Craft MA (eca)

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Art and Design

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Full-time
  • MA (eca) | 1 year | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

Edinburgh College of Art

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Study location

Lauriston campus

Accreditation

Not available

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About the degree programme

The Craft MA programme offers a rich and diverse postgraduate study experience focusing on the intersection between craft practice and digital technologies.

Our programme aims to provide you with the freedom to develop your critical making practice through both independent and collaborative study. You will explore new ways of thinking about craft by critically challenging social, environmental, or political norms in innovative, provocative, or speculative ways.

Your student experience will encompass hands-on practice, heightened sensory perception, and a contextual understanding of new making economies. The programme has been designed to encourage your personal growth, to advance your craft skills and expertise, and to hone your conceptual reasoning.

You will be encouraged to embrace a cross-disciplinary approach to your making practice, through the disciplines of:

  • ceramics
  • glass
  • textiles
  • jewellery
  • silversmithing

You will consider various complementary materials in your making practice, such as:

  • wood
  • paper
  • plant fibres
  • stone
  • leather
  • precious metals
  • plastics
  • synthetics

This approach will provide a well-rounded education in craft, allowing you to explore the intersections and connections between different craft disciplines.

Is the MA Craft for me?

This programme is tailored towards designer-makers. Throughout the programme, you will be encouraged to explore a variety of craft practices alongside a range of new and emerging digital technologies.

We welcome applicants with diverse approaches to the craft discipline, from both academic and professional backgrounds.

Thinking about studying MA Craft at Edinburgh College of Art? Discover the programme, how you'll be taught, and hear from our students about their study experiences with us.

Programme benefits

  • As a student on the MA Craft programme, you will have access to state-of-the-art facilities in ceramics, glass, jewellery, silversmithing, textiles and digital fabrication.
  • The MA Craft is one of the few craft-based programmes in the UK that offers such a strong disciplinary focus across the fields of ceramics, glass, jewellery, silversmithing, and textiles.
  • The MA in Craft is one of a kind in Scotland and situated within one of the few centres of excellence in this discipline in the UK.
  • You will work with specialist staff and trained technicians; their specialist knowledge, research and expertise will form the basis of your studies at ECA.
  • The programme aims to provide you with advanced disciplinary knowledge and a comprehensive skillset rooted in critical craft theory and practice.
  • A range of collaborative courses will provide you with the opportunity to engage with real-world projects, work with industry partners and gain practical experience.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Costs

Additional programme costs

To fully participate in this programme, you are recommended to budget a minimum of £500 on top of the tuition fee for the following costs:

Travel and Accommodation

There are travel costs associated with field trips and visits.

You will be expected to pay the cost of travel and the cost of accommodation for up to 2 nights.

Materials

You will be expected to pay for general craft, art and design materials, such as sketchbooks, paper and pens. You will be expected to pay for some specialist materials required by your course, for example base-metals, specialist fabrics, or coloured glass.

Course organisers will support you in meeting intended learning outcomes while keeping material costs to a minimum, but you will be expected to pay optional material costs as necessary for your own project work.

Printing

You are expected to pay for occasional A4/A1 printing, booklet binding, and so on.

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject such as art, design, craft or related subjects.

We also welcome applicants who do not meet academic entry requirements but demonstrate relevant professional experience.

You must submit a personal statement, portfolio and reference as part of your application. These should demonstrate knowledge of the subject and its contemporary practice, and evidence of your ability to communicate in non-textual forms. They should demonstrate your motivation to engage in craft and design-led practices that encompass a wide array of media, materials, and techniques.

Your personal statement (500 words) should introduce yourself and your work and discuss a potential craft project that reflects your approach based on one of the following themes:

  • Innovative material-led practices for sustainability: Describe how you could employ innovative material practices and methods to address responsible and sustainable outcomes in your creative practice.
  • Contributing to debates on Craft: Discuss how your work could contribute to meaningful discussions regarding the position and perception of craft.

Your portfolio collection of visual support material (up to 15 pages) should illustrate your affinity and aptitude for engaging in craft and design-led work. You can include existing project work, a portfolio of drawings, models, and sketchbook developments, or any materials that exemplify your creative approaches to conveying complex information and ideas. The portfolio requirement is a means to assess your creative competency and determine how you might thrive in the MA Craft programme. Prior formal training in art, craft, design, or architecture is not mandatory, but a strong desire and willingness to engage with the concept of craft is expected. If you have professional experience equivalent to academic qualifications, it will be considered as part of the application process.

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

The MA Craft programme offers an excellent opportunity for independent, focused study as well as a range of collaborative projects and briefs.

