This course is aimed at the individual who is interested in taking a philosophical and purposeful approach to the act of designing and making. Through investigation into design of the physical, you will interrogate; ideas, materials and objects, exploring the principles of economic, social and ecological sustainability. Outcomes encompass one off craft artefacts and bespoke solutions through to batch produced objects, across areas such as lighting, tableware, furniture and product; domestic and commercial, interior and exterior. Processes will range from hand forming through conventional machining to cutting edge digital technologies such as rapid prototyping, CNC milling, laser cutting and digital textile and ceramic printing using a range of media including ceramic, fabric, metal, wood, plastic and glass.

The Crafts Council also recognises the need for a new approach from practitioners. In its report The Craft Blueprint (2009) Rosy Greenlees, Executive Director of the Crafts Council, underlined the need for the sector to develop skills to reach new markets born of globalisation, fragmentation and new consumer trends, "to further capitalise on developing digital cultures to create new types of craft production and consumption".

These new types of craft require a new type of thinking about the role of designers in making and disseminating artefacts. You will learn to make use of web enabled collaboration, manufacture and distribution to balance the needs of the consumer with the wider issues of ecology and sustainability.

• Standard art and design requirements. 
• A folder of art and design work, plus 3D work as appropriate.

Year 1

In your first year (Level 4) you will develop your creative instincts and explore the qualities of different materials and making processes including methods of digital manufacture. Ideas and concepts will be developed to equip you with an understanding of design and manufacture through drawing, experimentation with materials and exploration of computer based processes.

Year 2

In your second year (Level 5) you will be introduced to collaborative working practise and live projects with external partners or design businesses and may undertake work experience and placements. A higher level of critique will be applied to your projects and you will be encouraged to become more self aware, using self and peer-evaluative skills to arrive at conclusions, and develop more confident solutions. You will also be introduced to marketing and promotional skills, including building narratives in your work and exploring outcomes through photographic sessions, publishing, exhibiting and web presence.

Year 3

In your final year (Level 6) you will focus on individual design agendas and defining an audience or market. You will be required to refine and communicate your personal design philosophy through a combination of visual and written work as well as physical artefacts. You will be encouraged to publish your work at a professional level. We expect your final project work to be displayed at national and international design show venues.