3D Design and Craft BA(Hons)

Year 1

In the first year, core study modules in studio practice aim to develop material-specific skills and introduce fundamental ideas of design and craft.

Through four material areas (wood, metal, ceramics, polymers and composites) students are introduced to the processes and techniques of design and making. This is followed by a short period of self-directed study or a design project.

Concept development, context and the surrounding discussion on design and craft are led by overarching themes and project briefs increasing in depth of critical engagement, for example:

• culture of making – traditions
• consumption – resources and environment
• technology – materials and performance
• object and context – body, space and site.

Studio practice is integrated with a creative enquiry module introducing research methods in creative practice and delivering skills in visual communication, design development (drawing, representation, studio techniques such as technical drawing, model making, digital image and layout skills).

The first year programme is also supported by professional practice, and design and craft culture.

Modules

• Making, Materiality and Processes

  The key questions ‘why make?’ and ‘how do we make?’ are investigated through a range of projects exploring materiality and process. You will be introduced to the course’s workshop areas, essential analogue/digital processes, working individually and in teams in response to these fundamental questions.

• People, Places and Context

  This module offers you the opportunity to explore design and craft within the given contexts People and Place. Projects are research-led and undertaken in conjunction with the continuing development of workshop skills.

  Utilising a range of different approaches, you will begin to investigate relationships between object, user and site. Professional practice elements help to locate yourself and your practice within a vocational context and introduce a range of transferable and employability skills such as teamwork through the group project and networking.

• Why Make? What Sort of Maker Am I?

  This module offers a period of study for you to situate your practice and determine what kind of a maker you are. It will give you the opportunity to consolidate and extend your knowledge and use of materials in preparation for level 5. You will define an area of enquiry to investigate building on your workshop experience to date. The module culminates in a student-curated exhibition.

• The Culture of Design and Craft

  This module will provide you with an introduction to a broad range of current key debates relevant to the analysis of the past and present in the field of design and craft. Through lectures, seminars and exhibition visits, you will be introduced to and engage with critical ideas and academic approaches relevant to your field of study.

  The module will support studio work through the development of critical thinking and formal written skills.

Making sure that what you learn with us is relevant, up to date and what employers are looking for is our priority, so courses are reviewed and enhanced on an ongoing basis. When you have applied to us, you’ll be told about any new developments through Student View.

 

Xanthe Maggs, 2019 graduate, talks about studying 3D Design and Craft at Brighton and her project using local clay.

Field trips and working outside the studio are an important part of the course.

COVID-19 continues to disrupt exams and English language testing in some parts of the world. For 2022 entry, we have expanded the number of qualifications we are able to accept. If you have, or are sitting, one of the qualifications listed here and it meets our validity policy then you do not need to take an IELTS test, even if we asked you to do so in your offer. Please let us know and send a copy of your results so we can check your qualification.

• English language, English literature, or English language and literature A-levels at grade D or above.
• English courses from other UK universities, subject to subject to being awarded from an accredited institution and at the CEFR B2 minimum levels required and meeting all four components.
• A bachelors or masters degree from an accredited university in the UK or a Home Office majority English-speaking country.
• TOEFL iBT At Home test – check the TOEFL website for more information about which countries are operating this test and the test eligibility.
• IELTS Indicator home-based test – check the IELTS Indicator website for more information about which countries are operating this test and the test eligibility.
• KITE (Kaplan International Tools for English) - an easy to access online English Language test from Kaplan online that can be taken from home.
• LanguageCert International ESOL (IESOL) Exam.
• Occupational English Test (OET) – accepted for Medicine and a range of allied health profession courses, including Pharmacy, which have vocational training elements.

If you need additional English language training we have pre-sessional courses available.

All qualifications are subject to our normal admissions checks and the above is only a summary and not a guarantee that your qualification will definitely be accepted. If you are applying for an undergraduate or postgraduate taught course, contact the enquiries and admissions team for more support and guidance. If you are applying for a postgraduate research degree, get in touch with the doctoral college team.

We will also continue accept the standard English language qualifications detailed below.

Prepare for your career 

In your career you need a combination of knowledge, skills, personal qualities and relevant experiences and youll get all of this from your degree.

• This degree builds your experience in working to client briefs and offers opportunities to collaborate with other disciplines.
• You will graduate with the capacity to turn ideas into fully resolved objects, products and artefacts in a range of media.
• Professional practice is an integrated part of the degree and, through live projects, case studies and exhibitions, enables you to think about your work commercially.

Graduate Lin Cheung talks about her work as a jeweller, which has included designing an Olympic medal, and how the course helped her to develop a positive way of thinking and designing that she carries with her in her work.