Ceramics, Raku: Making, Glazing, Firing Intermediate and Advanced

When & Where

24 May 2025 - 28 June 2025 ( 30 hours, 5 weeks )
Daytime, Saturday
View course timetable
Waterloo Centre

Quick Facts

Availability No
Tutor Alex Huber
Course Code W24CRSB15A
Suitable For 19 year olds and up are permitted on this course

What you will learn

Raku involves rapid firing and cooling in specific outdoor kilns. This course, at Morley Waterloo Centre, provides a full opportunity during sessions to make, bisque fire, and apply glaze. On the last Saturday, you will spend the day outdoors firing. It is suitable those who have some experience with Raku and ceramic making. Raku does not create functional objects. One kiln load per student, this usually amounts to 5 - 6 medium sized objects. This course consists of 3 making sessions and 1 glazing and 1 firing day. There will be a charge for clay work to be glazed and fired. Please bring and use you own tools or we have basic tool packs to purchase. Students work alongside each other in a mutually supportive environment in which you will learn both from your tutor and each other. As this is an advanced course you will participate more in the firing day, with supervision you will be packing the kiln, taking pieces out the kiln with tongs and putting pieces into reduction bins and helping other students in this process wearing full protective gear, if you are not confident in doing this the introduction to Raku may be more suitable course.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, you will be able to:

Build on skills in process and working methods of Raku making and firing
Make appropriate work with relevant clays and specialist glazes to create Raku objects
Understand, recognise and practice a variety of surfaces that can be achieved in Raku
How to work with others as a team to create work using this outdoor kiln firing technique
Safe working practice with regard to health and safety and issues regarding outdoor firing

Cost

Full fee

£345

Concession fee

£260

Click here for information on Fees, Funding and Concessions (including financial support)

Class format and activities

You will take part in a power point explanation of the process.You will be making a range of objects during the practical sessions. The tutor will give you feedback and practical help with different making techniques to realise your ideas. You will be glazing your work with Raku glazes and different decoration and application techniques. You will take part in a Health & Safety induction. You will help to set up the firing site and actively take part in the firing process and post reduction firing treatment of your work, following Health & Safety guidelines.

Entry requirements

A fundamental skill in making and processing ceramics is desired.

What you need to know before you enrol

Some tasks on the firing day can be strenuous, however there are less physical tasks that can be assigned if required. Please advise your tutor if you are pregnant or have a physical disability so they can assist and give guidance where necessary.

What you need

For the making and glazing classes: a sketchbook, Apron. For the firing day: a respirator (can be purchased for £5 from your tutor), a long sleeved top or shirt, long trousers and closed leather shoes or boots. Combustable materials such as sawdust (discussed in class). There is a material charge of £2 per kilo for work made in class. This includes all firings and glazes.

What you can do next

You would gain the appropriate knowledge to fire your own Raku kiln. Morley College offers a wide range of courses at all levels of ability. We recommend you attend at least 2 terms on the beginner course before moving on to various mixed level courses. Students can also look to progress onto certificated part time HNC/HND in Ceramics Design at Morley or full time Ceramics or 3D courses such as BETC, BA degree or MA postgraduate courses. Your tutor is also happy to advise in setting up your own studio. Many students go on after several years experience to setting up their own ceramic practice and exhibiting in open studio / house weekends and local and national craft fairs and galleries.