MA Ceramics

Program Overview

The MA Fine Art (Ceramics) at Bath Spa University cultivates individual artistic potential in a Fine Art context, encouraging experimentation, risk-taking, and collaborative relationships. With an interdisciplinary approach, the program emphasizes material exploration, challenging assumptions and fostering innovative practices in ceramics. Students develop their own practice strategy and work towards establishing a professional presence as artists in the art world.

Program Outline

The program encourages experimentation, risk-taking, and the establishment of your own practice strategy. You'll develop skills and knowledge through a combination of practice, research, and professional development. You'll also build collaborative relationships with other artists and develop transferable skills.

Outline:

The MA Fine Art (Ceramics) program runs over one year and is divided into three trimesters:

• Trimester One: You'll begin by challenging your creative processes, interrogating your existing knowledge, and developing skills in an environment that encourages playfulness and artistic risk-taking.
You'll have access to a wide variety of specialist facilities, open studio spaces, and technical workshops with expert support.
• Trimester Two: Building on the work from the first trimester, you'll maintain an experimental approach while narrowing your focus.
You'll evaluate your initial studio developments, refine your working strategy, and pay greater attention to the presentation of your practice. You'll also test how finished works relate to each other and to exhibition spaces.
• Trimester Three: You'll work in the studio with increasing independence as you establish a professional practice.
You'll devise and complete your Master's Project, working to a proposal that contextualizes your work within your specialist discipline and leads to your final Degree Show.

Course Modules:

The program includes or offers the following modules.

• Research Methods
• Theory and Professional Context
• Practice 1 (Fine Art)
• Research Practice
• Theory and Professional Practices
• Practice 2 (Fine Art)
• Masters Project

Assessment:

Your progress is evaluated throughout the course and at the end of each trimester through a mixture of:

• Exhibitions
• Verbal/visual presentations
• Research folders/blogs
• Written assignments

Teaching:

You'll learn through a variety of methods, including:

• Lectures
• Talks
• Taught sessions
• Individual and group tutorials
• Studio critiques and seminars
• Visiting lecturers and seminars with external professionals and internationally renowned designers and artists
For instance, Ceramics students might engage in debates with Sculpture or Textiles students. Technical Demonstrators, who manage the workshop facilities, provide teaching and support across a wide range of subject specialisms. Your learning is also supported by specialist librarians.

Careers:

The program provides you with the skills and knowledge to pursue a variety of careers in the art world, including:

• Ceramic artist
• Studio potter
• Gallery curator
• Art teacher
• Art critic
• Art historian

Other:

• The program offers opportunities for study abroad, fieldwork, and participation in competitions and awards.
• The program is located at the Locksbrook Campus, a Grade II listed building designed by Nicholas Grimshaw.
• The program provides access to comprehensive digital workshops and specialist art and design facilities, including:
• Specialist technical facilities across all of art and design.
• Access to studio space where you can work on projects and refine your practice and research.
• The program is one of only three Adobe Creative Campuses in the UK, providing all Bath Spa students with access to the full Adobe Creative Suite.

Annual tuition fee UK full time £9,520 UK part time £4,760 International full time £17,760