MA Show 2026: Contemporary Crafts: The course at a glance

Name: Hereford College of Arts
Price range: $

The MA in Contemporary Crafts is an incredible opportunity to refine and explore your own creative practice with the guidance support of experts in craft.

About the course

A self-guided course that wraps around your areas of interest, this programme integrates theory with practice, providing you with the skills necessary for an authentic and sustainable practice.

You will develop a comprehensive understanding of practice-based research methodologies, delve deeply into creative processes and design methods to enhance your craft, and learn how to effectively present your outcomes to diverse, discerning audiences. Alongside this, you'll gain essential business knowledge to ensure your practice remains relevant and viable after graduation.

About the college

You will be based at the Hereford College of Arts, a dedicated arts school with 170 years of history. The course is led by Del Done, MBE, and you will join a postgraduate community on campus that spans five disciplines; Photography, Fine Art, Curating, Forged Metal Arts and Contemporary Crafts.

On campus you will be able to take advantage of specialist workshops and studio space, working one-on-one with technical specialists to develop your skills and exchanging ideas and sharing your practice with other students within the MA community.

You will also able to take advantage of HCA's specialist arts library with online and physical access to more than 30,000 books, magazine and resources.

College Road Campus, Main Building front on

2 bright yellow armchairs in the library. They are spaced apart and are surrounded by colourful books.

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FAQs

The MA Contemporary Crafts is a 15-month full-time postgraduate programme. The tuition fee is listed as £7,500.

The programme is suited for makers, designers or creative practitioners who have an established practice or relevant experience. Graduates with good honours degrees are welcome, and candidates from non-academic backgrounds with strong practice can also be considered.

You will engage in a mix of modules including Discourse & Research Methods; Developing Practice; Advanced Practice; Professional Practice; and a Master’s Project. Learning takes place via studio-based projects, tutorials, seminars and workshops — with individual studio space and access to specialist technical workshops and digital fabrication equipment.

Students benefit from dedicated studio space and well-equipped workshop facilities including metals, woodwork, cold casting, 3D printing, digital fabrication, textiles, ceramics & glass, printmaking and more.

Graduates often go on to establish themselves as independent makers, portfolio creative professionals, community practitioners, teachers, consultants, or progress to PhD study. The course emphasises sustainable, viable practice-led craft.

Assessment includes practice-based work, reflective documentation, seminars, and the culminating Master’s Project which consists of a body of craft outcomes and an illustrated critical/reflection paper. The work is also exhibited publicly.

Is the course research-informed and does it include critical theory?

Yes — through the Professional Practice module, you will engage with seminars, workshops, industry talks, visits and peer-to-peer collaboration. The programme emphasises networking, exhibition presentation and connection with the creative industries.

Yes — you can attend open days or campus tours to meet staff and current students. The course website also features statements and outcomes from past graduates (e.g., student testimonials). Contact the course leader if you’d like a bespoke visit.

Entry requirements and application process

Applicants are expected to possess a solid understanding of their chosen discipline, demonstrating the ability to engage in research at the Master’s level.

While preference will be given to graduates with good honours degrees, the programme also welcomes exceptional candidates from non-academic backgrounds who are looking to reposition their practice. These individuals may qualify based on their unique experiences and perspectives.

If you are not sure whether you would meet the entry requirements, you can arrange an informal chat with the course leader Del Done to discuss your interest in the subject.

The application process includes a short proposal that should clearly outline the applicant’s reasons for applying to the programme, reflecting their motivations and aspirations. Additionally, a portfolio showcasing their current practice is required, as this will serve as the basis for discussion during the interview process.

Overall, the programme seeks candidates who are not only academically qualified but also passionate about their field and eager to contribute to the academic community.

Explore the course modules and more on the course page

Visit the course page to find out more about the course, the staff team and how you will learn. Or use the link in the Purple box below to find an upcoming open day, and visit the campus in person.