Course summary

This engaging and hands-on Foundation Degree Designer Maker offers a dynamic combination of practical workshops, lectures, and industry visits. The programme supports the development of your creative practice as emerging Designer Makers exploring ceramics, jewellery & accessories, textiles, and small product design, with the flexibility to specialize or work across disciplines. Emphasis is placed on creative experimentation, using a wide variety of materials, and developing your individual ideas and approaches. Throughout the course, you will tackle challenging project briefs, often working with live industry projects and external partners. You will explore opportunities within the craft and design industries while gaining a solid understanding of professional practice across various sectors. In your first year, the focus will be on developing a foundation in 3D design and craft, with hands-on experience in ceramics, jewellery, and textiles, alongside an introduction to digital design tools and software. Critical and contextual studies will encourage you to engage with current debates and explore ethical and environmental issues within the industry. As you progress into your second year, you will refine your area of specialism, either diving deeper into one field or exploring a multidisciplinary approach. You will work on live briefs set by industry partners, allowing you to gain invaluable real-world experience. Additionally, you will develop business and entrepreneurship skills, building a foundation for your future professional career. The course will cover key topics such as the circular economy and sustainable design practices, ensuring you are prepared to meet the demands of the modern craft and design industry. Our industry connections will ensure that you develop the skills and knowledge required to succeed in today’s fast-evolving craft and design sector. As part of Newcastle College’s Work Ready Guarantee, you will have the opportunity to engage in live projects and industry-led briefs, gaining insight into real-world challenges and receiving personalised feedback from professionals in the creative sector. You will also develop essential business and entrepreneurship skills, including creating marketing materials such as business cards, press packs, and CVs, along with building an online portfolio. The Live Projects module will offer further opportunities to collaborate with industry through pop-up selling events and local exhibitions, giving you a platform to showcase your work to the public. In addition, you will undertake in-depth research into potential employers, galleries, curators, and other organisations in the creative industries. As part of the Professional Development module, you will explore work experience opportunities, culminating in a work-based learning placement. For those unable to complete a physical placement, a live brief will be provided to ensure inclusivity and hands-on industry engagement. This Foundation Degree Designer Maker is designed for individuals who are passionate about pursuing a career in the design crafts sector, such as ceramics, jewellery, textiles, or small-scale product design. It is also an excellent choice for those looking to develop their own creative business as an independent designer maker. With a focus on craftsmanship, innovation, and hands-on techniques, the course appeals to creative individuals who wish to refine their practical skills and explore new ways of working with materials. As the independent designer maker market continues to grow, contributing significantly to the region's creative economy, this programme will prepare you to thrive in the competitive industry of bespoke and handmade products. Progression opportunities include the BA (Hons) Design Practice (Top-up). After completing their foundation degree, they may choose to establish their own studio or business.