Diploma

Ceramics

Ceramics

DIPLOMA | 2 YEARS | 4 SEMESTERs

 

Through extensive exploration, study ceramics by diving into an array of techniques, including wheel-throwing, handbuilding, slipcasting, molding, and digital rendering. Engage with a medium that spans more than ten thousand years to create functional and sculptural works that reflect your artistic voice, heritage, and commercial style.

In Ceramics, you will:

  • Focus on studio pottery production with ample time for experimentation and development of a unique personal style.
  • Explore clay, glazes, and firing methods by working with low, mid-range, and high-fire materials in Raku, gas, and electric kilns.
  • Learn to mix and alter custom clays and glazes, analyze glazes using computer software, make plaster molds, and experiment with functional and sculptural forms.
  • Create a personal body of work demonstrating technical skill, aesthetic awareness and the capacity to work within the creative economy.
  • Learn production techniques, entrepreneurship and wholesale/ retail marketing to graduate with the skills needed to earn a livelihood through studio pottery.

NEWS

All Fired Up | Ceramics, Exhibition, February 2024

NBCCD Alumni Participate in CBC Show | February 2024

 

 

Interested in learning more?

Email the Recruitment Office: nbccdrecruiting@gnb.ca

  • Curriculum Standard

    Fine Craft: Ceramics 2025-2027 Curriculum Standard

    The Curriculum Standard is an introduction to the program which includes the program’s critical performance, a program description, program learning outcomes, and the program’s potential career opportunities. This is followed by information on duration, credits, admission requirements, advanced placement, certification, articulations, and prior learning assessment and recognition.

    This document also contains a program delivery sequence and the course profiles with specific course learning outcomes and grading basis.

    In addition, the Curriculum Standard is used as a tool for revision and evaluation of the program and for the promotion of transfer agreements with other post-secondary institutions.

  • Areas of Study
    • Throwing and Handbuilding
    • Ceramic Science
    • Designing for Production
    • Ceramic History
    • Wholesale and Retail Marketing
    • Firing Methods (Gas, Raku and Electric Kilns)
  • Career Possibilities
    • Contemporary Studio Potter
    • Ceramic Designer
    • Production Potter
    • Professional Craftsperson/Entrepreneur
    • Gallery Curator/Archivist
    • Sculptor or Ceramic Artist
    • Studio Owner
    • Ceramics Instructor/Technician
  • Course List

    Fall 1

    CERA 2908
    Throwing and Firing

    CERA 2919
    Ceramic Materials

    CERA 2020
    Surface Design

    ENTR 2011
    Visual Documentation

    Winter 1

    CERA 2911
    Throwing and Firing II

    CERA 2913
    Ceramic Science

    CERA 2914
    Production Studio

    HIST 2921
    Ceramic History and Materials Exploration

    ENTR 2012
    Business Practices and Marketing

    Fall 2

    CERA 3909
    Production: Developing a Line

    CERA 3915
    Production: Teapots and Altered Vessels

    CERA 3916
    Alternate Firing Methods

    ENTR 3000
    Sales and Opportunities

    Winter 2

    CERA 3912
    Designing Large Ceramic Forms

    CERA 3905
    Refining a Signature Line

    CERA 3914
    Surface Decoration: Advanced Applications

    ENTR 3001
    Creative Entrepreneurship

    Complementary Course (choose 1)

  • Admission Requirements
    • $50 Application Fee (1)
    • An official transcript of marks indicating Certificate – Foundation Visual Arts (FVA) from NBCCD OR
      • An official transcript of marks indicating at least 1 year post-secondary education
      • OR equivalent experience (2)
    • Portfolio Submission (view requirements)
    • Interview

    (1) The $50 application fee is in Canadian dollars, applies to Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents and is non-refundable and subject to change without notice. International applicants pay a $100 Canadian application fee. See International Students for more information.

    (2) Equivalent experience is determined by NBCCD by assessing your combination of learning and experience through recognition of prior learning. If you are 21 years of age or older and have past experience, you may be assessed as an Adult Learner.

    Interview
    The College may contact you for an interview, it is important to consider why you want to study with us and your future goals.

  • Portfolio Requirements

    Foundation Visual Arts:

    Please note this program traditionally starts with the one-year Foundation Visual Arts Program as a prerequisite.

    DIRECT ENTRY PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS

    To ensure you are well-prepared to bypass the Foundation Visual Arts Program (FVA) and apply as a direct-entry candidate into an NBCCD Diploma Program, we need to assess your abilities and knowledge of the foundations of visual art. Please refer to Admission Requirements for full instructions.

  • Apply Now

    Apply here

    Go to the Admission Requirements to learn more. This page will also provide more details and info on where to mail your transcript of marks, cash, cheques and/or money order.

    Priority Application Deadline: January 15

    We encourage applicants to apply by this date for the best chance of securing a spot in their program of choice. However, applications will continue to be accepted after January 15 until programs are full.

Kat Neily's piece won the Acquisition Award for the Diploma Exhibit 2023.

  • A black and white portrait photo of NBCCD's Ceramics Studio Head Liz Demerson.

    Elizabeth Demerson (elizabeth.demerson@gnb.ca)
    Ceramics Studio Head, Instructor

    Elizabeth has brought advanced glazing technologies into the Ceramics curriculum, including glazes created with natural materials like rock and ash, as well as incorporating techniques like mold-making and decals. She could be described as a natural glaze scientist.

Sample Courses

  • ENTR 3920 The Business of Craft: Marketing and Sales

    In this course, students learn the skills to market and distribute their work to a wholesale, retail and consignment marketplace. They enhance their professional presentation skills in portfolio documentation and marketing materials. Business tools are reinforced, such as basic bookkeeping, cash flow, pricing, overhead, tracking consignments, creating estimates, and invoicing. In addition, students prepare for retail and wholesale marketing opportunities and maintain an online presence.

    NBCCD students have the opportunity to sell their handmade work at the NBCCD Craft Sale every year.

  • CERA 3912 Designing Large Ceramic Forms

    In this course, students practice their throwing skills, using a variety of techniques in order to produce large ceramic forms. The course emphasizes an aesthetic awareness, the refinement of form, and the development of originality through critique and research.

  • CERA 2913 Ceramic Science

    In this course, students gain control of ceramic processes by exploring the characteristics of glaze materials. Using testing and record-keeping methodologies, they learn to identify technical problems and eliminate them through experimentation of the glaze theory covered. Students formulate original glazes and study the science behind combustion, kiln operation and firing cycles. In addition, they examine studio setup issues and various equipment choices.

    An NBCCD instructor experiments with different glazes in the classroom. The different coloured goop is in yogurt containers and the instructor is wearing a heavy-duty mask.

Begin your creative journeyFoundation Visual Arts

Build core skills in drawing, design, and visual thinking while giving you the chance to explore different mediums through Media Explorations. This hands-on experience not only helps you discover your passions but also prepares you with the artistic and technical foundation needed to succeed in your chosen discipline. For students pursuing the Ceramics Diploma, FVA provides the essential base of creativity, craftsmanship, and confidence that will support your growth at the wheel, in the studio, and beyond.

Learn more

Ready to get started?Apply Now

At NBCCD, we believe in nurturing creativity, innovation, and strong business skills, ensuring that our graduates are not just skilled artisans but also savvy entrepreneurs, ready to make their mark in the ever-evolving world of craft and design.

How to Apply

News
View More