Ceramics & Glass (Applied Art)
Located within NCAD’s School of Fine Art, Ceramics & Glass (Applied Art) at NCAD embraces diverse creative practices including design interests, the crafted objects to that of the art installation. There is a focus on ceramics and glass, but also in the silicate related materials that align with contemporary contexts challenge our relationships to objects, surfaces, light and space, form and function. Response to materials and engagement with the process of ‘making’ are fundamental principles of the programme. Students are encouraged to develop an awareness of a broad range of traditional and new emerging processes.
What will I study?
Integral to the creative process is a deep and sensitive knowledge of materials. The Ceramics & Glass programmes at NCAD provides student with a basis to engage in a particular creative field and to contribute to interdisciplinary debate with others. You will continually expand your knowledge through ongoing practical studio work, where you will develop a suite of fundamental and complementary skills allowing you to connect your work to contemporary culture and audiences. The programme provides the perfect environment to experiment with new material considerations and explore the personal and public dimensions of making. Students develop a personal creative identity and proficiency in design principles and techniques, alongside theoretical positioning in relation to contemporary art practices. Through a mixture of workshops, lectures and tutorials, students develop professional approaches and relationships in the creative field essential for establishing and sustaining a professional practice.
Year 1
First semester explores interdisciplinary Art and Design research, observation and analysis. In the second semester, all Fine Art students get a working taste of subjects with six weeks of workshops in two pathways selected from: Ceramics & Glass, Media, Painting, Print, Sculpture and Textile Art & Artefact. The balance is spent in the Applied Material Cultures Department, making work with student peers similarly interested in exploring different kinds of approaches, materials and processes, and developing skills in the language of Ceramics & Glass.
Year 2
The focus in the second year is on developing a personal visual language and the skills necessary to translate this into a successful ceramics and glass practice. You will also focus on researching and defining a specific audience and developing a market and gallery understanding through professional practice.
Year 3: Studio+ & International
An optional opportunity to gain experience in a range of social and cultural contexts in the world beyond NCAD. Build your skills as an artist while working with an organisation with links to the School of Fine Art. Studio+ can also include a period of study abroad through the Erasmus programme with internationally recognised art faculties partnered with NCAD. Students who choose Studio+ will complete a 4 year BA Fine Art or a 4 year BA Fine Art (International).
Final Year
In the final year students are ready to develop their own programme of study, which reflects each individual’s skills and interests within ceramics and/or glass. This will culminate in a substantial body of work for assessment and display at the Graduate Showcase, exhibitions and events.
How will I be assessed?
Assessment throughout the programme, in both your studio practice and in Critical Cultures, will be on a continuous basis, at the end of each completed module and at the end of each semester (half-year). Formal assessment results will be issued at the end of each academic year. Modes of assessment will include practical and written assignments, oral and visual presentations, portfolios and exhibitions.
Critical Cultures
Become a critically engaged, reflective and effective practitioner through studying the connections between history, theory and practice in modern and contemporary contexts.
Find out more
Opportunities after graduation
As a consequence of the skills acquired, Ceramics & Glass graduates have a wide range of national and international opportunities open to them, as designer, maker, artist, educator and creative entrepreneur. Increasingly, graduates progress to further study at postgraduate level to refine their creative abilities and approach. NCAD offers a range of innovative masters programmes, as well as a practice-based PhD.
Student & Graduate Stories
Jen Donnelly, BA in Fine Art (Ceramics and Glass) 2020
Why did you decide to study at National College of Art & Design?
I was completely taken with the atmosphere at NCAD; I just felt it was where I belonged. I hadn’t seen myself undertaking a degree course, but it felt like a natural progression from my post leaving certificate studies in art, craft and design. My QQI qualifications enabled me to achieve a direct entry place in year two of my chosen course, through a digital portfolio submission and interview process.
I visited the college on several occasions; attending graduate shows, open days and portfolio sessions, and each time I received encouragement and advice from tutors, admissions staff and students. Their feedback confirmed for me that the resources and technical support needed to progress in my chosen field would be available, and there was a real positivity and friendliness expressed by the students I met in ceramics and glass.
Cathy Burke, BA in Fine Art (Ceramics and Glass) 2014
Why did you decide to study at National College of Art & Design?
At the time, NCAD had an incredible reputation for being the ultimate facility to study Fine and Applied Arts. I wanted to study Ceramics, and NCAD seemed to be the best place to do so. It was known for having superb facilities and excellent tuition in the ceramics and glass department. I knew that if I was to take my ambitions as a ceramicist seriously, then NCAD was the best place to start this path.
Through various courses completed over the years, I was admitted by direct entry to the second year of the four-year course. I went straight into the ceramics department and it lived up to everything I hoped for. Inspirational setting, fabulous facilities, great technical staff and the incredibly supportive and encouraging tutors- always pushing investigation and enquiry.
I loved my time in NCAD. It was a place buzzing with exciting optimism and creativity.