Contemporary Craft and Art History BA (Hons)

CONTEMPORARY CRAFT BA (HONS)

*This course is for 2025 entry only

BA Contemporary Craft is an exciting interdisciplinary Major which focuses on hands-on, experimental designing and making. We aim to create a supportive community where emerging makers and designers can realise their creative potential. This will result in the creation of specialist craft works, innovative collaborative projects and new professional directions.

The combination of specialist facilities (metal, ceramics, textile and digital), dedicated tutoring and technical expertise make Liverpool Hope University an inspiring place to study. You will be encouraged to experience materials, to share practice, process and aspiration.

Masterclasses, lectures and group seminars will guide you through core themes, which include: the joy of making, materiality and sustainability, personal directions, craft and equality, collaboration and craft identities.

We have a strong emphasis on professional practice and employability. Supported by university partnerships across Liverpool and North West institutions, charities, communities, business and industry, you will work on live projects, undertake work experience and have the opportunity to undertake a placement year.

A Contemporary Craft graduate can confidently work in diverse careers, including craft/design practitioner, community practitioner, creative producer, curator retail buyer, product merchandising, teaching & postgraduate research, Creative and Social Media Visualiser.

ART HISTORY

*Course subject to validation

As the UK city with more museums and galleries than any other outside of London, alongside the country’s largest contemporary art biennial, Liverpool will provide a vibrant cultural backdrop for your studies. Utilising Hope’s exclusive partnership with Tate, visiting speakers from the creative industries, students gain a wide-ranging understanding of theoretical perspectives in Art History and how these are expressed through the workings of cultural organisations. Through our cultural partnerships and collaborations, students will be offered privileged access to important collections in Liverpool and experts working in the field.

Encompassing the study of visual and material artefacts, museum and gallery practices and the production and circulation of meaning around art and design. This degree provides a systematic understanding of art and design practices and theories with a strong emphasis on critical thinking.

In your second and third years, you will also take ‘Professional Practice for Art History’. These courses take in exhibition planning and design, curatorial practices and educational activities. These components address pathways into the creative industries and address the range of roles today’s cultural organisations demand – equipping students with the skills and knowledge necessary to secure future professional opportunities. 

Hear from student Bryony Large about what it's like to study Art & Design History at Hope.