Glaze Theory and Practice (Level 5)
Visual Arts
A course by
Otago Polytechnic
Study the impact of heat on ceramic glaze materials and learn to design and research glaze finishing processes for studio ceramic practice. Delivered online, with required kiln access.
Online study
Flexible online learning from anywhere
It will take a total of 9 months
Core skills this course teaches
Understand ceramic glaze chemistry
Gain foundational knowledge of materials chemistry as it applies to ceramic glazes and firing processes.
Research and analyse historical glaze types
Identify and compare patterns in chemistry among well-known historical glaze types.
Develop practical firing skills
Apply glaze materials, operate kilns (mid-high fire), and evaluate glaze results through practical experimentation.
What You're Signing Up For
Discover the secrets of what happens during the transformational process of firing and take the opportunity to research finishing processes that interest you. Studio ceramics practitioners are challenged with a need to find an appropriate finishing process for their work, often through the application of glazes. This course explores the chemistry and firing processes of ceramic glazes, allowing you to investigate, manipulate and design glazes for your creative needs. Delivered online over one academic year, the course includes both foundational chemistry and historical glaze types, with a strong research component in finishing processes.
Course Content
- Basic chemistry of raw materials used in ceramic glazes
- Impact of heat and kiln firing on glaze transformation
- Historical glaze types and their chemical patterns
- Research and investigation of glaze finishing processes
- Designing glazes for specific creative or material needs
What you need to know first
Access to a PC with internet connection
Access to a mid-high fire ceramic kiln
What sort of industry will this job lead to
Arts and Creative Industries
Ceramics
Visual Arts
Future employment opportunities might be
Studio ceramic practitioner
Ceramic artist
Glaze technician
Otago Polytechnic is known for high quality, hands on learning that leads to strong outcomes. With excellent student satisfaction, high graduate employment rates, and a commitment to sustainability, it’s a place where practical skills meet purpose. Their award winning programmes span design, fashion, creative arts, trades, health, and business, giving you real experience and real confidence for whatever comes next.