Contemporary Design Crafts BA (Hons)

BA(Hons) Contemporary Design Crafts at Hereford College of Arts is <strong>a hands-on degree</strong> for ambitious makers who want to explore materials, process and meaning across wood, metal, ceramics and textiles. You will <strong>develop a material-led practice</strong> rooted in craft skill and design thinking. By learning how to create innovative, sustainable and culturally informed outcomes - whether sculptural, functional, product-led or experimental you will develop your own unique creative practice.<br/><br/>You will <strong>combine traditional craft techniques with contemporary approaches to design</strong>, exploring how objects communicate ideas. Supported by practicing makers and technical specialists, you will build confidence working across 3D making, fabrication, drawing, material experimentation, and research-led studio projects.<br/><br/>You will:<br/><br/>● Develop core practical skills across wood, metal, ceramics and textiles<br/>● Build confidence in prototyping, modelling, making and workshop processes<br/>● Explore cultural, ethical and environmental themes through project work<br/>● Experiment with traditional craft methods alongside digital tools and fabrication<br/>● Work on live briefs, exhibitions and external-facing projects<br/>● Build a portfolio aligned to your creative ambitions<br/><br/><strong>FACILITIES</strong><br/>Learn in specialist workshops equipped for wood, metal, textiles, ceramics, fabrication, digital processes and material experimentation. Workshops support both traditional and contemporary craft practices, enabling you to prototype ideas, develop technical fluency and explore cross-material making. Equipment includes but is not limited to wood, metal and plaster lathes, Resin & PLA 3D printers, Laser Cutters, Sandblaster, Enameling, ceramic and glass kilns, steam bending and welding facilities.<br/><br/><strong>INDUSTRY LINKS</strong><br/>Work with makers, designers and cultural organisations through live briefs, collaborations and professional projects. Past partners include the Fritz Fryer, National Trust, Hereford Cathedral, Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair and Craft Festival. Visiting practitioners, talks and masterclasses help you gain real-world insight into craft careers. <br/><br/><strong>CAREERS</strong><br/>Graduates progress into roles such as designer-maker, product or material designer, craft practitioner, studio technician, workshop manager or independent creative entrepreneur. Many build portfolio careers that combine commissions, exhibitions, production work and collaboration with cultural organisations. Others move into curation, arts administration, education or postgraduate study. Our students have won awards such as Colour in Design, Best Stand, New Designers and Green Grads Awards. They have also been featured in The Guardian and Craft Magazine. <br/><br/><strong>SUSTAINABILITY + ETHICAL PRACTICE</strong><br/>Explore sustainability through responsible material sourcing, recycled or low-impact materials, circular-making principles, longevity and repair, and environmentally aware working methods. Projects may investigate the cultural role of craft in addressing ecological and social issues. This is supported by lectures from professionals such as Katie Treggiden and Ute Decker. <br/><br/><strong>EXTERNAL OPPORTUNITIES</strong><br/>Students may exhibit work at internal and public-facing showcases, take part in national craft festivals, enter competitions, contribute to community or heritage projects and participate in external collaborations. Exhibitions include London Design Week, Great Northern Contemporary Craft Fair, Craft Festival and National Trust Sites. <br/><br/><strong>VISITING SPEAKERS</strong><br/>Talks, demonstrations and critiques with contemporary makers, designers and material specialists support your professional development, broadening understanding of studio practice, commissioning, industry positioning and emerging craft contexts. Guest lectures have included Ken Eastman, Gareth Neal, Juliette Bigley, Jin Eui Kim and Shelley Goldsmith.<br/><br/><strong>MODULES</strong><br/>For information about the course modules: www.hca.ac.uk/courses/bahons-contemporary-design-crafts