Program Overview

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Introduction to Wrexham University

Wrexham University offers a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses, including the BA (Hons) Applied Art program. The university is committed to providing excellent education and career opportunities for its students.

BA (Hons) Applied Art

The BA (Hons) Applied Art program is designed to help students develop their creative skills and prepare them for a career in the art industry. The program focuses on the high-quality craft skills needed to launch a professional artistic career.

Course Details

• UCAS Code: W201
• Year of Entry: 2026
• Duration: 3 years (full-time)
• UCAS Tariff: 96-112
• Institution Code: G53
• Location: Wrexham

Why Choose This Course?

The BA (Hons) Applied Art program at Wrexham University offers students the opportunity to develop their material and design expertise and versatility through ceramics, metal, jewelry, and mixed media. Students will become part of the vibrant craft renaissance, engaging in ongoing dialogue with independent makers, designers, and entrepreneurs.

Key Course Features

• Excellent gallery and commercial links, with a focus on craft skills to enable students to become exceptional makers.
• Development of business skills in areas such as pricing, publicity, and marketing.
• Taught by a team of research-active practitioners who exhibit their own work both nationally and internationally.
• Opportunities to work on live projects, exhibitions, competitions, and commissions for public and private clients.

Course Structure

The BA (Hons) Applied Art program is structured over three years, with each year building on the previous one to develop students' skills and knowledge.

Year 1 (Level 4)

Year one introduces students to the breadth of materials and techniques within the Applied Arts. Modules include:

• Contexts 1: Gain a contextual understanding of the subject area through an introduction to critical thinking, analysis, and a structured process of inquiry.
• Visual Communication: Introduction to fundamental theories of visual communication.
• Material Introduction: Introduction to materials and principles fundamental to 3D makers; health and safety, documenting demonstrations, and recording processes and artist's practice.
• Material Experimentation: Process-driven method of creating work, through mould-making and casting in various materials, including ceramics and metal.
• Material Techniques: Focus on a specific applied art technique, which advances making skills and builds a professional body of work.
• Introduction to Exhibiting: Investigate principles of communicating work through study trips and exhibition analysis, culminating in participation in an end-of-year level 4 group show.

Year 2 (Level 5)

Year two expands students' making skills within their main material choice, developing a depth of knowledge and understanding about materials and craft skills. Modules include:

• Contexts 2: Builds on and expands level 4's Context 1 module to broaden knowledge and foster critical thinking essential for interpreting the complexities of contemporary art contexts.
• Research and Inspiration: Take personal research through to design proposals, maquettes, and material tests suitable for communicating with a client.
• Technical Development: Progress initial designs through to finished objects at a professional standard.
• Identity: Develop artistic identity through personal projects in the specialist material area, informed by exploration of open calls for exhibition, design projects, and commissions.
• Creative Futures - Making a Living: Develop awareness of career opportunities and professional lives of artists and designers. Explore subject-specific market and marketing methods, record communication with industry bodies, and collate costings.

Year 3 (Level 6)

Year three allows students to realize their ideas in the direction of their choice, with students developing their own individual themes to produce collections, demonstrating high-quality making skills and innovative design solutions. Modules include:

• Research Project: Undertake a practice-based research project, locating and establishing a connection between academic and reflective writing within creative output as an applied artist.
• Professional Project: Design and create a substantial, self-initiated body of studio work to a professional standard for exhibition.

Entry Requirements and Applying

• UCAS Code: W201
• Standard Entry Requirements: 96-112 UCAS Tariff points at GCE A Level or equivalent.
• Application Process: All candidates will either be individually interviewed or invited to an applicants' day where they will have the opportunity to display a portfolio of their work.

Teaching and Assessment

Assessment is designed to reflect the balance of practical making and critical reflection at the heart of Applied Art. Students will be assessed through:

• Practical and Design Work: Including maquettes, sketchbooks, samples, and finished objects.
• Written Work: Such as essays, reports, and creative formats like zines, used to demonstrate critical awareness of the subject area.
• Presentation of Work: Shared with tutors both in person and online.
• Feedback: Verbal feedback is given weekly in taught sessions, with more specific written feedback provided part-way through each module.

Career Prospects

Graduates of the BA (Hons) Applied Art program can pursue careers in:

• Studio Practitioner
• Creative Business Owner
• Ceramicist
• Jeweller
• Silversmith
• Blacksmith
• Educator
• Gallery Curator
• Fabricator for other creatives and industry

Fees and Funding

The fees you pay and the support available will depend on several factors. Full information can be found on the university's fees and finance pages.

Accommodation

Wrexham University offers on-campus en-suite rooms within its Wrexham Student Village. These private, fully furnished spaces are conveniently located, providing easy access to campus facilities, study areas, and social spaces.

Subject to Re-validation

The university reviews its courses on a regular basis to ensure they reflect the needs of students and employers. Periodic review of existing programs is required every five years, and major changes may be made to the programs during the re-validation process.

International

This course is open to international students. For information about the university's entry requirements for EU/international students, please visit the international section.