Ceramics & Glass Certificate of Higher Education - CertHE
Course Overview - Ceramics & Glass Certificate of Higher Education - CertHE
Discover the beauty and versatility of ceramics and glass through hands-on exploration, developing technical skills, creative confidence and professional understanding as a designer/maker.
Discover the beauty and versatility of ceramics and glass through a year of hands-on exploration. This course celebrates the material qualities of clay and glass, encouraging you to design through making while developing essential technical skills and creative confidence.
You’ll experiment with both functional and decorative forms, learning to transform raw materials into unique ...
Discover the beauty and versatility of ceramics and glass through hands-on exploration, developing technical skills, creative confidence and professional understanding as a designer/maker.
Discover the beauty and versatility of ceramics and glass through a year of hands-on exploration. This course celebrates the material qualities of clay and glass, encouraging you to design through making while developing essential technical skills and creative confidence.
You’ll experiment with both functional and decorative forms, learning to transform raw materials into unique creative outcomes. Working within our nationally recognised Materials Lab, you’ll engage with both industrial and studio-based processes, gaining the foundations needed for a sustainable and expressive career as a designer/maker.
### At a glance
* Award: CertHE Ceramics & Glass
* Course length and level: 1-year Level 4 course
* UCAS code: G67W
* UCAS points: 72–120
### Course overview
This course provides a comprehensive introduction to both ceramics and glass, allowing you to specialise or work across both disciplines.
You’ll experiment with both functional and decorative forms, learning to transform raw materials into unique creative outcomes as you develop technical skills and creative confidence.
### Ceramics techniques and making processes
In ceramics, you’ll explore handbuilding techniques and production methods including mould-making, wheel-throwing and slip-casting.
### Combining traditional craft with digital tools
You’ll be encouraged to combine traditional processes with new technologies, using digital tools in our Fab Lab South West to prototype and create moulds through CNC milling, laser cutting and 3D printing.
Learning is student-centred, shifting from lecturer-led briefs to self-initiated projects that reflect your developing interests.
### Professional development and creative identity
As part of your professional development, you’ll learn how to communicate your creative ideas to different audiences, curate and present your work for exhibitions and fairs, and develop a personal creative identity and entrepreneurial mindset.
By the end of the course, you’ll have the technical skills, confidence and professional understanding to take your next steps in higher study or industry, joining a growing global network of makers and material innovators.
### Why choose this course?
You’ll learn from experienced tutors and practising artists who are active in the fields of ceramics and glass, and be supported by our expert technical team and a programme of visiting lecturers.
The course sits within a wider community of designer/makers rooted in workshop culture, where collaboration, experimentation and material understanding come together.
Our teaching is informed by strong connections with industry and contemporary craft practice. You’ll be encouraged to exhibit your work, take part in craft fairs and engage with international forums and competitions to build your professional profile.
You’ll also benefit from our award-winning facilities, including Fab Lab South West, ceramics and hot glass studios, and open-access workshops, all part of one of the top 5 universities in the UK for creative facilities (Whatuni Student Choice Awards 2025).
### Progression, careers and next steps
On completion, you can progress directly onto BA (Hons) Craft & Material Practices at Level 5, or apply to join Workroom Grow, our business incubator, designed to help graduates launch sustainable creative enterprises.
Career opportunities include:
* Designer/Makers
* Ceramicists
* Glass Artists
* Wearables Designers
* Sculptors
* Architectural Surface Designers
* Mixed Media Artists
* Fine Artists
* Gallery and Museum Professionals
* Teachers
* Technicians
* Material Restoration Technicians and Conservators
* Prop Designers
Course Information
1 option available
Some courses vary and have tailored teaching options, select a course option below.
Course Details
Information
Study Mode
Full-time
Duration
1 Years
Start Date
2027-09-01
Campus
Main Site
Application Details
13 January
Application deadline
Provider Details
Codes/info
Course Code
A76-G03
Institution Code
P65
Points of Entry
Year 1
Entry Requirements
UCAS Tariff
72.0
A level
B,C
Not accepted
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
We welcome Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Diplomas in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course
Access to HE Diploma
We welcome Access to HE Diplomas in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course.
Pearson BTEC Diploma (QCF)
We welcome Pearson BTEC Diplomas in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma
We welcome OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Diploma in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course.
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme
We welcome International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course.
OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma
We welcome OCR Cambridge Technical Diploma in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course.
Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF)
We welcome Pearson BTEC Extended Diploma (QCF) in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course.
