and their creative application.

Traditional and digital tools aligned with industrial ceramic practices, will be introduced to aid the origination, iterative development, and resolution of creative ideas. This includes appropriate health, safety and environmentally sustainable industry practices.

You will be informed by a themed project brief which promotes the importance of interdisciplinary research from a broad range of historical and contemporary contexts - ensuring critical rigour and in-depth analysis is embedded throughout the creative decision-making process.

Introduction to self-directed research serves to nurture responsibility through independent learning.

Individuals will begin to develop a greater understanding of where their creative practice is located within wider social, commercial, and cultural frameworks.

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 your reflection on 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 resolved ceramic pieces, supported by testing, development work, and clearly articulated conclusions.

Assessment 2: Presentation

You will present your design proposals and outcomes to a professional standard, clearly communicating the rationale, process, and final resolution of 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 module will include technical introductions in a range of practical ceramic techniques, guided practice sessions, lectures, 3D CAD workshops and one-to-one tutorials in order to provide you with both the opportunity to develop and expand your ceramic practice and an introduction to self-guided study.

1. Formulate and resolve a ceramic design brief by generating original, evidence-based outcomes, demonstrating critical reasoning through the development and realisation of your work.

Application & Problem Solving

2. Evaluate and apply appropriate traditional and digital ceramic processes and visual communication methods to develop and present a resolved project portfolio and outcomes, demonstrating a systematic understanding of materials and professional practice.

Digital Literacy
Knowledge and Understanding

3. Communicate design proposals verbally and visually to a professional standard, critically articulating and reflecting on your work, decisions, and outcomes.

Reflection
Communication

4. Locate your ceramic practice within a specific context, informed by a systematic understanding of historical and contemporary ceramic practices relevant to your area of interest.

Knowledge and Understanding

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

Bloomfield, L., Pryke, S, (2023) Design and Create Contemporary Tableware: Making Pottery You Can Use, Herbert Press.

Morris, Tom, (2018), New Wave Clay: Ceramic Design, Art and Architecture, Frame Publishers.

Johnson, L. (2017) Digital Handmade: Craftsmanship and the New Industrial Revolution, Thames and Hudson Ltd.

Taylor, Louisa, (2025), The Ceramics Bible: The Complete Guide to Materials and Techniques, Chronicle Books

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 do you develop a meaningful ceramic practice within today’s creative and professional contexts?

In this module, you will explore ceramic materials, processes, and techniques through a combination of traditional and digital approaches. You’ll respond to a themed brief, developing ideas through research, experimentation, and iteration. Alongside practical making, you will investigate historical and contemporary contexts to better understand where your work sits within wider social, cultural, and commercial frameworks.

This module supports your development as an independent, reflective practitioner, preparing you for advanced study and professional creative practice.