This exciting course was launched in 2011 and builds upon a long tradition of making, material knowledge and design at Bucks New University. It has been developed from three long-standing crafts degree courses in response to market requirements and feedback from industry contacts. The programme is taught by internationally-recognised designers and artists, who are expert practitioners in their specialist areas and have a broad knowledge of the creative industries, alongside a valuable network of national and international contacts. The course encourages students to explore and develop their creative potential for design and manufacture in jewellery, metal, glass and ceramics. You will explore a range of traditional and digital processes and develop the broad interdisciplinary design and making skills that are increasingly required by creative industries. The breadth of the course will enable you to pursue ideas from the one-off artefact through to multiple production. Our studio and workshop facilities provide an exciting environment for students to develop an individual approach to each material discipline. At Bucks, you will have plenty of time to develop your practical skills as our workshops are supervised from 9am-5pm, and we offer access to some workshops at weekends. In the first year, projects cover basic materials and manufacturing processes in jewellery, metal, ceramics and glass, and the development of design skills, through a series of creative briefs. This hands-on approach is complemented by the use of digital technology and underpinned contextually through our Visual and Material Cultures (VMC) programme. In the second year, ‘real-life’ design projects with external partners are a major feature. As well as providing you with valuable industry experience and contacts, these projects enable you to learn about related areas, such as trends, branding, and market research that will inform your practice and enable you to succeed in the marketplace. The final year offers you the opportunity to specialise in one medium and to evolve your own creative and professional aspirations through a personally negotiated brief which is undertaken in addition to your dissertation. You will have the support of a personal tutor throughout your course, and if you’re interested in developing your own practice or working freelance, you can participate in the many student enterprise activities offered at Bucks that will help you develop the business skills you will need. The course has the backing of many industry organisations, including the British Promotional Merchandise Association and the Crafts Council.

Career opportunities range from working as an independent designer-maker through to working as a freelance or in-house designer for a manufacturing company. Other opportunities include product managing, curating, teaching and consultancy.