Glaze Theory and Practice (Level 5)

Study the impact of heat on materials used in the production of ceramic glazes. This course is delivered online.

Studio ceramic practitioners are challenged with a need to find an appropriate finishing process for their work. This inevitably means the application of a glaze or glazes. These glazes start their life as collections of materials either dug from the earth’s surface or refined in industrial processes. They are applied as powder to the surface of clay objects then fired in a kiln to temperatures up to 1300 degrees Celsius.

This course reveals the secrets of what happens during the transformational process of firing. The study of the simple chemistry of materials and the impact of heat opens up possibilities of manipulation and control leading ultimately to the design of glazes for specific needs.

Course delivery

This course is delivered online, however access to kilns and firings are required to complete the material.

This course runs for one academic year, and then you have the option of taking the Level 6 Glaze and Theory course to increase your skills. 

Course intakes

You can start this course at the beginning of semester one, in February. 

We'll add 2025 dates soon. 

Fee

• Domestic: $1,026
• International: TBC

Please note that you are not eligible for Studylink (a student loan) for this course.

Entry requirements

Open entry but you must have access to a PC, the internet and a mid-high fire ceramic kiln.

You will study

During the first stage, the emphasis is on the basic chemistry of raw materials and their firing. The second stage focuses on patterns in the chemistry of well-known historical glaze types and you will also have an opportunity to research finishing processes which interest you. Upon successful completion of the course, you will receive a Certificate of Achievement. 

For more information

Please phone 0800 762 786 (domestic) or +64 3 477 3014 (international).