Introduction to ceramics

About this course

The course explores clay through practical projects that develop hand-building skills, including rolled slabs, pinching, coiling and press moulding. In the later sessions, participants can try throwing on the potter’s wheel and learn to centre clay. Teaching combines demonstrations, examples, handouts, discussion and step-by-step making. Surface decoration includes texturing, resist, drawing, painting and simple printing with ceramic colour and glaze. Projects are developed from planning through making and decoration to finished fired pottery.

What you'll learn

• Create clay work using rolled sheets, pinching and coiling techniques
• Combine coiling with a press-moulded base
• Apply texture, resist, drawing, painting and simple printing to ceramic surfaces
• Use ceramic colour and glaze to decorate clay work
• Centre clay on a potter’s wheel

Is this course right for you?

This course is intended for beginners, including learners with no previous pottery knowledge, as well as those with some basic understanding of ceramic processes. Participants work through demonstrations and practical projects, with group discussions and opportunities to review their own work. The course also involves following written and verbal instructions, safety information, and simple measurements and calculations.

• No previous pottery knowledge is required
• Participants should be able to follow demonstrations, written instructions and health and safety information
• Group discussion and self-review form part of the learning process
• Optional design research can be completed outside class

Before you go

• Most ceramic materials are covered by the course fee, but clay is charged at £3 per 500g before firing. Porcelain costs £24 per bag or £12 per half bag.
• Materials used are paid for in the final week by contactless card.
• A notebook and pencil may be brought for notes and sketching ideas.
• Finished fired pieces can be taken home.
• Design research outside class is optional.
• The potter’s wheel motor may pose a serious risk to people with pacemakers or internal defibrillators. Anyone affected cannot work in the ceramics studio while the wheels are in use and should contact the Ceramics Department before enrolling to discuss this.