Truro and Penwith College

FdA Design, Craft, Maker

UCAS course code W701
Institution code T85
Duration

2 years
Course type

Full-time, Part-time route available
Study location Truro and Penwith College
Apply at UCAS.com
Rated Ofsted Outstanding (2016), Truro and Penwith College provides a range of quality degree courses with employer needs in mind. All students benefit from an excellent support network that helps to put them on the best footing for a successful future after graduating. Finding themselves at home in purpose-built buildings with expert lecturers and access to industry-standard equipment, students can study a quality university course right here in Cornwall.
A variety of people enter higher education with an assortment of experiences and commitments, but with the flexibility at the heart of our programmes, the College offers a compressed timetable and small class sizes to allow students to study in a relaxed and supportive environment. Whatever your background, studying University courses at Truro and Penwith College means an opportunity to study locally, the chance to fit home or part-time work around your lectures and the one thing all our students have in common – the shared experiences of a quality education right here in Cornwall.
For more information visit the Truro and Penwith College website.

Course details

  • Year 1

  • Core modules

    TRUR1220
    Digital Design

    Design processes explored with traditional 2D methods and introduction of digital applications during development and production stages of design craft. Establishing awareness, understanding and production of three-dimensional forms using a range of digital skills utilising physical materials. Creative workshop assignments, to encourage exploration and questioning of design solutions to develop digital and 3D skills.

    TRUR1221
    Making

    Introduces a range of making and construction techniques using diverse ceramic, metal and textile materials and forms in response to briefs. Explore, experiment and learn how to resolve design ideas to individual intentions. Investigation of function and form by practical two and three-dimensional making processes that are clearly linked to art, craft and design, cultural methodologies, historic and contemporary practice.

    TRUR1222
    Critical and Contextual Studies

    An exploration of design theories and practice drawn from historical and contemporary contexts to understand their influence on art, design and craft production. The development of study skills including research, analysis and presentation, to support individual making and professional practice.

    TRUR1223
    Self-Directed Project

    Utilising and applying knowledge and understanding of design craft making skills developed in all year one modules to a self-directed brief. The project will provide an opportunity to identify and explore an extensive range of making within an individually directed activity and brief; in addition to developing employability skills. Production and realisation to engage with an audience at exhibition.

  • Final year

  • Core modules

    TRUR2214
    Advanced Digital Design

    Extend 2D and 3D design solutions using digital applications during all stages of design craft development and making. Develop digital skills attained in year one and increase understanding of designed three-dimensional forms with digital skills and physical materials. Workshops and briefs will support production and encourage individual exploration and design solutions to develop digital 3D awareness and potential.

    TRUR2215
    Innovation

    Innovative personal making with diverse metals, textiles and ceramic forms and materials. Developing individual ideas by exploiting the potential of materials and combination of multi-disciplinary solutions. Investigate and explore aesthetic function and craftsmanship. Two and three-dimensional artefacts extend students’ concepts of art, craft and design cultural, historic and contemporary practice, including social media.

    TRUR2216
    Critical and Contextual Studies (Personal Development)

    Undertake an individual research project that relates to personal developmental making and practice. Focus will be the critical analysis of art, craft, design regarding audience and society. The aim is to achieve a greater understanding of practice and production in terms of social, historical, cultural and environmental influences, and the relationship to wider design issues and solutions.

    TRUR2219
    Personal Research Project

    Develop and adapt ideas, intent and making within the commercial context of craft outlet, gallery or exhibition. Students will be given an opportunity to build upon employability skills. Students will design and develop a personal research brief, planned research using a range of art, craft, design processes. Exploration of materials and processes to provide individual professional development and progression direction. Production and realisation to engage with an audience at exhibition.

The modules shown for this course are those currently being studied by our students, or are proposed new modules. Please note that programme structures and individual modules are subject to amendment from time to time as part of the University’s curriculum enrichment programme and in line with changes in the University’s policies and requirements.

Fees, costs and funding
As this course is delivered by one of our partner colleges, please contact the college directly for information on fees and funding.

* UK Government announcement on tuition fees

On Monday 4 November 2024, the UK Government announced a proposal to increase tuition fees for home undergraduate students from £9,250 to £9,535 per annum from September 2025 onwards. The University of Plymouth intends to apply this new fee from September 2025. However, implementation of this increase will be subject to parliamentary procedure. This change applies to new students starting their studies in September 2025. For current and returning students, the University is reviewing fees and will update you as soon as possible.

How to apply
All applications for undergraduate courses are made through UCAS (Universities and Colleges Admissions Service).
UCAS will ask for the information contained in the box at the top of this course page including the UCAS course code and the institution code.
To apply for this course and for more information about submitting an application including application deadline dates, please visit the UCAS website.

Our partnership with Truro and Penwith College
The University of Plymouth has developed partnerships with institutions around the world with the sole purpose of making higher education more accessible to those people who need something just a little different.

Our Academic Partnerships enable students to enrol for a degree at a partnership institution closer to home, or engage in distance learning – even when they’re in the middle of the ocean. They are there for those people looking to return to education, or enhance their professional development. Full- or part-time; foundation degree to masters-level – we cater for a huge variety of needs and aspirations.

Many of our partners offer specialist degrees, unique facilities, and smaller class sizes at a competitive price. And as a student of two institutions, you get the best of both worlds; a supportive learning environment as part of a close-knit community, and a university-level qualification awarded by the University of Plymouth. You’ll enjoy not only the facilities and services your partnership institution provides, but also all of the additional support and resources you need from us, and you’ll automatically become a member of our Students’ Union, too.

We are continuing to grow the number of partner institutions and expand our academic community to new locations around the UK and overseas. Why not visit the Academic Partnerships page on our website for a full list of partners and for more details on studying with us?

One of our partners delivers this particular course – so please visit their website for full course details, entry requirements, tuition fees and information on what student life is like there. 

Open days

Partner college open days

This course is run at one of our partner colleges. Open days are held at the college and more details of these can be found on the college website. You'll find contact details below, on this page.

University of Plymouth open days

You are also very welcome to attend a University of Plymouth open day, to get a flavour of the courses you can progress to from a partner college. There will however be limited information on this specific course and college.

Studying with Truro and Penwith College

We’re one of the leading colleges in the country, delivering teaching and learning to the highest level. With three modern campuses at Truro, Penwith (at Penzance) and Tregye, we provide you with a unique university experience.
Plymouth students working on a group project