Ceramics in Expanding Practice – BA (Hons)

CAO Points: N/A
Campus: Clare Street, Limerick City
years: 3

Course Code A8115
Level 8
Course Type Undergraduate – Add-Ons
Study Mode Full Time
Department Design

Course Overview

The (BA) Hons Ceramics in Expanding Practice embraces the inclusively and diversity within contemporary ceramic practice and encourages new ideas, intersections and risk taking in the conception and realisation of creative ceramic work. From utility to sculpture, object to architecture, figurative to installation, studio to community-based practice; contemporary ceramics has become an umbrella term, encompassing an expanding spectrum of practice and engaging with a wide range of conceptual and practical approaches across the fields of art and design.

This program nurtures students with a broad range of discipline specific and transferable skills, grounded in thinking through making and the transformative potential of material-based engagement. Students are exposed to an extensive range of creative practice through the combined development of traditional studio skills and cutting-edge technologies and are supported to innovate and establish their own individual creative voice as the next generation of artists, makers and designers within this vibrant, inclusive and contemporary field.

Contact Details

Programme Leaders

Email: CEPprogrammeleaders@tus.ie

What are the entry requirements?

Entry into Ceramics is by competition and selection during US800 First Year Art & Design (Common Entry).

Mature Applicants

Candidates applying as mature applicants may be required to attend an interview and may be requested to take an aptitude test to prove their suitability for a place on this programme.

International Applicants

International applicants should apply directly to the International Office at TUS, allowing plenty of time for completing the visa process. Applications for September start should be made by 1st June at the latest to ensure visas are processed in time. You should familiarise yourself with visa processing times for your country of origin to ensure you make a timely application. Find out more here.

Course Modules

Year 2

Introduces and develops the core skills of working with ceramics through studio briefs. These include fundamental processes such as hand-building, wheel throwing, plaster model and mould making, slip-casting, glazing and firing, alongside new technologies of digital design and fabrication such as 3D printing and laser cutting. These skills are supported by research and design development through weekly workshops, tutorials and group critique with staff. Students further develop their contextual engagement with contemporary ceramic practice through field trips, nationally and internationally.

Year 3

The emphasis in Year 3 is on developing an individual creative direction and builds on the core skills acquired in Year 2. Through increasingly self-directed briefs, students are encouraged to begin to recognise their desired area of specialisation. Engagement with Professional Practice is encouraged through work placement (nationally or internationally) and the organisation and implementation of an external group exhibition. Workshops continue in relevant ceramic processes, research and design strategies at advanced levels. During Year 3, students may opt to undertake a semester in another European institution through the Erasmus programme.

Year 4

Year 4 aims to prepare the student for their desired career path after college through a self-directed project and the specialisation of techniques and concepts. There is an emphasis on professional presentation, including concept development, presentation methods, photography, statement writing and a web presence. Ceramic techniques are taught at an advanced level and are specific to student needs. The year culminates in an exhibition of completed ceramic work, produced for the final examination and supported with the development of a professional online presence.

What can you do after this programme?

Career Opportunities

Further Study

Graduates are encouraged to explore numerous pathways following their Ceramics BA. Graduates are eligible to apply to Level 9 and 10 postgraduate programmes within LSAD and elsewhere.