Diploma in Sculpture

Sculpture Diploma students come to Heatherleys from a wide range of backgrounds and professions. Some previous students have come from a degree in Fine Art and some are self taught. We value prior experience as an enriching element of the course.

Applicants will discover an intensive programme of figurative study in preparation for professional practice in sculpture or in related occupations.

We accept applications from adults of any age over 18 years.

Prospective students must apply online. Successful applicants will be invited to an interview, during which they will show examples of previous work (small sculptures, drawings and/or photographs).

We select students who are highly motivated and for their potential to benefit from the two year course. We welcome graduates of Foundation and BA courses in Sculpture and Fine Art but sufficient preparation may also be demonstrated by sustained commitment to part time or independent study.

The Heatherleys Sculpture Diploma is an independent award. The course level is closely related to a Bachelor of Arts degree. Many of our students have made successful applications to postgraduate degree courses. The award is assessed internally by the Course Director and Principal and is validated by a team of external advisors.

Join a programme structured to give you a vocabulary of sculptural ideas, strategies and core technical skills.

You’ll learn to weld, cast, carve, build armatures, model in clay and wax and ceramic hand building and glazing techniques. Learn to effectively research and develop your ideas and strategies of selecting and exhibiting work. In addition to sculptural processes you will also learn printmaking techniques including woodcut, etching and monoprint.

Studying the human form has long provided artists with a rich source of inspiration, visual discipline and creative energy.

We believe this is an excellent way to acquire an understanding of the language of sculpture.

The Diploma Course begins with an observational approach to the sculptural human head and figure.

Weekly life drawing sessions are provided to develop your objective analysis and experimental and explorative approaches to gathering information and ideas.

Building on this introduction, we explore conceptual ideas and imaginative possibilities and how these can be communicated through the expressive qualities of different materials.

By the end of the course, you will be able to create and exhibit a personal body of work.

You’ll be prepared for professional practice in sculpture, to continue your study at postgraduate level or to follow an associated occupation in the arts.

Heatherleys is committed to favourable tutor student ratios. Small groups enable one to one dialogue and support the intensive nature of the skills teaching demanded by the Diploma programme. You’ll share a studio with no more than 5-10 students, with a project tutor assigned to each studio.

Opportunities for critique, debate and feedback are created formally and informally by both students and teaching staff.

You’ll have ongoing 1-2-1 tutorials, group discussions, crits and lectures with our team of permanent and visiting lecturers, all of whom are practising artists. Tutors and technicians include graduates of The Royal College of Art, Slade School of Art and other internationally renowned universities.

Many tutors are also members of professional societies including the Society of Portrait Sculptors and the Royal British Society of Sculptors.

There are 3 stages to the course.

1. Objective study of the human head and life figure focused on the observation and expressive interpretation of human anatomy.
   You will be introduced to modelling in clay and plaster, armature making, various casting
   methods in plaster and water based resin and the application of ceramic glazes for firing
2. Project work which will encourage you to develop personal creativity and explore visual language.The challenging of assumptions about the physical world, the recognition of an interior life of imagination and the need to find ways to communicate these are driving forces to this part of the course.
   You will receive expert specialised instruction in technical processes including welding, assemblage and carving in wood and stone. You will be helped to evolve a personal sensibility in relation to the nature of materials and processes.
3. During the final stage of the course you will plan your own programme of personal project
   work. With the help of continuing personal tuition and technical assistance, you will create
   sculpture which expresses your own vision. Your work will be presented for assessment and
   exhibition to the public at the end of the second year.

Throughout the course a background of gallery visits, seminars, a lecture programme and talks by visiting artists will help you to place your ideas within a context of historical and contemporary sculpture practice.

During the second year of the Sculpture Diploma course you will be asked to complete a dissertation of 5000 words which will contribute to your final assessment. With tutorial guidance you will be asked to reflect upon the nature of your own practice by making reference to the work of other artists whose work you consider to have relevance to your ideas.

Heatherleys’ sculpture department has its own purpose built facilities. This includes a workshop, equipped with machine tools for working in wood and metal, and a kiln room for firing clay works.

Specialist sculpture and ceramics technicians give inductions into the use of machine tools, glazes and oxides.

All necessary tools are available to students. However, you’re are encouraged to gradually acquire their own personal tool kit.

Diploma groups have the use of two dedicated accessible ground floor sculpture studios. The rooms are spacious, with high ceilings and large windows allowing light to access every corner.

Studio 1 is specifically equipped with strong workbenches for carving, construction and assemblage. Studio 2 provides facilities for modelling and casting.