Product, Ceramics and Jewellery Design

The programme is delivered through four modules and associated learning experiences, each positioned to critically challenge and develop your specialist disciplinary practice at Masters level. The studio-based programme and teaching environment provides a diversity of teaching methods: lectures, seminars, technical workshops, peer-to-peer crits and individual tutorials all supporting your research, development and realisation of an individual design project(s).

Stages 1 & 2

Teaching methods will develop your subject knowledge, critical thinking, and technical and digital skills within your creative design practice. We encourage risk taking, encourage students to test discipline boundaries, to push their visual practice and ideas outside predetermined limits.

You will develop through Applied Practice Module appropriate methodologies and practice-based strategies in the development of your Design project. Students are introduced to relevant research methods and critical theory, in Critical Contextual Studies and Research Methods Module. Whilst core skills and knowledge needed to situate and promote your practice within a chosen professional or entrepreneurial setting are introduced by Professional Development & Creative Entrepreneurship Module.

Stage 3

Building on pervious stages you will develop work more independently with tutorial supervision, for the Masters Project Module. In the development and preparation of your Masters exhibition and associated dissertation, with both elements providing you with the opportunity to synthesise your specialist knowledge and understanding of Communication Design with course culminating in public exhibition.

Learning Methods

With access to dedicated studio space, support from dynamic and dedicated staff, the course provides a platform to move your practice forward, in an environment that encourages originality and independence. The main practice-based teaching strategies are delivered through:

• regular contact with MA Teaching staff and specialist subject tutor
• peer-to-peer group crits
• theoretical and entrepreneurial seminars & lectures
• visiting lectures by recognised researchers, artists & designers.
• Public Exhibition

Activity Summary

• Lectures - 20 students per group, 12 hours per term
• Seminars - 20 students per group, 12 hours per term
• Tutorial - 1-20 students per group, 6 hours per term
• Project Supervision - 1-5 students per group, 6 hours per term
• Demonstration - 1-5 students per group, 3-6 hours per term
• Practical class or workshop - 1-5 students per group, 3-6 hours per term
• Supervised time in studio / workshop - 1-20 students per group, 60 hours per term
• Independent Study -  270  hours per term
• External Visits - 20 students per group, 5 hours per term

How long is a Product, Ceramics and Jewellery Design course?

The total learning effort upon completion of this course is:

• 1 year (full time)
• 2 years (part time)

Independent Study

Postgraduate students are expected to play an active role in setting their own learning objectives and personal ambitions on the course. The course places great emphasis on the development of independent project based learning and professionalism. Your Masters year will afford you the opportunity reflect on your previous experiences and apply your specialist knowledge and skills, at an advanced and professional level of practice within your chosen route and/or specialism.

Staff Delivering on This Course

Our dedicated team of academic, research and technical staff have extensive knowledge and understanding of the field and come with a wide range of professional and specialist skills. Their experience and expertise will provide you with a deep understanding of the discipline at Masters level.

Our Professional Associates, LookAgain and industry experts all contribute to the programme in a variety of ways along with our Guest@Grays lecture programme which invites national and international practitioners and researchers - illustrators, artists designers, curators and photographers to speak about their work. The course works closely with the University’s Library, Study Skills and dedicated Careers Centre.

Assessment

Typically students are assessed:

• 1 written assignment, including essay
• 1 report
• 1 dissertation 
• 3 portfolios
• 2 project outputs
• 1 oral assessment
• 6 group critique
• 1 graduate showcase exhibition

Feedback

We aim to provide you with feedback within 20 working days of hand-in for all written exams, coursework and practical exams.

Independent Study

Postgraduate students are expected to play an active role in setting their own learning objectives and personal ambitions on the course. The course places great emphasis on the development of independent project based learning and professionalism. Your Masters year will afford you the opportunity reflect on your previous experiences and apply your specialist knowledge and skills, at an advanced and professional level of practice within your chosen route and/or specialism.

Academic Support

The Inclusion Centre advises and supports students who disclose a sensory or mobility impairment, chronic medical condition, mental health issue, dyslexia and other specific learning differences. Applicants are encouraged to arrange a pre-entry visit to discuss any concerns and to view the facilities.

Online Learning & Support

All undergraduate and postgraduate students, whether you are learning on campus or by online learning, benefit from using our collaborative virtual learning environment, CampusMoodle. You will be provided with 24/7 online access to your learning material and resources, along with the ability to interact with your class members and tutors for discussion and support.

Study Skills Support

The Study Support Team provides training and support to all students in:

• Academic writing
• Study skills (note taking, exam techniques, time management, presentation)
• Maths and statistics
• English language
• Information technology support

Library Support

The Library offers support for your course, including the books, eBooks, and journals you will need. We also offer online reading lists for many modules, workshops and drop-ins on searching skills and referencing, and much more.

Placements

The pathway has been designed to enable you to study and practice in context and offers you the opportunity to engage with several cultural partners such as Grampian Hospital Arts Trust, Peacock Visual Arts and Deveron Projects. You will be able to explore professional practice as part of the Networking and Creative Entrepreneurship module.

Individuals are responsible for finding a placement with support the from RGU placement office and/or academic staff and course leader.

Job Prospects

The MA Programme is designed to support you in further developing your subject-specific disciplinary expertise and skill sets needed to pursue a career in the creative and cultural sectors.

On completion of the Product, Ceramics and Jewellery Design pathway, you will have the experience to pursue a career as a professional designer, product design working in a team, 3-dimensional designer-maker, or related work within a role in the creative industries. 

The specialist subject experience and dedicated Creative Entrepreneurial Content offered by this Masters course will open up multiple employment opportunities across various roles:

• Designer within business settings
• Self-employed Product Designers 
• Designer-makers 
• Ceramicists 
• Jewellery Designers 

A number of our graduates have established their own design consultancies while others are working as freelance designers, in design product team and independent 3D artists and a number have extended their academic understanding through further study at PhD.

If you wish to pursue opportunities for further study towards a higher degree, Gray’s School of Art offers art and design research degrees both full time and part time at MPhil, MRes and PhD level.

What is needed to study MA Product, Ceramics and Jewellery Design ?

• Applicants will normally hold a 2:2 undergraduate honours degree or above in a relevant subject.
• Applicants with a lower degree classification and/or relevant work experience will be considered on a case by case basis.

English Language Requirements

Applicants whose first language is not English should have an IELTS of 6.5 overall, with no component lower than 5.5, or an equivalent.

We accept a variety of in-country and secure English language tests, find out more:

Please note, some courses may require a higher standard of English than stated in this page. Contact admissions@rgu.ac.uk for further information.

Additional Costs

• £75 Studio Fund per year – will be applied for students using ceramic and darkroom facilities.