Ceramic Arts

 

Ceramic Arts allows students to explore three-dimensional expression. Ceramic work can range from innovative, figurative and sculptural pieces to finely-made vessels. 

Study Ceramics as a contemporary art practice at Otago Polytechnic and be part of the only dedicated ceramics studio in New Zealand. You will benefit from an emphasis on hands-on experimentation in clay making workshops.

  • Suzanne Emslie

    Suzanne Emslie

 

Career outcomes

 

 

Become familiar with glaze technologies and develop ways of working that are appropriate for your artistic ideas. Emphasis is on exploration and experimentation by extending the material qualities, processes and potential of ceramics as a medium for contemporary art practice. You will develop individual projects which explore ceramics as a medium with its own formal language, skills and history.

 


Not sure where to start your learning journey?

EXPLORE THE PATHWAYS

PROGRAMMES
Courses

Glaze Theory and Practice course

  • Starts anytime
  • Apply anytime

Certificate

New Zealand Certificate in Arts and Design (Level 4)

  • Dunedin
  • 17 weeks full-time; part-time over two years (you will study during semester one in both year one and two)
  • Level 4
  • Starts February
  • Apply by end of January

Begin to build the skills and degree-level portfolio you need to apply for our Bachelor of Design (Communication or Fashion) or the Bachelor of Visual Arts, or prepare for a junior role in a creative workplace. During this open entry programme, you'll develop your research skills, learn about creative processes and materials, and create your own art and design projects. Many students then move into our New Zealand Certificate in Digital Media and Design (Level 4) or the New Zealand Certificate in Fashion (Level 4) to gain the well-rounded skills you need for degree-level study. Studying these Level 4 certificates could also lead to a negotiated pathway towards the Bachelor of Design (Product) or Bachelor of Architectural Studies.

New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 5) - Ceramics programme

  • Distance/online with practical classes in various locations
  • 32 weeks full-time; two years part-time
  • Level 5
  • Starts February
  • Apply until start date

Study ceramics with New Zealand's only specialised tertiary programme in Ceramic Arts. This programme has an emphasis on exploration and experimentation. You will develop individual projects which study ceramics as a medium with its own formal language, skills and history, within a broader context of fine arts and crafts.

New Zealand Diploma in Arts and Design (Level 6) - Ceramics programme

  • Dunedin
  • 32 weeks full-time; two years part-time
  • Level 6
  • Starts February
  • Apply until start date

Building on the skills gained at Level 5, continue to explore ceramics and develop leadership and professional practice skills to manage projects/briefs and present your work in a real-world context. Progress into our Bachelor of Visual Arts to broaden your skill set and career opportunities.

Degree

Bachelor of Visual Arts

  • Dunedin School of Art
  • Three years full-time
  • Level 7
  • Starts February
  • Apply now

Translate your creativity into a career! A qualification in the Visual Arts will allow you to find employment in an exciting and diverse range of professions such as a practising artist, curator, art educator or researcher. A variety of roles within the digital and film industries would also be possible.

Graduate Diploma in Visual Arts

  • Dunedin School of Art
  • One year full-time; two years part-time
  • Level 7
  • Starts February and July
  • Apply now

If you already hold a degree and would like to develop your fine arts skills, this programme offers you the chance to carry out an intensive course of study, tailored to suit your individual goals and requirements.

Postgraduate

Bachelor of Visual Arts (Honours)

  • Dunedin School of Art
  • One year full-time; two years part-time
  • Level 8
  • Starts February and July
  • Apply now

Ideal if you are a high achiever who intends to pursue further study, this research-focused programme culminates in an exhibition and writings demonstrating your intellectual rigour and professional expertise.

Master of Fine Arts

  • Dunedin School of Art or low residency option
  • Two years full-time; four years part-time (flexible movement between these two options is possible)
  • Level 9
  • Starts March and September (preferred); flexible start dates are available
  • Apply anytime

Practicing artists will especially benefit from this in-depth research project, which has been benchmarked against national and international standards and culminates in a public exhibition and dissertation.

Master of Visual Arts

  • Dunedin School of Art or low residency option
  • One year full-time; 2 years part-time
  • Level 9
  • Starts March and September (preferred); flexible start dates are available
  • Apply anytime

Develop and display mastery of the professional, technical and conceptual skills relevant to your chosen field through an original exhibition and associated writing, leading to a broader range of career options.

Postgraduate Certificate in Visual Arts

  • Dunedin School of Art
  • Six months full-time; one year part-time
  • Level 8
  • Starts February and July
  • Apply now

If you are seeking initial engagement in postgraduate study this structured programme is for you! Create a body of critically engaged studio work and write a set essay on an aspect of related research methodology.

Postgraduate Diploma in Visual Arts

  • Dunedin School of Art
  • One year full-time; two years part-time
  • Level 8
  • Starts February and July
  • Apply now

Develop and display mastery of the professional, technical and conceptual skills relevant to your chosen field through an original exhibition and associated writing, leading to a broader range of career options.

Night classes

Ceramics night class

  • Starts anytime
  • Apply anytime

Introduction to Ceramics night class

  • Starts anytime
  • Apply anytime

 

 

Lecturers and coordinators

Diploma in Ceramic Arts Co-ordinator/Technician and Lecturer

Rob Cloughley, MFA
Rob is the Diploma in Ceramic Art programme coordinator and Ceramic Lecturer within the Dunedin School of Art. He has worked for Otago Polytechnic since 2002 and holds a Master of Fine Art. Rob's practice is in Ceramic Sculpture and he teaches a wide variety of ceramic related topics. Contact: Rob Cloughley

Lecturers

Scott Eady, MFA

Michele Beevors, MFA, MA

Technician

Kylie Matheson

Facilities

The department has wood, salt, electric and gas kilns, electric wheels and online research facilities for student use.