The Course
In the first year the course introduces you to workshop and studio-based activity, supported by design development and visual studies. At this stage you will be taught forging skills while also having the opportunity to creatively explore the material properties and characteristics associated with wood, small metals, ceramics and textiles. Throughout year one you will have good access to forging and fabrication workshops where your metalwork skills and techniques will be developed to an industrial standard. A broad programme of Cultural and Professional Studies complements practice by introducing you to study skills and research related to varying aspects of 20th and 21st century culture.
In the second year the course focuses on applying metal working practical and design skills to achieve a range of high quality forged artefacts that reflect your strengths, interests and professional intentions. At this stage you will have the opportunity to create a personal identity that will be developed through forged metal craft practice. Supporting studies will address the importance of marketing and product presentation in readiness for establishing contact with representatives from the Creative Industries. A continuing programme of Cultural and Professional Studies provides an opportunity to analyse and debate practice within a cultural and historical context.
In the final year you will establish sustainability and independence as a practitioner, through a self-directed approach to the advanced development of studies. Interaction with the Creative Industries will allow you to develop a professional identity, which combined with a major theoretical piece of work will prepare you for career choices.
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Jonathan Stringer