University of Derby, BA (Hons), Crafts

Stage 1: Students are introduced to the basic skills, which are then developed through creative workshop projects; to support their practical work, the programme gives students an understanding of the theories that relate to it; modules include: craft skills; craft technologies; context 1: definitions and meanings of craft; craft traditions and sustainable practice; historical crafts (collecting visual information); context 2: culture and craft. Stage 2: workshop-based modules introduce different production methods such as environmental sculpture and batch production; in collaboration with Derby City Museum, students have the opportunity to investigate and replicate the skills and technology in our heritage and contrast them with the contemporary, computer-based projects; modules include: restoration and reconstruction; craft work; context 3: craft collections; studio practice; presenting ideas; context 4: marketing craft. Stage 3: there’s a professional practice assignment that allows students to explore postgraduate opportunities; website design also helps them create an online portfolio; this final year is the culmination of students’ expertise and they undertake a personal research programme and final project for their degree show which sets the scene for a new and exciting career; modules include: negotiated research; presenting research findings; context 5: critical study (craft); independent studies; professional practice; context 6: website design.