BA Artist Designer: Maker

This programme is for artists, designers, and craftspeople who use intelligent hands and creative minds to create the objects that shape our world. The degree is unique because it combines instruction in traditional skills (like working with ceramics, metal, and wood) with cutting-edge technologies (such as 3D printing and digital fabrication). Students learn to bridge old material knowledge with new processes to create functional products, decorative artefacts, or expressive artwork.

Learning takes place in a studio-based environment with support from professional artists and makers. Students can gain practical experience through an optional industry work placement, academic knowledge through a research project, or experience other cultures through study abroad trips. Assessment is based on equal weight across three core criteria: Skills, Context (theory and history), and Ideas.

Cardiff Metropolitan University is a fantastic place to study, offering many courses, including Artist Designer: Maker. The university provides both undergraduate and postgraduate degrees across major subjects. Students can study in fields such as Health Sciences (like medicine), Management and Business, Technology and Engineering, and Art and Design. The university's strong focus on student success is clear, as a high number of graduates quickly find good professional jobs.

Candidates must submit a personal statement explaining why they are applying for the course and any relevant experience or passion for making. An academic and/or employer reference is also needed. All applicants are expected to present a portfolio of their creative work and attend a successful interview. The application process is arranged to evaluate the applicant's creative potential, commitment, and suitability for the degree.

Grade Requirements:

• Applicants need 96–104 UCAS Tariff points from A levels or an equivalent Level 3 qualification, such as a BTEC Extended Diploma.
• The university also requires five GCSEs at Grade C / 4 or higher, which must include English Language (or Welsh First Language), Mathematics, and Science.
• The final offer is dependent on a successful review of the applicant's creative portfolio and interview performance.

English Proficiency:

• Applicants whose first language is not English must prove their ability to study in English.
• This requires an Academic IELTS score of 6.0 overall, with a minimum score of 5.5 in every component (reading, writing, listening, and speaking), or the submission of an equivalent secure English language test (SELT) result.

The international tuition fee for this course is £16,000 per year.

The university offers several funding options for international students. Full fee-paying international undergraduate students may be eligible for the International Undergraduate Scholarship, which usually provides a tuition fee reduction of about £1,000. The competitive Cardiff Met Sanctuary Award is also available, offering a fee waiver and additional financial help for study costs, but this is reserved for students seeking sanctuary in the UK (e.g., refugees or asylum seekers) who meet specific criteria.

Graduates from this programme gain skills applicable to a range of professional paths. Well-known career options include:

• Professional Studio Artist or Craftsperson
• Designer
• Entrepreneur
• Exhibition Designer
• Workshop Technician

Applications are to be submitted through UCAS. But we strongly suggest and encourage all applicants to contact AHZ's trained counsellors for help with the process.