Ceramics Skills & Design - Letterfrack
This is a practice-led honours degree where you learn by making, specialising in production skills, clay and glaze technology, kiln theory and operation.
| Award Name | Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) |
|---|---|
| NFQ Classification | Major |
| Awarding Body | Atlantic Technological University |
| NFQ Level | Level 8 NFQ |
| Award Name | NFQ Classification | Awarding Body | NFQ Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Degree - Honours Bachelor (Level 8 NFQ) | Major | Atlantic Technological University | Level 8 NFQ |
Duration
3 years full-time.
On-Campus Attendance Requirement:
This is a full time programme and attendance at all classes is required.
Entry Requirements
Mature Applicants must be above the age of 23 on or before January the 1st of the application year.
The minimum entry requirements for non-mature applicants are:
• Leaving Certificate Entry Requirement:
6 subjects at O6/H7 which must include:
– 2 subjects at H5
– English or Irish at O6/H7
– Maths at O6/H7 or Foundation Maths at F2
• QQI/FET Major Award : Any award with 3 distinctions
• GCE/ A-level/ GCSE Entry Requirement:
6 distinct recognised GCSE/A-level subjects which must include:
2 A-levels at Grade C
and
4 other subjects at GCSE-level Grade C which must include:
– English or Irish
– and Maths
Entry to the BA (Hons) Ceramics Skills and Design will be by direct entry through ATU. After application, applicants are interviewed and asked to bring a portfolio/images of their work.
A panel will shortlist applicants based on this interview.
The shortlisted candidates will then attend a bench test held at the Design & Crafts Council Ireland’s Ceramics Centre of Excellence in Thomastown, Kilkenny.
12 – 16 students will be selected for the Course.
Criteria at the interview stage:
The panel is looking to identify talent, commitment and potential. The panel critically evaluates and identifies candidates who they feel will benefit from participating in the course and who have the necessary requirements to be a successful ceramic practitioner.
Careers / Further progression
Careers
Graduates of this programme are prepared for a wide range of careers within the ceramics and wider craft and design industries. Many progress to become independent ceramic artists or designer–makers, producing original work for galleries, retail outlets, and exhibitions. Others work in studio production environments, education, or in roles linked to design, product development, and batch manufacturing. The programme also equips graduates with strong entrepreneurial and professional skills, supporting pathways into self‑employment, creative business development, or further postgraduate study in related creative fields.
Progression
Following completion of the BA (Hons) in Ceramics Skills and Design, candidates are eligible to apply to an appropriate level 9 masters programme such as ATU’s MA in Creative Practice in Wellpark Road.
Further information
How to Apply
• Applications are submitted online by clicking the "Application Weblink" above. Apply Now button on the course webpage.
• Please complete all sections of the application form and upload all relevant information and supporting documentation. If you are unable to upload documentation, a member of our Admissions team will contact you by email to request it.
• Applications are assessed and eligible applicants will be invited to an interview. At interview, you will have the opportunity to talk through a portfolio of your creative work (this may include ceramics, drawing, making, or other relevant creative work).
• Shortlisted applicants will be invited to a bench test, which includes basic throwing and drawing exercises.
• Final selection is typically 12 to 16 students.
• On acceptance of an offer, applicants will be invited to register in due course.
Course Overview
This is a practice-led honours degree where you learn by making, specialising in production skills, clay and glaze technology, kiln theory and operation.
You will build high-level ceramics skills in the studio, supported by design thinking, research, drawing and professional practice.
You do not need previous ceramics experience. We welcome applicants with potential, curiosity and commitment. If you enjoy working with materials and making in 3D, this course can be a strong fit.
You will develop skills across making, materials and processes, including:
• Wheel throwing (from core forms through to confident production)
• Hand-building and mould-making, including jigger/jolly and press moulding
• Clay and glaze technology, testing, and basic recipe development
• Surface decoration such as slips, glazing, printing, lustres and decals
• Kiln theory and operation, using electric, gas and wood-fired kilns
Teaching is mostly practical and project-based. Most assessment is through studio work. Theory, history and research support your making and help you explain your decisions. Written work increases in later years, including a final-year dissertation linked to your practice.
In year 2, you complete a work placement or live project. This helps you gain real experience, build contacts and understand professional studio practice.
In the final year, you develop a personal body of work through a major Capstone Project, alongside professional preparation and a public graduate exhibition.
Throughout the programme, visiting guest lecturers with specialist expertise provide demonstrations and lectures; this ensures the high quality of specialist education and the employability of our graduates.
Graduates often go on to work as independent ceramic designer-makers, production potters, studio assistants or technicians, craft business owners, or in gallery and retail roles in craft and design. Some progress to postgraduate study.
The course is delivered at the DCCI Centre of Excellence in Thomastown, Co. Kilkenny.
Year 1
Pottery Production Techniques I Mandatory
Clay And Glaze Technology I Mandatory
Kiln Theory And Operation I Mandatory
Surface Treatments I Mandatory
Design History and Theory Mandatory
Design and Drawing Process Mandatory
Pottery Production and Studio Management Mandatory
Year 2
Pottery Production Techniques II Mandatory
Clay And Glaze Technology II Mandatory
Kiln Theory And Operation II Mandatory
Surface Treatments II Mandatory
Contemporary Practice Mandatory
Design Project Mandatory
Year 3
Semester 1:
Capstone Project (Ceramics) Mandatory
Year
Dissertation Mandatory
Design Communication Mandatory
Entrepreneurship and Professional Practice Mandatory
Design Development Mandatory
Learners are assessed by a variety of methods including practical exams, individual/group work, presentations, submissions of practical work and applied research in order to demonstrate that they have fulfilled the learning requirements of the programme.
For queries relating to the course: E: educationadmin@dcci.ie
For queries relating to the application: E: admissions@atu.ie