Contemporary Design Crafts (Top Up)

The role of craft is continually evolving. As society rethinks our relationship with the planet and the impact of throwaway culture, the origin, quality and meaning of objects in our lives have never been more significant. Be part of the crafts resurgence that is committed to shaping a better future. Develop a personally sustainable practice, rooted in material understanding, drawing the best of the past but passionate for innovation. Think with your hands as well as your brain.

You will be encouraged to challenge the traditional notions of design craft, by investigating a wide variety of processes and exploring new ways of working with materials, objects and ideas. We support collaborative working across a range of disciplines, understanding how this can lead to exciting innovation and prepare students to forge new paths as independent makers, designers and entrepreneurs or carry craft values and practice into different fields of employment.

This one-year top up course blends new design principles and an innovative approach to process, together with material knowledge and craft skills developed through hands-on making.

You will explore an ongoing dialogue between materials, process and ideas whilst advancing your skills within our specialist workshops. With regular sessions in wood, metal, ceramic and textiles you will develop expertise in key making practices.

You will be invited to respond to a rich and varied range of subjects including cultural, ethical and environmental issues. By taking part in a series of external projects you will improve your ability to create objects within a professional and critically reflective framework.

What we provide

• This is a practice based degree with plenty of time in workshops.

• Individual design spaces with excellent access to teaching staff.

• Masterclasses with leading craft professionals.

• A programme of visiting lecturers from around the world bringing cutting edge practice to HCA students.

• Final year students have exhibited at high profile graduate showcase exhibitions in London such as New Designers.

• Bespoke professional practice modules concerning post programme goals, including business planning, marketing and work placement.

• Collaborations with Hay Festival, National Trust, Hereford Cathedral, New Designers, Herefordshire Council, Made by Hand Contemporary Craft Festival, HARC Archive Service and more.

Applicants to this course will need to have already achieved a UK based level 5 qualification such as a Foundation Degree (FdA) or HND in a related subject (evidence of prior learning will need to be provided).

Course Modules

Year 1 (level 6) - Practice in Context 3 (20 Credits), Practice 5 (30), Practice 6 (60), Professional Practice 2 (10)