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Ceramics in Expanding Practice – BA (Hons)

  • CAO Points: N/A

  • Campus: Clare Street, Limerick City

  • years: 3


Course Overview

The BA (Hons) Ceramics in Expanding Practice programme embraces inclusivity and diversity within contemporary ceramics and encourages innovation and risk taking in the realisation of ceramic and clay work. From functional object to sculpture, art to architecture, figurative to installation, studio to social practice, contemporary ceramics embrace an expanding spectrum of practice, engaging with a wide range of approaches across the fields of art and design. Ceramics in Expanding Practice has clay at its core but allows for the exploration and combining of other creative materials and processes that are relevant to the development of studio work. Examples include video, sound, lighting, digital fabrication, resins, a range of casting materials, wood, metal and more. 

This program nurtures students with a broad range of discipline specific and transferable skills that are 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 digital fabrication technologies, while being supported to innovate and establish their own individual creative voice as the next generation of artists, makers, and designers within this vibrant 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

  • Overview

    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. 

  • Ceramics 1

    Credits: 25

    The aim of this module is to develop student proficiency in the core skills for working in ceramics.

    1. Research
    2. Design Process
    3. Materials and Process
    4. Realisation of completed ceramic work
  • Critical And Contextual Studies 3

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to demonstrate the significance of twentieth century design and the contexts from which it emerges, providing students with models of analytical evaluation of the design (and art) of the period. To develop students’ critical engagement with significant developments within their practice. To develop students’ ability to participate in debate and discussion in relation to concepts presented in the course, to question contexts in which art/design is created and meanings produced, applying different approaches in the evaluation ideas and artworks/artefacts relevant to a given topic.

  • Professional Practice Placement Exchange 1

    Credits: 5

    To initiate professional understanding through engagement with the professional world of practice and to begin to develop the following core skills essential to future practice.

    1. Career development
    2. Presentation skills
    3. Communication skills
    4. Studio skills
  • Ceramics 2

    The aim of this module is to progress student proficiency in the core skills for working in ceramics covering the following areas:

    • Research
    • Design Process
    • Materials and Process
    • Realisation of Completed Ceramic work
  • Critical and Contextual Studies 4

    The aim of this module is to demonstrate the significance of twentieth century and twenty-first century design and the contexts from which it emerges, providing students with models of analytical evaluation of the design of the period. To demonstrate a variety of methods of critical engagement with design, introducing the idea of an inter-disciplinary approach to the interpretation of design and visual culture from diverse periods. To assist students in situating their practice within appropriate contexts. To develop students’ ability to participate in debate and discussion in relation to concepts presented in the course, to question contexts in which design is created and meanings produced, applying different approaches in the evaluation of ideas and artefacts relevant to a given topic.

  • Professional Practice Placement Exchange 1

    Credits: 5

    To initiate professional understanding through engagement with the professional world of practice and to begin to develop the following core skills essential to future practice.

    1. Career development
    2. Presentation skills
    3. Communication skills
    4. Studio skills
  • Overview

    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.

  • Ceramics 3

    Credits: 20

    The aim of this module is to further develop and strengthen the students proficiency and independence in the core skills for contemporary ceramic practice.

    1. Research
    2. Design Process
    3. Materials and Process
    4. Realisation of Completed Ceramic work
  • Professional Practice Placement Exchange 2

    Credits: 5

    This module will immerse the student in further identifying and self-directing towards pathways of individual professional interest through active engagement with relevant areas of professional practice, placement or exchange.

    This module includes:

    1. Research and preparation towards securing industry placement in PPE3.
    2. Active participatory role as part of the group exhibition committee.
    3. Preparation towards Erasmus where relevant.
    4. Developing proficiency of studio skills in preparation for placement/exchange.
    5. Summary Sheets.
  • Critical And Contextual Studies (Design) 5

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to facilitate debate and discussion in relation to concepts presented in the module. To develop the students’ ability to analyse and evaluate contexts in which art and design practices evolve and meaning are produced largely from the viewpoint of the practicing artist and designer.

  • Ceramics 4

    Credits: 5

    The aim of this module is to further develop and strengthen the students proficiency and independence in the core skills for contemporary ceramic practice.

    1. Research
    2. Design Process
    3. Materials and Process
    4. Realisation of Completed Ceramic work
  • Critical And Contextual Studies (Design) 6

    Credits: 5

    The module will further the independent learning skills of the student. It will extend the students’ ability to generate and sustain critical debate in relation to a specified topic of personal interest. It will foster transferable skills in research, planning, analysis and communication. It allows students a testing ground for the formats for delivery available to them in year four before embarking on their final year project.

  • Professional Practice Placement Exchange 3

    Credits: 20

    This module will immerse the student in further identifying and self-directing towards pathways of individual professional interest through active engagement with relevant areas of professional practice, placement or exchange. Students complete both placement and practice for a total of 30 credits, with the option of Erasmus in place of both.

    Semester one includes individual student preparation towards industry placement and active participatory role as part of the group exhibition committee.

  • Overview

    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 conceptsThere 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. 

  • Ceramics 5

    Credits: 20

    The aim of this module is to begin to develop a self-directed body of work through increasingly independent practice applying skills relevant to contemporary ceramic practice.

    1. Research
    2. Design Process
    3. Materials and Process
  • Critical And Contextual Studies 7

    Credits: 10

    The aim of this module is to devise a substantial, self-directed academic research project within the field of visual culture, allowing for the student to build on their core skills in research, writing and critical analysis. It allows for students to select a topic area of their choice and tease out a contributory line of inquiry within. Individual one-to-one tutorials support students in their learning and help them to synthesise their findings from a range of source material, which have been considered in depth. This module provides our students with transferable skills applicable across all LSAD undergraduate programmes.

  • Ceramics 6

    Credits: 30

    The aim of this module is to produce a self-directed body of contemporary ceramic work, evidencing appropriate skill levels for this stage, informed by and directed towards its relevant professional context.

    1. Design Process
    2. Materials and Process
    3. Realisation of completed ceramic work
    4. Professional Context
  • Critical And Contextual Studies 7

    Credits: 10

    The aim of this module is to devise a substantial, self-directed academic research project within the field of visual culture, allowing for the student to build on their core skills in research, writing and critical analysis. It allows for students to select a topic area of their choice and tease out a contributory line of inquiry within. Individual one-to-one tutorials support students in their learning and help them to synthesise their findings from a range of source material, which have been considered in depth. This module provides our students with transferable skills applicable across all LSAD undergraduate programmes.

What can you do after this programme?

Job categories include:
  • Artist
  • Designer maker
  • Studio potter
  • Sculptor
  • Model maker
  • Teacher
  • Technician
  • Researcher
  • Curator
  • Culture sector

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.