Bath Spa University

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Investigating Crafts

This unique course supports those wanting to write about, teach or curate Craft in both its contemporary and historical contexts. The central aim of the course is to produce graduates who are adept at placing Craft activity (whether their own or others) into a strong context, and articulate in communicating its meanings and messages to a larger audience.

Course Structure and Content

The course is offered in both full and part-time modes. It is normally one year, (3 trimesters) in duration in full-time mode or 6 trimesters in part-time mode. The first two trimesters comprise taught sessions and assessed projects, while the Master's Project in the final part of the course is by negotiated project only. Completion of the first 2 modules on the course lead to the award of the Postgraduate Certificate, and completion of the first 4 modules leads to the award of the Postgraduate Diploma. Subsequent completion of the MA double module leads to the award of MA Investigating Crafts.

Modules

• Research Methodologies: Part one introduces generic research methodologies with part two considering subject specific material, analysis and evaluation techniques.
• The Historical and Theoretical Context of Contemporary Craft: This module provides you with the historical understanding needed to contextualise contemporary crafts. You will be introduced to key texts and to the history of ideas underpinning craft during the modern (post 1660) period.
• Investigating Craft Practice: Using the methodological tools and the historical understanding provided by earlier modules, this module encourages you, working collaboratively with others to examine, analyse and report upon contemporary craft practice in a discrete geographic area. You will be supported to publish this data as an article, book or website that is aimed at a 'popular' audience. The module will encourage you to be as adventurous as possible in your interpretation of this brief and in the range of the craft practice that you examine.
• Consuming Contemporary Craft: The consumption of craft is key to understanding its role in society. This aspect of craft has, however received far less attention than its practice (making). The module addresses issues including the role of the museum sector; approaches to selling including galleries and fairs; the role of crafts in the home and the perception of craft activity in the media.
• Master's Project: You will build on the knowledge and skill you have acquired to propose, negotiate and pursue a self-directed project, supervised by your tutors through to completion. The Master's Project is capable of accommodating a variety of approaches. Examples include, but are not restricted to:
  • A written dissertation;
  • A curated exhibition relating to contemporary or historical craft activity;
  • Production of digital materials relating to contemporary or historical craft activity including websites, DVD media etc.

Teaching Methods and Resources

...critical debate is vital to ensure the continued renewal of the sector... there are high numbers of the public interested in Craft [but] perceptions and media coverage tend to undervalue craft.

Crafts Council Strategy & Plans, 2008.

This course delivers the history, theory and context of crafts activity in ways that help to contextualise current craft practice. The central premise of the course is that craft practitioners, together with those concerned with their work need a solid grounding in these areas as well as skills in writing, speaking, presentation and promotion in order to survive in a competitive commercial arena. The course content investigates Craft in its widest, modern definition. Craft is now a politically loaded, globalised term that is as much discussed in relation to the 'new technologies' as it is in respect of single maker, hand production activity.

The course utilises the rich heritage of Crafts activity to be found in the South West of the United Kingdom to offer you the opportunity to study in a number of contexts. As well as lectures, seminars and tutorials at our Sion Hill campus you will be working at the University's Corsham Court research centre, where you will be part of a vibrant postgraduate research community. Study visits to practicing craftspeople are an important part of the syllabus, and you will use your new skills to work collaboratively and supportively alongside them. The course offers you the opportunity to study internationally via our partnership arrangements, and for those geographically distant from Bath there is a distance learning route available.

Assessment Methods

Assessment on the course is intended to not only support and test your learning, but to support you in a number of potential routes to future employment. Whilst on the course you may experience the following types of assessment:

• A written assignment;
• A collaborative project;
• An oral presentation;
• A written dissertation;
• A curated exhibition relating to contemporary or historical craft activity;
• Production of digital materials relating to contemporary or historical craft activity including websites, DVD media etc.

Career Opportunities

Typical career destinations include:

• Crafts curator;
• Journalist;
• Crafts practitioner;
• Gallery owner;
• HE teacher;
• Researcher;
• Writer.

Entry Requirements

Admission is normally based on a good undergraduate degree in an appropriate discipline together with an interview. Applicants with a good honours degree in a related discipline and/or with relevant work experience will also be considered.

Overseas applicants will be assessed on the basis of their qualifications and statement included in the application form.

To help applicants – especially those from overseas – to decide if this course is appropriate for them, it is advisable to contact the Course Leader prior to application.