BA(Hons) Artist Blacksmithing

Embark on a Creative Journey. Imagine starting your day forging at the National School of Blacksmithing, where your creativity comes to life. In the afternoon, dive into the cutting-edge world of design in our state-of-the-art digital skills centre. Here, you’ll unleash your imagination with tools like laser cutters, 3D printing, and 3D scanning, enabling you to visualize, iterate, and rapidly test your ideas before bringing them to life at the forge.

The next day, step into your dedicated design studio, where you’ll draw and innovate with a variety of materials. Experiment with clay, wood, glass, copper, and aluminium, testing your concepts and designs before returning to the forge. On another day, engage in stimulating lectures and seminars that sharpen your critical thinking skills through lively analysis, evaluation, and debate, all supported by our extensive Art & Design library.

Engage in our outreach projects and deliver impactful workshops, such as Spoons from the Wood and Tools for Schools. These initiatives not only allow you to share your skills, but also foster connections with vulnerable adults and primary school children; enriching both their lives and yours.

Exhibit your work at prestigious events like Hereford Cathedral, Fresh Air Sculpture in Quenington, and New Designers in London. These platforms showcase your talent to industry professionals, opening doors to new opportunities and collaborations.

Join the Ferrous Festival, an international celebration of Artist Blacksmithing. This vibrant event features workshops, masterclasses, and exhibitions, providing a unique chance to meet professionals, exchange ideas, and learn about the pathways to success in the field. The festival is a testament to the strength of community, where artists come together to inspire and uplift one another

Throughout your studies, you’ll engage in contextual research that enhances your ideas. Analyse historical and contemporary practices, while participating in discussions during studio and seminar sessions. This process will help you identify your unique creative voice and express it confidently.

By graduation, you’ll be equipped with essential design skills, critical thinking abilities, technological proficiency, entrepreneurial insight, and strong interpersonal skills. Prepare to build a practice that reflects your vision and goals!

Hereford College of Arts has a diverse mix of students, including people with different learning styles and needs. We have a positive, inclusive atmosphere where all of our students are able to access support for their studies. Find out more here. 

• Minimum age 18.

• UCAS Points: For anyone applying for September 2025 entry and beyond, we are looking for applicants who have achieved at or beyond 96 – 112 UCAS Tariff Points. 

  However, whilst qualifications are important, our offers are not solely based on academic results. We may make offers based on other evidence of talent and suitability for the course –  for more details about UCAS Tariffs please see tariff explanation and advice on the UCAS website. 

• Mature students: Applications from mature students with relevant experience will also be considered.
• Recognition of Prior Learning Opportunities: the college welcomes applications from students with prior learning and/or previous experience. Further details on eligibility can be found on page 15 of our Admissions Policy.
• Applicants whose first language is not English – proof of IELTS overall score of 6.0 with a minimum of 5.5 in all sections (reading, writing, listening & speaking) is required.

If you are unsure or have any questions, please contact us at registry@hca.ac.uk and we can offer further advice on HCA and the UWTSD awarding body requirements.

You can apply at any point during the year directly to HCA, or you can choose to apply via UCAS.

We receive a high number of application all our subject areas so we recommend that you make your application as early as possible.

You can find out out everything you need about the application process using the link below. If you have any questions, just email registry@hca.ac.uk. 

Once you apply, our Registry team will confirm receipt of your application and provide details about your interview. This informal, two-way process allows you to ask questions and share your work and motivations for joining us. The interview, lasting around 30 minutes, will be conducted by the Course Leader or a tutor. You’ll also have the chance to talk to current students and tour the campus, including workshops and other facilities. This is a great opportunity to get a feel for the environment and see where you could be studying.

Bring items you wish to share. We are interested in seeing how you research and develop your ideas, what inspires you, and what you have made. We want to learn what excites you and what you hope to learn, so come prepared with questions. This is your chance to show us your creativity and passion.

We understand that not all applicants have extensive forge experience. Don’t worry if your forge experience is limited. We are looking for potential and enthusiasm. We aim to conduct all interviews face-to-face; however, online interviews can be arranged.

Studying is an investment in yourself, and in your future. It’s important to understand the financial support that is available to you, and to be clear about any fees or funding associated with the course you want to study.

Follow the link below to visit our Fees and Funding pages. These pages are designed to help you plan for your future, so you can start your course with confidence in your financial situation.

Everyone’s personal circumstances are different. If you can’t find the information you need, our Student Finance team can offer additional advice.

All undergraduate degrees at HCA are validated by University of Wales Trinity St David.

You can view a detailed breakdown of the course content in the Key Information Document.

This can be downloaded below.