Semester 1

You will explore your critical making, addressing a range of issues related to craft theory and practice and learning how to critically connect theory and practice within your work.

Teaching will be focused on the cooperation and compromise required for collaboration and how they affect authority and ownership.

You will work with others in a small group within the cohort on an internal collaborative project.

Semester 2

You will further develop your critical making using cross-disciplinary research methods, both through self-directed and collaborative study. You will establish a critical synergy between craft and design theory within your practice.

Teaching will be focused on:

  • the potential of new and emerging technologies
  • the impact of technological advances on the field
  • the crossovers that occur when disciplines and cultures intersect

You will also work on an external engagement or outreach project.

Final semester

You will develop a final project through critical making. Your project can take various forms, such as:

  • a new process, artefact(s), series of work(s), or collection
  • a conference with a publication
  • a research website
  • a collected series of articles or essays
  • an online podcast series

With our project briefs evolving from year to year, these projects reflect contemporary developments in craft.

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Full-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Field trips

There will be a range of field trips organised for you, which will include travel to local and national galleries and museums.

Placements

You will have the opportunity to take part in a 1-week external placement in Semester 2.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Your studies will be guided by a team of accomplished and respected staff and technicians who are expert practitioners in ceramics, glass, textiles, jewellery and silversmithing. Our faculty has a profound understanding, specialised skills and extensive professional experience in the fields of craft and design.

Assessment

You will be assessed throughout your studies with us, receiving a range of feedback and grades on your work.

You will submit two key types of work for assessment: practical coursework and a final portfolio.

Practical coursework submissions

You will submit practical coursework at set times throughout the year. You will submit a range of materials, including:

  • study plans
  • project briefs
  • other planning documents
Portfolio submission

At the end of Semester 2, you will submit a final portfolio of work which will consist of:

  • material tests
  • prototypes
  • final artefact(s)
  • project books that demonstrate the outcomes of your projects

Your portfolio work will feature in a graduate showcase at ECA.

Learning outcomes

This programme is designed to allow you to expand your craft skills and knowledge, and to fully immerse you in the field of craft in a post-digital age.

Your work will be shaped by a versatile skillset and knowledge deeply rooted in the rich world of craft materiality and making, led by hands-on craftsmanship.

As a student of this programme, your learning will enable you to:

  • apply a critical understanding of cross-disciplinary craft theories and practices
  • demonstrate originality and creativity, in relation to craft and critical making and the traditional and contemporary applications of craft
  • use a range of specialised craft skills, techniques, practices and materials that are at the forefront of the field of craft
  • demonstrate a range of specialised research methods and techniques of enquiry in relation to autonomous critical making, participatory and collaborative craft practices
  • apply critical analysis, evaluation and synthesis to forefront issues in the field of craft
  • communicate, using appropriate methods, to a range of audiences with different levels of knowledge and expertise of craft
  • use a wide range of digital applications to support and enhance work at this level and adjust features to suit purpose, including the use of digital technologies and processes
  • exercise both autonomy and a collaborative approach to cross-disciplinary craft practice; critically reflect on your own and others’ work, roles and responsibilities of others; and identify and contribute to a professional community of practice through collaboration

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Our academic staff

At ECA, you'll join a community of practising designers, artists, illustrators, writers, critics and curators working across visual, and material culture.

Staff on the programme include:

  • Dr Jessamy Kelly (Programme Director)
  • Dr Choi KeeRyong (Cohort Lead)
  • Jennifer Gray
  • Dr Maria Maclennan
  • Heather Woof
  • Mirka Janeckova
  • Collette Paterson
  • Shirley McLauchlan
  • Niki Taylor
  • Natalie Adamson-Wain

Where you will study

Study location

ECA are excited to be undertaking a capital redevelopment of ECA’s Lauriston Campus over the next 3 years, from April 2024 to April 2027.

The project aims to maximise the use of existing space, improve accessibility, and create a vibrant campus that fosters collaboration and innovation.

The project involves refurbishing and repurposing various spaces across the Lauriston campus, including technical facilities, student and teaching spaces, and the relocation of the Reid School of Music from Alison House to the Lauriston Campus. New social spaces, seminar rooms, and studios are being created to accommodate our growing community.

You can find more about the project at the below link:

Building work starts at ECA’s Lauriston Campus | Edinburgh College of Art

The majority of your teaching, including lectures and seminars, will take place at ECA's Lauriston Campus in the Central Area. 

You will also get to experience lectures and classes across the wider University of Edinburgh campus. 

Academic facilities

You will have access to a range of spaces, facilities and equipment throughout your studies.

