A craft is defined as a profession that requires a specific skill. Crafts have been around since the middle ages when skilled workers were required to make basic necessities such as shoes, clothes, interiors and even buildings.
To date, there are many different types of craft from handicrafts where useful or decorative items are made with hand-held tools, to studio crafts made using larger equipments within a studio environment. These days the majority of goods are made on a factory production line, so artists who are genuinely able to display talent can have a lucrative career.
Do you have a natural flair for design? Are you talented at producing artistic pieces? Are you looking to pursue a career within the creative crafts industry? If so then perhaps studying a crafts course would be perfect.
However, in order to be successful on this particular course, you must also have an interest in culture and the history of design. As well as learning craft techniques, you will also be expected to understand historical and cultural influences on shaping the crafts industry today.
There are a number of vacancies that are suitable for those who have a degree in crafts, although these will depend upon the specialist subject areas studied by the individual student. For those that have studied the visuals arts and crafts, there is often a demand for graduates in this particular discipline to fill vacancies working in contemporary art galleries curating art exhibitions.
Similarly, those who study more traditional crafts may find themselves working in cultural heritage sites such as museums and historical buildings overseeing the day-to-day running of the sites and educating potential visitors.
However, the majority of graduates with crafts degrees are self-employed or work part-time producing goods to sell or working with individual clients to meet creative briefs, If this is the route you plan on taking, then it is important to comprehend the importance of different marketing strategies such as social media and the impact that this can have upon your business reputation.
There are a number of courses available to potential students looking to study a course in arts and crafts. As well as short courses there are also a variety of undergraduate and post-graduate courses available for potential students.
If you’re looking to study at undergraduate level, universities will expect applicants to have achieved 3 A-levels or equivalent by the time the course starts in arts-related subjects. Those wishing to study at a post-graduate level will be expected to have a 2:1 degree in a similar field.
The majority of undergraduate courses will last approximately for three years although some courses may last longer allowing students to gain a year’s worth of industry experience. Post-graduate courses may last anywhere from a year to three years and will have more of a specialised focus.
Most of the course content will take place in a vocational learning environment. While students may be expected to attend some theory-based lectures, the majority of teaching will take place in workshops where students will learn practical craft skills. These will be assessed through the submission of independent projects which will be submitted at the end of each module.
Universities will consider applications from students who are non-native speakers of English on the provision that they score a minimum of 6.0 overall on an IELTS test before the course commences.
It is vital to consider which area of craft you find the most interesting. You will spend at least a year studying, so it is important that you end up studying a subject that you are passionate about. Some Universities will offer more modules or courses that focus on contemporary crafts whereas others may specialise in traditional artisan techniques.
Of course fees and academic grades should also come into consideration. Many of the prestigious arts colleges expect applicants to have a minimum of 3 A-levels, or a 2:1 degree for post-graduate courses as well as a strong craft-work portfolio. Do you expect to meet the criteria? If you feel your portfolio does not truly reflect your abilities, then why not take a gap year?You can use this time to increase the standard of your portfolio and gain some valuable work experience.
If you are struggling with fees, or are still applying for funding, there are a number of bursaries and scholarships available for students
Location is a key influential factor when deciding where to study. Given that a Crafts qualification doesn’t lend itself to any specific career, your extra-curricular activities will have an impact upon your future employability. Ideally you should apply to study at a University located in the heart of a town or city with is renowned for its arts and craft scene which will also have the added benefit of allowing you to meet friends with similar interests to you.
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