Craft

If you’re someone who loves making things, experimenting with materials, and exploring creative ideas through hands-on work, BA (Hons) Craft at Manchester Met is designed for you. The course welcomes students from all creative backgrounds and focusses on a thinking‑through‑making approach, helping you to develop your own artistic voice and to understand how objects shape the world around us.

You’ll explore the material world in practical, engaging ways, working with both traditional handmade techniques and modern digital tools. From ceramics and glass to metal, wood, and innovative digital processes, you’ll learn how to design and make objects that enhance everyday experiences. Experimentation sits at the heart of the programme, encouraging you to test ideas, try new materials, and discover what kind of maker you want to become.

You’ll also consider the bigger picture: how craft can respond to social issues, global challenges, and local communities through thoughtful, sustainable design. Throughout the degree, you’ll be supported by internationally practising artists and designers and work in vibrant open‑plan studios that encourage collaboration, creativity, and confidence.

At Manchester School of Art, our design courses are taught in vibrant, open studio spaces alive with energy and creativity. These dynamic environments foster cross-disciplinary collaboration, encouraging students to engage, experiment, and learn from one another within a culture of shared practice and innovation. Our studio environment provides the ideal setting to develop new ideas, refine skills, and push the boundaries of contemporary craft practice.

This course will be perfect if you’re a curious, hands‑on creator who wants to push boundaries, explore new possibilities, and shape the future of contemporary craft.

FEATURES AND BENEFITS

• Globally recognised — We are ranked in the top 100 schools for art and design in the world (QS World Rankings 2026).

• Workshops and labs — You'll have access to specialist facilities for ceramics, glass, metal, wood, and plastics, as well as cutting-edge digital tools such as CNC routing, bioplastic/clay and glass 3D printing, laser cutting, and a state-of-the-art virtual reality cave.

• Live projects — There will be regular live projects throughout the course. These have previously included working with Bury Art Museum, the Whitworth art gallery, The Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair and Manchester Craft and Design Centre.

• Study trips — You may have the chance to participate in study trips to major design cities. Recent destinations have included Berlin, the Venice Architecture Biennale, Milan Design Week, Copenhagen, and New York.

• International exchange — Students have previously participated in exchange visits to Canada, the USA and Europe to broaden their horizons and gain inspiration.

• Visiting expertise — You’ll have the chance to network with visiting artists and designers via lectures, projects and practical workshops.

• Design competitions and awards — We have success within design competitions - previous students have participated in awards such as the Cor-unum Ceramic Award, Pewter Live, Goldsmiths Student Awards and the Contemporary Glass Society Awards.