A number of Scottish Universities and Colleges offer degrees in craft related subjects. We have detailed some of the courses below, at undergraduate (typically BA, BDes, BSc) or postgraduate (normally MA, MSc, MFA) level.
University of Dundee - Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design
'Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design offers a comprehensive, future-oriented programme of design courses that are regarded internationally for their excellent standards. According to the Sunday Times in 2008, "The University is home to the outstanding Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art and Design, regarded as one of the top colleges in Britain."'
Related courses include:
- Jewellery - 4 years
The course involves a comprehensive introduction to workshop practice and the design processes relating to Jewellery and Metal Design. An analytical approach to materials and techniques is common to all set projects that gradually allow the development of personal themes in order to express competently individual designs. - Product Design – 4 years
This course teaches a broad process of how to design and develop products that are practical and beautiful while developing personal approach. - Textile Design – 4 years
A multidisciplinary course offering a range of textile design specialisms including print, knit and mixed media. The course enables the student to cross boundaries from one discipline to another and to direct their work towards a fashion, interior or craft outcome.
Edinburgh College Of Art
'Edinburgh College of Art has an international reputation as one of the most successful independent art colleges in the UK. We have won that reputation by offering the highest quality of experience for our students and staff, and by providing a learning environment, which is both supportive and challenging. Edinburgh College of Art is an accredited institution of the University of Edinburgh.'
Related craft courses include:
- Glass - 4 years
Comprehensive workshop and studio facilities will enable students to experience a programme in the conception and production of glass, which is both practical and theoretical. - Jewellery Making – 4 years
Comprehensive workshop and studio facilities will enable students to experience a programme in the conception and production of jewellery from a variety of materials, which is both practical and theoretical. - Textiles – 4 years
In this course students will develop individual interests through drawing, research, colour work and practical skills and receive instruction on screen preparation and all aspects of silkscreen printing, embroidery and stitch techniques. - Product Design – 4 years
Teaches students a broad process of how to find, make and talk product design that enables them to develop and appropriately define the boundaries of their own personal approach.
The Glasgow School of Art
'We are a small, specialist and highly focused international community of artists, designers and architects, undertaking research at the highest levels. In the UK-wide Research Assessment Exercise 2008, the GSA was ranked as the second largest art and design research community in the UK, with 25% of our research considered to be world leading and a further 25% internationally recognised.'
Related craft courses include:
- Silversmithing and Jewellery – 4 years
The course involves a comprehensive introduction to workshop practice and the design processes relating to Silversmithing and Jewellery. - Fashion and Textiles – 4 years
Students acquire a thorough understanding of the design process. They develop in-depth drawing and colour expertise alongside traditional craft skills, CAD and high end technologic equipment such as digital jacquard looms. - Product Design – 4 years
The intention of the course is to provide students with a design-orientated body of theory and knowledge related to the cultural, social and commercial contexts of professional design activity: not only will the design process be enhanced but so, too, will the designer.
Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh - School of Textiles and Design
'Since its beginnings in 1883 the School of Textiles and Design has specialised in the education of professionals and practitioners in the global textile and clothing industry and has established a reputation as one of the world's leading textile institutions. Located at the Scottish Borders Campus in Galashiels, the School is small and friendly which together with its wide range of IT and production machinery, provides a stimulating and creative environment for textile and fashion designers.'
Related courses include:
- Design for Textiles - 4 years
This programme balances practice-based exploration with appropriate theory and fabric design methodology with fabric production techniques. The programme has elected pathways in printed and constructed textiles (woven and knitted textiles, with an option in third year for fashion knit). The emphasis is fabric making with a personal handwriting geared towards different practical outcomes, many with the involvement of recognised design studios and companies.
The Robert Gordon University
'The Times Good University Guide 2009 named RGU as the best modern university in the UK. All our programmes are designed to offer students an effective combination of academic study and practical experience, developed by close consultation with industry. In combining the best of the academic and professional worlds, a degree from the Robert Gordon University places graduates ahead of the rest and we have an outstanding record for graduate recruitment.'
Related craft courses include:
- Textiles and Surface Design - 4 years
The diverse and innovative Textiles course develops the creative skills, specialist knowledge and broad-based graduate skills that will equip you for a range of career options. Study is underpinned by research methods, visualisation, including CAD design process, critical and contextual studies and professional studies. - Three Dimensional Design (Ceramics, Glass and Jewellery) - 4 years
This course aims to develop intelligent makers with appropriate cultural and professional awareness to effectively contribute to the expanding creative industries. It offers the only opportunity to study Ceramics at Honours degree level in Scotland.
The University of the Highlands and Islands
'UHI is a partnership of colleges, learning and research centres, working together to provide university-level education to people throughout the Highlands and Islands of Scotland, and beyond. The main campus of Shetland College UHI is located round the bay from Lerwick, Shetland's main town The college offers a variety of courses at degree level as well as postgraduate and research opportunities in areas as diverse as contemporary textiles, culture studies, engineering, environment and heritage and construction management.'
Related Course:
- Contemporary Textiles – 3 years
Students will develop practical skills in a range of textile areas, in knit, weave, and surface effects including print and machine embroidery. They will participate in sculpture and textile ‘make and meaning modules, using computer-aided design (CAD) and manufacturing systems to develop ideas into a marketable product.
Universities around the UK run degrees in craft related subjects. Search UCAS for details of further degrees, in:
- Ceramics
- Glass
- Furniture
- Jewellery
- Silversmithing and goldsmithing
- Textiles
- General craft and design
Please note that while we have done our best to include all craft related degees in Scotland, this list may not be exhaustive. if you know of a craft degree not mentioned here, please let us know.
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