BA (HONS) APPLIED ARTS (GLASS)
About the course:
Glass is a powerful material capable of amazing diversity. It performs a wide range of functions including everything from the design of everyday objects, furniture and jewellery to large scale architectural and sculptural installations. This exciting degree encourages students to explore their creative potential within the finest facilities in the UK and Europe.
This degree has an established reputation worldwide and provides an opportunity to explore creative potential working with glass, as a designer, craftsperson or artist.
Students explore all aspects of glass making including glass blowing, kiln forming, machine manufacturing, large scale hot glass casting, architectural and sheet glass processes and finishing. Critical, contextual and professional studio topics introduces students to the application of glass from a cultural and historical perspective.
The skills you acquire will be tested in real-life situations through work on live projects at years one, two and three in collaboration with galleries, manufacturers and designer/artists, for commission and exhibition, both in the UK and internationally.
Students benefit from visits and work placements in studios, galleries and industry, both locally and internationally, with opportunities to take part in student exchanges in the USA, Germany, Poland and Japan.
Casestudy – Laura Marsh
Laura Marsh graduated in 2005 from BA (Hons) Glass.
“After graduating in 2005 with an Upper Second Class Honours degree I went straight onto the Next Move programme that is designed to help designer makers get off the ground. You are given studio space in the University to run your business from. I was fortunate enough to be able to stay at Wolverhampton where the Glass facilities are some of the best in Europe. When I applied to Wolverhampton I was living in Bristol. I originally wanted to do a course that covered a range of subjects, as I didn’t have a clear idea of what I wanted to do afterwards. I started on the Contemporary Applied Arts course but changed to Glass at Level 2. I am halfway through my first year of two on the Next Move scheme. I am just starting to make my own range of glassware, which I am selling at galleries, craft fairs and trade shows around the UK. I hope to continue to make and sell my own work and take on commissions.”
MA ART & DESIGN (GLASS)
This well established and multi-faceted programme focuses on the creative questions important to you, allowing you to develop your interests and expertise in your preferred area of contemporary applied art and design practice. With emphasis on your practical work, you will use the most appropriate media and techniques, and enjoy the support and guidance of our internationally recognised staff of artists and designers. It includes modules in history and theory to underpin your practical development; you can choose a module that reflects your interest from theory and contemporary practice to psychology of the image and the artefact. You will also have the opportunity to undertake a work-based module.
Your interests are developed through group tutorials, individual mentorship, and lecture and seminar programmes delivered by noted visiting speakers, as well as by our expert staff. This programme has been specifically developed to provide you with the creative skills, critical perspective and theoretical background you will need to fine-tune your creative interests.
Future prospects
There is huge potential for self-employment as an artist or designer, you will also have the skills to present to an employer in any sector where a clear sense of personal inquiry, creativity and confidence in the development of technical skills is valued
A Masters in Art and Design gives you the penultimate professional qualification for an ongoing career in academia. A PhD research degree is the next step in your development