Cardiff Metropolitan University

BA Artist Designer: Maker

Cardiff Metropolitan University

Course overview

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.

Entry requirements

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.

Scholarships

  • Alumni Discount

    The Alumni Discount offers a 20% discount on Cardiff Met courses for previous graduates who are enrolling onto postgraduate programmes from September 2026.

    Up to 20% of fees

  • Full Fee Discount

    Award: Up to £1,000

  • Sport Scholarships

    Undergraduate – Home student (UK): £7,000; Undergraduate – International student: £11,000; Postgraduate alumni – Home student (UK) £2,000 + alumni discount Postgraduate alumni – Home student (UK) £4,200.

  • Undergraduate Scholarship

    Award: £2,500

    Up to £2,500

Career opportunities

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

Cost of study

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

Admission

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.

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