Fine Art
The West Dean Foundation Diploma in Ceramics is awarded in recognition of the successful completion of the two-year, part-time programme of six, three-day units, self-directed study and making, with a final 1500 word essay. It aims to offer a comprehensive understanding of the material and will enable you to gain a wide variety of clay techniques from hand-building to throwing, decorating and glazing work, that will develop your skills and build up your own creative language. You will be supported throughout the course, enabling you to create work based around your own research and interests.
The West Dean Foundation Diploma in Ceramics is suitable for potters who have had some experience with working with clay, either at West Dean or elsewhere, and are looking to commit to an extended programme of study and develop confidence within their own personal approach and inspirations.
Within each unit, an in-depth practical process will be introduced by the tutor, as a springboard to exploring techniques with individual direction to aid your development. The importance of health and safety and the running of a studio will be introduced alongside these units. There will also be talks on historical and contemporary issues in ceramics. Each unit will be held in the College’s fully equipped pottery studio that offers regular short courses with well-known makers of ceramics throughout the year.
Explore and expand your work in a uniquely immersive environment with its own connections to art history. Our School of Arts students enjoy specialist studio spaces dedicated to painting and drawing, sculpture and tapestry and textile-based work as well as exceptional exhibition space.
The course fees are payable in advance for each year of study
Year 1: Course fee: £1,710 (non-residential, covering all three units – payable by 14 October 2024)
Year 2: Course fee: £1,710 (non-residential, covering all three units – payable by 4 August 2025).
includes clay/glaze materials supplied for use during each three-day unit held at the College, and the virtual interim tutorials. It will be anticipated that as you have access to firing facilities elsewhere, that you will take most of your work made on the courses home for firing.
Accommodation for a three-day course, including dinner and breakfast, is currently available from £357 (standard room/single occupancy). Please see current accommodation costs - specific to the timing of each unit.
The diploma is open to beginners who have had relevant experience in making ceramics and are familiar with the terminology, or those with some experience who require a structured course. You must also have:
There is a selection process for this course. Students must complete and return the Application Form by 11 June 2024.
An informal interview on Zoom with the Programme Tutor will follow on 9 July 2024 before places are confirmed soon after this date. Following confirmation of your place, the Bookings Team will contact you to arrange for payment of the course fees for the first year of study.
A specific condition of enrolment is a commitment to attend and pay for all six units, by the due date.
Any questions?
Email [email protected]; call us on: (01243) 818 300 and select option 1, or read more about our Admissions processes.
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Course Tutor - Foundation Diploma in Ceramics
Short Course Tutor
Tanya Gomez graduated from the Royal College of Art and is renowned for her vibrant large decorative vessels. She teaches from her studio in Lewes, East Sussex and exhibits throughout the UK and Internationally. Associated with the Craft Potters and Contemporary Applied Arts.