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Person wearing a white shirt holds object to chest. The object is a grey box wrapped in a tangle of red cord. Chengcheng Zhuo, Net Collection, 2021

Postgraduate

Craft - MA

MA

Features

1 year
Full-time

Outline

The Craft MA programme offers a rich and diverse postgraduate study experience focusing on the intersection between craft practice and digital technologies.

Our programme aims to provide you with the freedom to develop your critical making practice through both independent and collaborative study. You will explore new ways of thinking about craft by critically challenging social, environmental, or political norms in innovative, provocative, or speculative ways.

Your student experience will encompass hands-on practice, heightened sensory perception, and a contextual understanding of new making economies. The programme has been designed to encourage your personal growth, to advance your craft skills and expertise, and to hone your conceptual reasoning.

You will be encouraged to embrace a cross-disciplinary approach to your making practice, through the disciplines of:

  • ceramics
  • glass
  • textiles
  • jewellery
  • silversmithing

You will consider various complementary materials in your making practice, such as:

  • wood
  • paper
  • plant fibres
  • stone
  • leather
  • precious metals
  • plastics
  • synthetics

This approach will provide a well-rounded education in craft, allowing you to explore the intersections and connections between different craft disciplines.

Is the MA Craft for me?

This programme is tailored towards designer-makers. Throughout the programme, you will be encouraged to explore a variety of craft practices alongside a range of new and emerging digital technologies.

We welcome applicants with diverse approaches to the craft discipline, from both academic and professional backgrounds.

To find out more about this course, visit our Degree Finder: Craft.

Learn more about the programme

Careers

Graduates of the programme are well-equipped to pursue a variety of careers in the creative industries, and are highly valued for their in-depth understanding of responsible consumption and production through craft practice.

Career opportunities in the craft, art and design sectors encompass a wide spectrum. They range from commercial to high-end markets, as well as freelance and self-employed career pathways. Many graduates go on to work in leading studios, agencies and collectives, or as independent craftspeople, designer-makers and artists.

The versatile and transferable skill set and knowledge you will develop during this programme will prepare you for diverse professional opportunities within and beyond the conventional field of craft, art and design roles.

This could include professional roles in:

  • marketing and sales
  • retail
  • display
  • museum curation
  • creative businesses

This programme also serves as a solid foundation for those considering academic or research-oriented pathways and careers in the future. As a graduate of this programme, you will be well-prepared for further studies at the postgraduate research level.

Why you should choose this programme

1

As a student on the MA Craft programme you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities in ceramics, glass, jewellery, silversmithing, textiles and digital fabrication.

2

Is one of the only craft-based programmes in the UK that offers such a strong disciplinary offering across the fields of ceramics, glass, jewellery, silversmithing and textiles.

3

The MA in Craft is one-of-a-kind in Scotland and situated within one of the few centres of excellence in this discipline in the UK, making it unique to Scotland.

4

You will get to work with specialist staff and technicians trained, their specialist knowledge, research and expertise will form the basis of your studies at ECA.

5

A range of collaborative courses will provide you with the opportunity to engage with real-world projects, work with industry partners and gain practical experience.

Opportunities

Placement

You will have the opportunity to take part in a 1-week external placement in Semester 2.

The programme works in close collaboration with a range of external stakeholders and clients to facilitate live briefs and student design competitions.

Many of our students will have the opportunity to exhibit their work during their studies and will be encouraged to take part in national and international competitions.

Field trips 

Throughout your studies, you will go on external visits to a range of sites, galleries and museums to support your learning. 

In semester 2, you will develop and explore the creative possibilities of your external project through external participatory engagement and outreach activities which will include fieldwork with your chosen collaborator to scope out a study project. 

How to apply and entry requirements

If you'd like to study on a postgraduate programme at Edinburgh College of Art, you must apply through EUCLID, our online application system. You can find out how to do this on the University of Edinburgh website, where you'll also be able to:

  • See detailed entrance requirements for each programme on the Degree Finder
  • Get information on what to expect after you apply
  • Find out about study modes, start dates and fees
  • Find out if, and how, you need to submit a portfolio, showreel or research proposal
  • Find out where to go for further advice and guidance.

Get in touch

Edinburgh College of Art Postgraduate Admissions

futurestudents@ed.ac.uk
+44 (0)131 650 4086

Campus facilities

The use of cutting-edge digital technologies, which bridge both digital design and physical fabrication, plays a pivotal role in this programme. These technologies directly intersect with the craft disciplines and the craft production process.

You will enhance your craft production with the use of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technologies, utilising a wide array of digital tools and equipment, such as:

  • 3D printers and scanners
  • CNC routers
  • CAD embroidery machines
  • digital and sublimation textile printers
  • laser printers

You will also have access to the diverse range of workshop facilities available at Edinburgh College of Art, including:

  • metal and wood workshops
  • foundry and casting facilities
  • extensive library resources, collections and archives
  • Information Services resources

Investing in your learning environment

ECA are excited to be undertaking a capital redevelopment of ECA’s Lauriston campus over the next 3 years, from April 2024 to April 2027.

The project aims to maximise the use of existing space, improve accessibility, and create a vibrant campus that fosters collaboration and innovation.

The project involves refurbishing and repurposing various spaces across the Lauriston campus, including technical facilities, student and teaching spaces, and the relocation of the Reid School of Music from Alison House to the Lauriston campus. New social spaces, seminar rooms, and studios are being created to accommodate our growing community.

You can find more about the project at the below link:

Building work starts at ECA’s Lauriston campus | Edinburgh College of Art

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