Ceramics designer : Entry requirements

Although a career as a ceramics designer is open to graduates of any discipline, in practice, nearly all will have studied an art or design degree - ceramics, 3D design, applied arts or design. Search the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS)  website for a list of relevant undergraduate courses. If your degree is unrelated, you may choose to continue your studies at Masters level.

A specific pre-entry postgraduate qualification is not required, although may be useful to hone practical skills and prepare for professional life.

There is also a wide variety of part-time courses in further and adult education institutes that provide the opportunity to develop ceramics skills. Visit Studio Pottery  to find a list of pottery courses and workshops or use the Next Step  course search facility to find a list of local courses.

Ceramics designers/ceramicists will need to show evidence of the following:

• creative flair and practical ceramics skills;
• time management and the ability to work to deadlines;
• excellent communication skills;
• organisational ability;
• attention to detail;
• patience;
• photography, computer software and design skills;
• a good understanding of health and safety issues.

Setting up as a self-employed ceramics designer/ceramicist is hard work and competitive. There are, however, bodies that provide support with grants in order to help buy equipment and set up studios, e.g. the Queen Elizabeth Scholarship Trust . Search the Craft Directory  under ‘opportunities’ for details of awards and competitions. The Crafts Council Collective  runs the Hothouse programme aimed at emerging makers. The course provides successful applicants with a programme of business skills and creative development.

It is vital to document your work professionally, using the skills of a specialist photographer or developing your own photographic skills, to create high-quality portfolios and websites that illustrate different aspects of your work.

Making speculative approaches to prospective employers (e.g. heads of design at the major ceramics companies) for in-house design positions or freelance commissions is essential to your job search strategy. Include work in your portfolio that demonstrates you can work in the company's existing style as well as offer new ideas.

Entering competitions and applying to exhibit/sell work at trade shows and craft fairs is also essential. Employers, retail buyers, galleries and the design press attend these events to look for new talent.

Self-employed ceramics designers/ceramicists also have to learn how to run a small business. Ceramics degree courses increasingly include basic business skills' development. After graduation, you can find business skills training through organisations such as Business Link  and creative workspace providers such as Craft Central  and Cockpit Arts .

For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.