Six day taster course in ceramics

About this course

The course introduces four core pottery-making methods: pinching, coiling, slab building and throwing on the potter’s wheel. Participants practise making simple forms, including cylinders and bowls, and explore basic surface decoration using coloured slips. Teaching combines practical demonstrations with group and individual tuition. Participants also learn to apply glaze to their work using department glazes.

What you'll learn

• Create simple forms using pinching, coiling and slab-building techniques
• Produce basic thrown forms such as cylinders and bowls
• Use a potter’s wheel to make simple forms
• Apply coloured slips for basic surface decoration
• Glaze ceramic work using department glazes

Is this course right for you?

The course is intended for newcomers to pottery at beginner level. Participants should be able to follow simple written and spoken instructions, use basic measurements and calculations, and take part in group discussions and self-review of their work.

• Requires understanding of health and safety information
• Includes both group discussions and individual tuition
• Participants are encouraged to review their learning and ways of working

Before you go

• Clay and porcelain materials incur separate charges, payable during the final week by contactless card.
• Work is glazed and fired during the course.
• The potter’s wheel motors may pose a serious risk to people with pacemakers or internal defibrillators. They should contact the Ceramics Department before enrolling to discuss this.