Course summary

Study at the World's number one ranked art and design university.* The spirit of Ceramics & Glass at the RCA springs from a belief in the transformative power of material thinking, research and making to enrich our world in imaginative and meaningful ways. We embrace the diversity of contemporary practice in this hyper-material age. The programme provides a creative interface where personal concerns and global perspectives intersect – questioning, examining and responding to social, cultural and material challenges. The areas of research of both staff and students are diverse, arise from the broad scope of the two disciplines, and inform what is taught on the programme. Advances in technology are explored, while traditional methodologies are challenged to create new and unique approaches. The spectrum of enquiry in Ceramics & Glass is driven by live and studio projects – archive and collections are explored in order to understand, question and reinterpret how histories and traditions of our disciplines inform contemporary culture – our relationship with site, communities and the built environment provide a framework for developing proposals – specialist tutor led group work brings a focus to areas such as metaphorical and phenomenological meaning within materiality – while design led ideas are explored through object use, and the systems of production that they emerge from. Drawing on our diverse network of contacts within the subject specialisms, lectures, artist talks and professional practice seminars from industry leaders, are combined with field trips and practical skill sessions to support independent learning. A strong studio culture is nurtured within dedicated facilities that offer opportunities for collaborative and cross disciplinary approaches – all aimed at developing the next generation of leading Ceramics & Glass graduates. About the RCA The Royal College of Art, is an internationally renowned art and design university, providing students with unrivalled opportunities to deliver art and design projects that transform the world. A small, specialist and research-intensive postgraduate university based in the heart of London, the RCA is a high performing institution, a radical traditionalist in a fast paced world. The RCA's approach is founded on the premise that art, design creative thinking, science, engineering and technology must all collaborate to solve today's global challenges. *The RCA was named the world’s leading art and design university for the seventh consecutive year (2015-2021) in the QS World University subject rankings.