Scottish Advanced Higher
We welcome Scottish Advanced Higher in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course.
Scottish Baccalaureate
Pass
We welcome Scottish Baccalaureate in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course.
T Level
Pass (D or E)
We welcome T Level in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course.
Scottish Higher
B,D,D,D
We welcome Scottish Higher in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course.
AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (Core Maths)
We can accept AQA Certificate in Mathematical Studies (core maths) when combined with other qualifications
AS
We welcome AS levels in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course.
Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal
M3,M3
We welcome Cambridge International Pre-U Certificate - Principal in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course.
City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics (Core Maths)
We can accept City & Guilds Certificate in Using and Applying Mathematics (Core Maths) when combined with other qualifications.
Extended Project
We can accept Extended Project when combined with other qualifications.
Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
We welcome Leaving Certificate - Higher Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course.
Leaving Certificate - Ordinary Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017)
O1,O1,O1,O1,O1,O1
We welcome Leaving Certificate - Ordinary Level (Ireland) (first awarded in 2017) in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course.
National progression Award - Scotland
We can accept National Progression Award - Scotland when combined with other qualifications.
NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics for Everyday Life (Core Maths)
We can accept NCFE Level 3 Certificate in Mathematics for Everyday Life (Core Maths) when combined with other qualifications.
OCR Cambridge Technical Certificate
We can accept OCR Cambridge Technical Certificate when combined with other qualifications.
OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate
We can accept OCR Cambridge Technical Extended Certificate when combined with other qualifications.
OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma
DD
We welcome OCR Cambridge Technical Foundation Diploma in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course.
OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma
We can accept OCR Cambridge Technical Introductory Diploma when combined with other qualifications.
OCR Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma
DD
We welcome OCR Cambridge Technical Subsidiary Diploma in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course.
OCR Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving (MEI) (Core Maths)
We can accept OCR Certificate in Quantitative Problem Solving (MEI) (Core Maths) when combined with other qualifications.
OCR Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning (MEI) (Core Maths)
We can accept OCR Certificate in Quantitative Reasoning (MEI) (Core Maths) when combined with other qualifications.
OCR Level 3 Certificate in Core Maths A (MEI) (Core Maths)
We can accept OCR Level 3 Certificate in Core Maths A (MEI) (Core Maths) when combined with other qualifications.
OCR Level 3 Certificate in Core Maths B (MEI) (Core Maths)
We can accept OCR Level 3 Certificate in Core Maths B (MEI) (Core Maths) when combined with other qualifications.
Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF)
DD
We welcome Pearson BTEC 90-Credit Diploma (QCF) in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course.
Pearson BTEC Certificate (QCF)
We can accept Pearson BTEC Certificate (QCF) when combined with other qualifications.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
We can accept Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Certificate (first teaching from September 2016) when combined with other qualifications.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
We welcome Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Diploma (first teaching from September 2016) in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate (first teaching from September 2016)
We can accept Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Extended Certificate when combined with other qualifications.
Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma (first teaching from September 2016)
D
We welcome Pearson BTEC Level 3 National Foundation Diploma in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course.
Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF)
We can accept Pearson BTEC Subsidiary Diploma (QCF) when combined with other qualifications.
Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context (Core Maths)
We can accept Pearson Edexcel Certificate in Mathematics in Context (Core Maths) when combined with other qualifications.
Scottish National Certificate
We can accept Scottish National Certificate when combined with other qualifications.
Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015)
We can accept Welsh Baccalaureate - Advanced Skills Challenge Certificate (first teaching September 2015) when combined with other qualifications.
Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate
We can accept Advanced Welsh Baccalaureate when combined with other qualifications.
WJEC Eduqas Certificate in Mathematics for Work and Life (Core Maths)
We can accept WJEC Eduqas Certificate in Mathematics for Work and Life (Core Maths) when combined with other qualifications.
WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales
We can accept WJEC Level 3 Advanced Skills Baccalaureate Wales when combined with other qualifications.
Apprenticeship Level 3/SCQF Level 6
We welcome Apprenticeship Level 3/SCQF Level 6 in a wide range of subjects, particularly those relevant to the course. May need to be combined with other qualifications.
Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6)
We can accept Foundation Apprenticeship (SCQF Level 6) when combined with other qualifications.
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Fees and funding
| Region | Costs | Academic Year | Year |
|---|---|---|---|
| England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales, Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands | £5,025 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland, Channel Islands, England, Scotland, Northern Ireland, Wales | £10,050 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
| International, EU | £18,000 | 2026/27 | Year 1 |
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