Contemporary Design Crafts

UCAS code: W900

Here's what Hereford College of Arts says about its Contemporary Design Crafts course.

The role of craft is continually evolving. As society rethinks our relationship with the planet and the impact of throwaway culture, the origin, quality and meaning of objects in our lives have never been more significant. Be part of the crafts resurgence that is committed to shaping a better future. Develop a personally sustainable practice, rooted in material understanding, drawing the best of the past but passionate for innovation. Think with your hands as well as your brain.

You will be encouraged to challenge the traditional notions of design craft, by investigating a wide variety of processes and exploring new ways of working with materials, objects and ideas. We support collaborative working across a range of disciplines, understanding how this can lead to exciting innovation and prepare students to forge new paths as independent makers, designers and entrepreneurs or carry craft values and practice into different fields of employment.

This course blends new design principles and an innovative approach to process, together with material knowledge and craft skills developed through hands-on making. You will explore an ongoing dialogue between materials, process and ideas whilst advancing your skills within our specialist workshops. With regular sessions in wood, metal, ceramic and textiles you will develop expertise in key making practices.

You will be invited to respond to a rich and varied range of subjects including cultural, ethical and environmental issues. By taking part in a series of external projects you will improve your ability to create objects within a professional and critically reflective framework.

Materials and making is core to much of what we do. Our workshop facilities provide you with the space to think, question and develop ideas. You will gain a solid grounding in making skills, with expert guidance from our workshop team. Our workshops represent the foundation for learning new skills and processes.

You will have the opportunity to collaborate across a range of disciplines, leading to deeper understanding and exciting innovations. As part of the process of defining your practice as a maker you will also be encouraged to develop your critical thinking skills and contextual knowledge, through thought-provoking critical studies sessions, Throughout the course, you will be encouraged to challenge and push boundaries to explore new realms in craft and design.

Industry Links

Over your three years of study, you will be given the opportunity to develop your professional networks through a variety of collaborations, live briefs and industry experience. We have worked with the Hay Festival, National Trust, Hereford Cathedral and Made by Hand Contemporary Craft Festival. With access to some of the most exciting makers and thinkers working within the world of design and craft today, you will gain the knowledge to develop and apply your skills across a wide variety of different contexts.

After this Course

You will be fully equipped with the skills and experience to become a self- employed designer-maker and follow a portfolio career path. Our graduates also find employment within the creative sector, pursuing careers within both contemporary and traditional craft industries. Graduate destinations frequently include cultural sector employment, arts administration, curation, museum and heritage, postgraduate study and teaching.

Highlights

• This is a practice-based degree with plenty of time in workshops.
• Individual design spaces with excellent access to teaching staff.
• Masterclasses with leading craft professionals.
• A programme of visiting lecturers from around the world bringing cutting edge practice to HCA students.
• Final year students have exhibited at high profile graduate showcase exhibitions in London such as New Designers.
• Bespoke professional practice modules concerning post programme goals, including business planning, marketing and work placement.

From your first day at HCA you will work as a creative, developing your skills and your own voice through a series of projects. You will develop your creative practice, practical skills alongside your critical awareness and theoretical knowledge. You will study a range of modules that build your knowledge and confidence and total 120 credits each year.

YEAR ONE: Practice in Context 1 (20 Credits), Practice 1? (30), Practice 2 (30), Foundations for Learning? (20). Skills 1? (20)

YEAR TWO: Practice in Context 2? (20), Practice 3? (30), Practice 4 (30), Professional Practice 1? (20), Skills 2? (20)

YEAR THREE: Practice in Context 3? (20), Practice 5? (30), Practice 6 (60), Professional Practice 2? (10)