The School of Design and Handicraft
The School of Design and Handicraft has the following study programmes that prepare the students for university studies in design, handicraft and arts, or for specialisation in a certified trade:
a) Design. Elected field. General design: Preparation for university studies in design and arts.
b) Design. Elected field. Ceramics: Preparation for university or other studies in design and arts.
c) Design. Elected field. Textile (pending)
d) Dressmaking/Tailoring. Dressmaking programme, a preparation for vocational studies, dressmaking (certified trade) and tailoring (certified trade).
e) Gold and silversmithery (certified trade).
f) A two year diploma study (additional credit units for university studies) in forming clay, ceramics and related materials, with a possibility of a third year towards a BA-degree at a university in another country.
a-c) Each of the elected fields of the design study programme is a three year preparation study on the upper secondary educational level, with a graduation in design. Elected fields are: general design, ceramics or textile, in all 21 to 24 credit units in specialised fields. Students have the option of graduating with a matriculation certification by adding general academic subjects to their vocational studies. Applicants who have already completed a matriculation examination or an equivalent vocational study programme, can apply to complete their studies in a shorter time. Ceramics as an elected field is run in cooperation with the Reykjavik School of Visual Arts and is taught in their workshops. Education within the fields of design and arts provides a wide variety of job possibilities, but can also be a hobby that gives fulfilment from childhood to old age.
d) The dressmaking/tailoring study programme offers a two year vocational study programme for those who want to prepare themselves for employment or further studies within the field of handicraft or design. It is also a preparation for the certified trades; dressmaking and tailoring. After having completed the two year preparation study in dressmaking/tailoring, the students can choose a specialization, such as dressmaking and tailoring which are certified trades with emphasis on special tailoring, sewing costumes, making patterns as well as other specialized work related to design and production of clothing. On average the study programme takes four years, including the two year preparation study and 24 weeks of practical training. It finishes with a journeyman's examination which provides qualifications to pursue the selected trade.
e) The gold and silversmithery study programme provides qualifications of a certified trade. On average the study programme takes four years; five semesters in school and 72 weeks of practical training. The main objective of the study programme is to provide the students with the knowledge and competence necessary for gold and silversmiths in their work. The study finishes with a journeyman's examination which provides qualifications to pursue the trade and to enter the study towards becoming a master craftsman. Students have the option of graduating with a matriculation certification by adding general academic subjects to their vocational studies. Students who have completed the journeyman's or matriculation examinations can apply for studies in product design at university level.
f) Forming clay is a two year study programme where the emphasis is on clay, ceramics and related materials. To enter the study programme the students must have completed education on the upper secondary level or comparable, from an art- or design branch, or a vocational study programme. The study is an experimental workshop where the possibilities, characteristics and potential usage of the material is explored. The students get a chance to explore the practical possibilities of clay in the production of individual pieces and as mass production as well as for other creative work. They acquire a wide basic knowledge, where the emphasis is on considering the possibilities of certain materials and methods. The forming clay study programme is run in cooperation with the Reykjavik School of Visual Arts and is taught in their workshops. By adding a third year to the studies the student can graduate with a BA degree. The third year study must be pursued at a foreign university. Currently the School of Design and Handicraft has an agreement with the University of Cumbria in England, but students who have graduated in forming clay have been accepted in many other academies of art in Europe.
The Principal is Sigríður Ágústsdóttir, tel.: 514 9201, e-mail: sa@tskoli.is
Office hours on the fourth floor at Skolavörduholt, room 416 on Mondays and Thursdays from 9:00-11:30.