Craft & Material Practice MA
Arts University Plymouth Campus, United Kingdom
MA Craft & Material Practices
Arts University Plymouth
Craft & Material Practices
MA Craft & Material Practices at Arts University Plymouth
The MA Craft & Material Practices at Arts University Plymouth takes craft as a starting point rather than a destination. You will be guided in material-led research processes in clay, glass, wood, biomaterials, metals, fibre and other materials that lead to personal discovery and future-oriented, contemporary professional practice.
Through instruction in spacious, highly-resourced material labs, workshops and studios, you will expand your knowledge of materials and traditional methods of making into new territories of practice. The programme encourages the development of the individual designer-maker, with an emphasis on material knowledge and design innovation through a cross-disciplinary approach.
As an MA student you will join the Postgraduate Centre, an active, cross-disciplinary community of makers and thinkers. Built into the course is an emphasis on sustainable, non-extractive and regenerative approaches to working with materials, putting you at the forefront of alternative ways of making that support new, more sustainable industries.
Key Programme Highlights
- Access to specialist studios in hot glass, kiln-formed glass, ceramics, 3D clay printing, biomaterials, woodworking, small metals and Fab Lab Plymouth digital fabrication suite
- Participation in the Making Futures Research Group (MFRG), examining how traditional cultures of making might exist in future contexts through emerging practices, materials and technologies
- Interdisciplinary postgraduate structure with shared critiques, seminars, research intensives, external site visits and lectures alongside students from other disciplines
- Strong emphasis on sustainability, material life cycles, and regenerative approaches to craft practice within contemporary creative industries
Curriculum & Modules
The MA Craft & Material Practices curriculum is structured around practice-led research, critical engagement with contemporary craft discourse, and professional development. The programme addresses histories, technologies, contexts, material qualities, and conceptual and narrative developments through a combination of studio practice and theoretical study.
Develop material-led research processes across clay, glass, wood, biomaterials, metals and fibre. You will hone existing skills and be introduced to novel processes in the Materials Lab and specialist workshops.
Engage critically with current debates in craft, exploring topics such as sustainability, digital tools and technologies, hybrid practices, globalisation, and what it means to be a craftsperson in the 21st century.
Develop professional skills for industry, self-employment in the creative industries sector, or further doctoral study. Test your practice within appropriate live settings and professional contexts.
Participate in a structured programme of research intensives that provide the means to see craft as a tangible form of creative, technical or material research, including external site visits and collaborative projects.
Share critiques, seminars and lectures with postgraduate students in other disciplines, broadening your understanding of craft in relation to art theory, design thinking, materials science, social making and climate change.
Specialist Material Pathways
Admission Requirements
The MA Craft & Material Practices programme welcomes applicants with a strong creative practice and a desire to develop their material expertise. All applications and inquiries should be directed through Uni4Edu, who will guide you through the entire admissions process.
Academic Requirements
- Undergraduate DegreeA Bachelor's degree at 2:2 classification or above, or an equivalent international qualification
- Creative PracticeThe strength of your creative practice and other forms of experience will be taken into account at the interview stage
- PortfolioDigital images of your creative work demonstrating material skills and creative potential
- Personal StatementA short personal statement (approximately 300 words) outlining techniques or themes you wish to investigate, creative inspirations, and professional goals
- InterviewShortlisted candidates will be invited for an interview to discuss their work and course aspirations
English Language Requirements
- IELTSOverall score of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component
- PTE AcademicMinimum score of 50 overall, with a minimum of 50 in each section
- Trinity ISEIntegrated Skills in English II (ISE II - Level B2) at pass level in all components
Required Documents
Application Deadlines
For personalized admission guidance, document verification, and application support, please contact Uni4Edu
Scholarships & Funding
Arts University Plymouth offers a range of financial support options for postgraduate students. Contact Uni4Edu for personalised guidance on scholarship eligibility and application procedures.
AUP Alumni Discount
15% fee reductionArts University Plymouth graduates are offered a discount of 15% on Masters programme fees, regardless of when they originally studied at the institution.
International Partnership Scholarship
Up to GBP 4,000International students joining Arts University Plymouth through partner pathways may be eligible for a fee reduction worth up to GBP 4,000. Contact Uni4Edu to check your eligibility.
Access & Participation Support
VariesA package of financial support is available for students with the greatest additional needs, enabling them to fully participate in university life and complete their course. Contact Uni4Edu for details.
For detailed tuition fee information, please contact Uni4Edu — we will guide you through the costs and available funding options for this program.
Career Prospects
Graduates of the MA Craft & Material Practices programme pursue careers across the fields of fine art, craft and design. The programme develops professional skills for industry, self-employment in the creative industries sector, and preparation for doctoral study.
Potential Career Paths
Industry Partners & Collaborators
Rankings & Recognition
Arts University Plymouth has earned significant recognition for its student experience, teaching quality and specialist creative facilities. The university has been the top-scoring specialist arts university in the UK National Student Survey for four consecutive years (2022-2025).
| Subject | Ranking Body | Rank |
|---|---|---|
| Student Satisfaction | Complete University Guide | #6 in UK (2027) |
| Facilities | Whatuni Student Choice Awards | #1 South West, #13 UK (2026) |
| Arts, Drama & Music | Complete University Guide | Top 10 (2024) |
| Teaching Excellence | Daily Mail University Guide | Top 10 in UK (2026) |
How to Apply
Applying for this program is easy with Uni4Edu. Our team will guide you through every step of the process — from document preparation to final enrolment.
Contact Uni4Edu
Reach out to our team via email or phone. We will assess your profile and confirm your eligibility for this program.
Prepare Your Documents
Our advisors will provide you with a personalised checklist of required documents and help you prepare your application package.
Submit Your Application
Uni4Edu will submit your application on your behalf and keep you updated on its progress throughout the review period.
Receive Your Offer
Once accepted, we will help you understand your offer, arrange visa support if needed, and guide you through the enrolment process.
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