Course - National Certificate in Ceramics, Jewellery or Glass

Comments about Course - National Certificate in Ceramics, Jewellery or Glass - At the institution - Kensington and Chelsea - Greater London

• Entry requirements
  What background and qualifications do you need to join? We are looking for people who can demonstrate commitment and enthusiasm and have competent skills in their chosen specialism, equivalent to Level 2. At interview you will need to show samples of your recent 3D work plus sketchbooks and design work. When we have received your application we will invite you to an interview to talk about your work and your future plans. If you feel you do not have sufficient recent work but are still interested in the course, send in your application anyway. We may be able to suggest a preparatory programme or advise you of a suitable alternative. You will need to have basic skills in written and spoken English though language support is available for those who need it.
• Academic title
  National Certificate in Ceramics, Jewellery or Glass
• Course description

  Course Description

  This intensive one year course will provide you with the necessary confidence and skill to develop as a creative Designer-Maker and progress onto more advanced courses or higher education. Through practical projects in specialist well-equipped studios, you will gain an understanding of the design process and how ideas are generated and realised into 3-dimensional work. Guided by a team of tutors / professional designers, you will explore a variety of materials, acquire new technical skills and gain a contextual, historical and critical understanding of the design world. Previous experience is required. The course is accredited by BTEC.

  What does the course lead to?

  On successful completion you will gain a BTEC National Certificate in Design Crafts which will support your entry to University or to our HNC - Professional Development Course at Level 5.

  What does the course involve?

  This is an intensive one year course which offers options in Ceramics, Glass or Jewellery.

  You will be asked to choose your area of specialism at interview, so that we can allocate you to the relevant specialist studio. There you will be working for a minimum of two days per week, learning new technical skills, exploring materials and producing experimental and finished work. On the third day, together with the rest of the group, you will either be working in the design studio, developing skills for the generation of new design ideas, or continuing your practical work in the studios.

  The program aims to prepare you either for more advanced courses or University in your chosen specialism.

  The course consists of 12 BTEC Units which cover:

      * Visual research and the generation of ideas

      * Design development and problem solving

      * Craft skills and use of a broad range of materials, techniques and process in your chosen specialist area.

      * Historical and contextual studies in art, craft and design

      * Professional Practice

  The design projects undertaken are of various nature and length, and increase in complexity during the course of the year to extend creativity, independence and the ability to present oneself and personal work with confidence. Students are encouraged to be critical and analytical of their own and other’s work, providing means to question and debate.

  During the course you will be introduced to the thriving Design and Craft scene in London through visits to galleries and museums.  You will be taught by practising designers and makers in well equipped specialist studios.

  The course will culminate in a final major project and a college exhibition.

  Teaching methods include formal instruction, hands on practical work and demonstrations, lectures, visits, seminars, discussions, pair and group work. There will be assessments each term and your grades will be discussed with you.

  You will have a personal tutor who will offer advice, guidance and feedback and will steer you through the processes of applying to HE or further study.

  How much should I study outside class?

  You will need to spend some time working outside college time. This work could include: independent research, some sketch-book and drawing work and some of the written research tasks. You will also need to visit galleries and exhibitions.

  16 to 18 years old students will be offered Key Skills, if required and will be encouraged to join enhancement courses to support their studies.

  How is the course assessed?

  There will be assessments each term and your grades will be discussed with you. Some units will be externally assessed.

  You will have a personal tutor who will offer advice, guidance and feedback and will steer you through the processes of applying to HE or further study.

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