Contemporary Crafts BA(Hons)

Why study BA(Hons) Contemporary Crafts at University College Falmouth?

BA(Hons) Contemporary Crafts course leaflet (1.53 MB)

If you'd like to work on community and public arts projects, or secure commissions for one-off pieces or batch production, studying BA(Hons) Contemporary Crafts at Falmouth can help you realise your potential as a designer. Former students have exhibited at the Designers Guild, the Milan Furniture Fair, Chelsea Flower Show and the Royal Cornwall Museum.

Today's vibrant design culture employs craft skills more widely than ever before, exploiting both traditional processes and digital technologies. Contemporary crafts are evolving rapidly and Falmouth is at the forefront, providing the facilities and technology, knowledge and experience to allow you to develop exciting and original approaches to design and making.

University College Falmouth is working closely with the Design Council on Design of the Times (DOTT) Cornwall; a programme where professional designers work. with stakeholders and communities to tackle social, economic and environmental issues from the bottom up.

Our students and graduates get the chance to work alongside senior design professionals on DOTT projects as part of internships and work placements.

Tell me more about the BA(Hons) Contemporary Crafts course

Contemporary Crafts at Falmouth will help you find your own path and break new ground. You'll learn how to see design concepts through from idea to final product, developing a diverse range of skills and working with both traditional and revolutionary techniques, from maquette making to computer-aided design (CAD). You'll gain a solid grasp of the core principles of design through the manipulation of materials, as well as a broad range of related craft skills - helping you to develop your creative ideas.

Many Contemporary Crafts lecturers are practising designer-makers with experience across the whole spectrum of design, giving you expert support and tuition as well as professional know-how. You'll become involved in live projects with businesses, galleries and community groups to help you gain insight and make invaluable industry contacts.

Our Design Centre houses world-class facilities, including the latest prototyping machines and laser cutters, as well as a five-axis milling machine. There's also an ICT teaching suite, purpose-built studios and specialist workshops. You'll have access to a range of expertise, as well as the opportunity to share ideas across disciplines and work collaboratively.

The BA(Hons) Contemporary Crafts course is delivered through Study Blocks which include Model & Mould Making, Site Specifics, Historical & Cultural Studies, Identity & Audience and Conceptual & Critical Development. Project work is supported by lectures, demonstrations, field trips, professional experience and focus groups, seminars and tutorials.

With its innovative and flexible approach, exceptional facilities, a passionate and experienced staff and ample opportunities to experiment and discover your own artistic voice, BA(Hons) Contemporary Crafts at Falmouth will help you push the boundaries of existing practice.

"Events such as Collect at the V&A, Grayson Perry winning the Turner Prize and Chilhully at Kew all contribute to the ever increasing profile and respectability of the Crafts as a contemporary creative field. As an industry, modern crafts is multi-faceted, supporting many small businesses in the UK and sustaining the desires of both serious collectors and the casual shopper; this is the backdrop for the course and it's up to you to push the boundaries even further." Jason Cleverly, Course Leader

Facilities

Our impressive Design Centre includes:

• Rapid prototyping machines
• Laser cutters
• Five-axis milling machine
• Kilns for ceramics and glass
• Purpose built studios and workshops
• ICT Teaching Suite

Course outline

Level 1

• Foundations for the Learning Environment
• Model & Mould Making; Materials, Technologies & Production
• Rotational Forming & Cutting
• Introduction to Place, Identity & Cultural Production
• Sheet Material Construction, Assembly & Surface Finishes
• Negotiated Group Work
• Craft / Art / Design in Industrialised Society

Level 2

• Identity and Audience
• Modernist Issues & Identity
• Cross Programme &/or Negotiated Project
• Development Through Practice
• Contemporary Practice & Theory

Level 3

• Conceptual & Critical Development
• Material Practice
• Professional Practice

Answers and advice about the course

If you have any queries about the course please visit our HelpMe Forum

HelpMe Forum: BA(Hons) Contemporary Crafts

For further information about BA(Hons) Contemporary Crafts at University College Falmouth, please email admissions@falmouth.ac.uk or telephone Admissions on 01326 214356.

Open Design: UCF for design tutors

Friday 12 November 2010

At our first Open Design event in February, Heads of Department and Pathway Leaders from Foundation level courses around the UK spent the day with design staff and students at University College Falmouth, learning more about our facilities and courses.

Click here for more information and to register for the next Open Design event

Profile events

Attendance at the 2007 Chelsea Flower Show

Career opportunities

The contemporary crafts course prepares you for freelance work and employment in craft-related businesses. You will learn how to undertake individual commissions, exhibitions and batch production processes. Graduates also go on to contribute to public and community arts projects, and further postgraduate study. Career opportunities include:

• Self-employment/freelance work
• Commissioned/one-off pieces or batch production processes
• Employment in craft-related businesses
• Community & public arts projects
• Teaching
• Postgraduate study

Course entry requirements

Foundation Diploma; or National Diploma, 14-19 Specialist Diploma, or other appropriate level 3 qualifications/experience.

For further information about BA(Hons) Contemporary Crafts at University College Falmouth, please email admissions@falmouth.ac.uk or telephone Admissions on 01326 214356.

Interview dates and selection process

Interviews will commence in February.

The interview will include a campus tour and an individual interview. Applicants will be expected to bring a portfolio of recent work, sketchbooks and developmental work plus finished work. If your examples of 3D work are too bulky to bring to interview, please photograph or record onto CD.

Location: Tremough Campus

Related courses

• 3D Design BA(Hons)
• Fine Art BA(Hons)