The use of cutting-edge digital technologies, which bridge both digital design and physical fabrication, plays a pivotal role in this programme. These technologies directly intersect with the craft disciplines and the craft production process.

You will enhance your craft production with the use of computer-aided design and computer-aided manufacturing (CAD-CAM) technologies, utilising a wide array of digital tools and equipment, such as: 

  • 3D printers and scanners
  • CNC routers
  • CAD embroidery machines
  • digital and sublimation textile printers
  • laser printers

You will also have access to the diverse range of workshop facilities available at Edinburgh College of Art, including: 

  • metal and wood workshops
  • foundry and casting facilities
  • extensive library resources, collections and archives
  • Information Services resources

Workshops are staffed by specialist technicians and practitioners, who will support and guide your technical development during your studies.

In addition to these facilities, we also have the ECA Store on campus where you can purchase materials for your artistic projects, along with our Free-Use Hub where you can access free recycled materials.

You will also have access to Bookit, where you can access and loan a wide range of digital and technical equipment for free as part of being a student.

Bookit - Equipment loans and studio booking

Find out more about facilities and resources at ECA

Virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the Edinburgh College of Art and explore our facilities and campus with our virtual tour. 

Take a virtual tour of Edinburgh College of Art 

Career opportunities

Graduates of the programme are well-equipped to pursue a variety of careers in the creative industries, and are highly valued for their in-depth understanding of responsible consumption and production through craft practice.

Career opportunities in the craft, art and design sectors encompass a wide spectrum. They range from commercial to high-end markets, as well as freelance and self-employed career pathways. Many graduates go on to work in leading studios, agencies and collectives, or as independent craftspeople, designer-makers and artists.

The versatile and transferable skill set and knowledge you will develop during this programme will prepare you for diverse professional opportunities within and beyond the conventional field of craft, art and design roles.

This could include professional roles in:

  • marketing and sales
  • retail
  • display
  • museum curation
  • creative businesses

Professional links

The programme works in close collaboration with a range of external stakeholders and clients to facilitate live briefs and student design competitions.

Many of our students will have the opportunity to exhibit their work during their studies and will be encouraged to take part in national and international competitions.

Further study

This programme also serves as a solid foundation for those considering academic or research-oriented pathways and careers in the future. As a graduate of this programme, you will be well-prepared for further studies at the postgraduate research level.

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
14 September 2026 29 June 2026

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding or will require a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including your transcripts.

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, we will still review your application and issue a decision providing it is otherwise complete.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You do not need to provide a reference when you submit your application for this programme.

There may be certain circumstances when a reference will be required, for example if we need to verify work experience. If that is the case, we will contact you after we have reviewed your application to request a reference.

Portfolio

You must submit a portfolio as part of your application. You won't be able to submit your portfolio immediately, but you'll receive an email prompt within a few days of submitting your application that will explain how to upload your portfolio.

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

What our students say

What is it really like to study here? Our students share their experiences on our social media. 

You can find out what a day in the life is like for an Edinburgh College of Art student, from late nights in the library to their favourite walks around the city!

Instagram: Edinburgh College of Art

Our community

Learn. Create. Achieve.

At Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) we bring together creative practices that shape the world around us.

ECA brings together creative practices that shape the world around us. 

We deliver innovative teaching, research and public engagement in an inclusive and sustainable environment with outstanding services and facilities to support your ambitions.  

With degrees in Art, History of Art, Music, Architecture and Landscape Architecture, and Design, you’ll be joining a diverse community of artists, art historians, designers, academics, researchers, architects, landscape architects and musicians.  

ECA is a rich, textured, and inclusive learning environment. Diverse practices coexist as the embodiments of an individual and collective pursuit of knowledge, for the betterment of humankind and our planet. 

Our approach is explicitly inclusive, future-facing and interdisciplinary, embracing of bold innovation and continuous enhancement.

Find out more about the Edinburgh College of Art community

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Our vibrant capital is a blend of culture, history, nature and modern city life. A fantastic place to live, it is also the perfect location to study craft.

Edinburgh’s dynamic cultural scene boasts the largest collection of historic buildings, museums, art galleries and theatres of any city in Scotland.

The University of Edinburgh’s museums and galleries include: 

  • the Talbot Rice Gallery
  • the Centre for Research Collections
  • St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room and Music Museum

Edinburgh is home to several major annual festivals, each bringing talent from around the world to our streets and stages, making the celebration of diversity an intrinsic part of the city’s culture. These include the:

  • Festival Fringe
  • Film Festival
  • Art Festival
  • Book Festival
  • Jazz and Blues Festival 

Some of our students even participate in our annual festivals. 

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Contact our enquiry team about your eligibility or how to apply.

Contact us

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