Why Study This Course?
Want to get creative with clay? This course introduces you to ceramic handbuilding techniques, whether you’re a complete beginner or have some experience. You’ll explore different clays, glazes, and decorating methods to create unique ceramic pieces, from functional items to sculptural art. This course will help you develop your artistic skills and express your creativity in a supportive environment. Please note there is an additional cost of approx. £50 – £100 for materials on this course.
This course introduces ceramic handbuilding techniques, suitable for both beginners and experienced ceramicists. You will:
Experiment with various clays, glazes, and decorating methods.
Create functional or sculptural forms.
Develop your skills and explore new possibilities in ceramics.
Unleash your creativity and personal expression.
This course covers:
Clay preparation and reclaim
Creating forms using soft slabs of rolled out clay
Designing your own pieces working with colour in the clay
Glazing various forms
Hand-building techniques such as pinching, coiling, slab working and using press moulds
Experimenting with decorating techniques such as glazing, slip painting and develop mark making techniques exploring the visual elements of line, texture, colour and shape
Developing a range of making techniques working using soft clay and leather hard clay and experiment with the visual elements using collage and decorating techniques for example printing on clay with under glaze and coloured slips
Resist decorating techniques with paper stencils and latex, and learn how to create interesting, glazed surfaces using multiple firings
Developing an awareness of historical and contemporary approaches in ceramics through learning about artists
This course introduces ceramic handbuilding techniques, suitable for both beginners and experienced ceramicists. You will:
Experiment with various clays, glazes, and decorating methods.
Create functional or sculptural forms.
Develop your skills and explore new possibilities in ceramics.
Unleash your creativity and personal expression.
To be eligible for this course you must be 19 or over on 31st August prior to the course start date.
Your progress will be assessed using Personal Learning Plans (PLPs) and regular discussions with your tutor. You'll track your practice through notes, photos, and tutor feedback, allowing you to gauge your progression and personal development throughout the course.
Clay MUST be purchased from the College Shop. The cost of slip, glazes and kiln firings is included in the price of the clay, which learners can purchase as required from the technicians' office (Art Shop, RAS 5). A range of clay types is available, and the tutor will advise which is most suitable for each project.
Learners taking part in glazing activities will require an FFP3 mask, which is also available to purchase from the technicians' office. Glazing takes place throughout the course in accordance with strict health and safety procedures.
Ceramic tools are provided. Finished pieces typically take around two weeks to dry and complete the bisque firing (the first firing), followed by a further one to two weeks after glaze firing before they are ready for collection.
Work exceeding 28cm (H) × 38cm (W) × 28cm (D) or weighing more than 5kg will incur an additional firing charge.
Learners are encouraged to keep a record of their work, either in a sketchbook or digitally, including photographs where appropriate. Records should include details such as the clay used, decorative techniques, glazes applied, firing temperatures and approximate dimensions of each piece.
No food or drink is allowed in the studio; a nearby hub area is available.
Please allow 15 minutes at the end of each class to tidy up.
Please note there is an additional cost of approximately £50 - £100 for materials on this course.
Please note that tutors may occasionally be changed at short notice. While teaching styles may vary, we ensure consistent quality across all of our courses. For this reason, a change of tutor does not qualify for a refund.