Introduction to Sculpture

This course is designed for beginners and those with some creative experience. We will cover a range of hands-on sculptural methods, including working with clay, card, plaster, and found materials.  

You will be introduced to key ideas and techniques, focusing on developments in sculpture over the past 100 years. Through experimentation and research, you will develop your own sculptural projects, gaining both technical skills and a deeper understanding of contemporary sculpture.

You will be taught in specialist art and design studios and supported by the course teacher through practical demonstrations, one-to-one tuition, group discussions and critiques.  You will require access to a device with an internet connection.  

Learners are responsible for purchasing their own materials. You may be required to bring some materials to your first, and subsequent classes. Learn more about the materials required for this course here.  Please do not purchase any materials until your course is confirmed to run. 

Learning in this course is hands-on, and your skills will develop through practice, discovery, and engagement with materials and techniques.  

If you have fully engaged with all the learning activities and have attended regularly, by the end of the course, you should be able to:  

• Experiment with materials and visual concepts, exploring ideas through practical making and contextual research;
• Demonstrate confidence and technical ability in a variety of sculptural techniques to express personal ideas;
• Demonstrate hands-on problem-solving and material exploration skills developed through sculptural practice, fostering creativity, spatial awareness, and the ability to translate ideas into three-dimensional form, valuable in design, architecture, and creative industries. 

This course is for those with little or no experience of sculpture.  

Learners with an enthusiasm for creative exploration, who enjoy making things, or have a natural appreciation for colour, texture and form may find this course particularly rewarding. A willingness to experiment and express ideas visually is encouraged. 

We welcome all and are committed to fostering a positive culture and sense of community among learners and staff. We expect learners to treat others with dignity and respect. Learners must be 16+.

If you have a disability, learning difficulty, health condition, or personal circumstances which may affect your learning, please let us know so that we can make appropriate adjustments in accordance with the Equality Act 2010.  

Wherever possible, we mainstream adjustments in line with the University’s accessible and inclusive learning policy. 

Learners will have limited access to the University’s student support services who will signpost appropriate local sources of support. 

the course is suitable for those with no prior experience. This course welcomes those with a vivid imagination and an enthusiasm for creative exploration. While no formal background in art or design is required, learning is hands-on and a willingness to experiment and express ideas visually is encouraged.

Learners are responsible for purchasing their own materials. You may be required to bring some materials to your first, and subsequent classes. Learn more about the materials required for this course here. Please do not purchase any materials until your course is confirmed to run. 

There is no recommended reading with this course; however, your course teacher will guide you to relevant sources. 

Reading, listening and communication skills are essential. You must be comfortable learning in English. You will need basic digital skills, such as using a computer and navigating a website, to access the learning materials.

Please note that the course booking deadline is 8 days before the course start date.