T Level
Course Overview
This T Level in Craft and Design with a focus on Ceramics is a practical and industry-aligned qualification that enables you to develop specialist skills in ceramic techniques, materials, and production processes. You will explore both traditional and contemporary approaches to ceramics, while building a solid foundation in design principles, visual communication, and contextual understanding.
In the first year, you will focus on core concepts across the craft and design sector, including health and safety, sustainability, digital design, and project planning. Through taught sessions, guided assignments and practical workshops, you will begin to specialise in ceramic methods such as hand-building, throwing, and glazing. In the second year, you will undertake an occupational specialism in Ceramics, where you will refine your skills through self-directed projects, technical demonstrations, and an employer-led industry placement. You will also develop your professional portfolio and gain real-world experience of working in a creative industry environment.
ASSESSMENT
- Technical Qualification: 80% (100% External Assessment)
- Industry Placement: 20%
- Awarding Body: Pearson
COURSE CONTENT
- Core Knowledge & Skill: Understanding of the craft and design industry
- Industry Placement: Real-world experience in a relevant workplace
- Focused technical training and design practice such as: Hand-building (pinch, coil, slab), Wheel-throwing and turning, Mould-making and slip casting, Surface decoration and glazing techniques, Kiln preparation and firing (oxidation, reduction), Functional and sculptural ceramics, Design development and visual research, Health and safety in a ceramic studio, Contextual studies and sustainability in craft
BEGIN – IS THIS COURSE RIGHT FOR ME?
This course is perfect for students with a genuine interest in exploring clay as a creative medium. You’ll be encouraged to visit exhibitions, galleries, and craft fairs to gather inspiration, as well as research influential ceramicists such as Grayson Perry, Magdalene Odundo, Edmund de Waal, or Lucie Rie. Keeping a sketchbook with drawings, textures, colour palettes, and ideas will help you develop your personal style and creative voice.
BELONG – WHY STUDY THIS WITH US?
Studying Ceramics here means learning in a hands-on, creative environment with access to excellent facilities and expert guidance. You’ll benefit from exciting trips to places such as the V&A Museum in London and the British Ceramics Biennial in Stoke-on-Trent, alongside workshops and talks from professional ceramicists, designers, and curators.
Through live project briefs, industry feedback, and partnerships with local and national ceramics businesses, you’ll gain valuable insights into both the creative and commercial sides of ceramics. You’ll also have the opportunity to showcase your work through exhibitions and collaborative projects.
BEYOND – WHERE CAN THIS COURSE TAKE ME?
Ceramics offers pathways into higher education, apprenticeships, and employment across the creative industries. Many students progress to degree-level study in subjects such as Ceramic Design, 3D Design, Applied Arts, or Craft and Materials Practice, often via an Art & Design Foundation Diploma.
Employment routes include roles as a studio assistant, ceramic technician, junior designer, or production assistant in craft manufacturing. Apprenticeships and studio-based training are also available, preparing you for careers in ceramics, craft, and design-related fields.
industry placement
Industry placement is a mandatory part of the T Level course and full certification of the T Level will not be possible without completing the industry placement. The industry placement is substantially longer than the traditional work experience and so should be significantly beneficial to you and the employer. You are expected to gain substantial technical training as required through your industry placement.
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