Introduction to Sculpture
- Level(s) of Study: Short course
- Course Fee:
£690 (Saturday course) or £675 (summer course)
- Start Date(s): 4 August 2025
- Duration: Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm, one week
- Study Mode(s): Part-time
- Campus: City Campus
- Entry Requirements: More information
Introduction:
Course dates:
4 - 8 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
Sculpture, one of the most primal and profound art forms, allows you to breathe life into your creative visions, transcending the boundaries of two-dimensional art.
This course is your key to a world where your imagination knows no bounds, and every sculpture is a testament to your unique artistic voice.
Dive into a journey of self-expression, exploration, and endless creative possibilities—your sculptor's journey begins here.
On this hands-on course you’ll explore and develop your skills in creating three-dimensional artworks using a variety of materials.
Each day delves into different sculpting techniques, fostering a deep understanding of form, structure, and the unique characteristics of diverse materials.
Whether you're new to sculpting or looking to expand your artistic repertoire into three-dimensional artwork, this course will empower you to transform your creative vision into tangible sculptures.
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You’ll be part of a design community in our creative studio culture; one that promotes discussion and collaboration, and encourages experimentation and the constant swapping of ideas. -
With a limited class size you'll have the one-to-one attention you need to ensure you leave with the skills to continue developing your designs at home or work. -
Benefit from learning with an experienced tutor who has established links to the profession and significant experience working in varied practices. -
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance.
What you’ll study
Shape, join, carve and construct your own designs and turn them into tangible sculptures.
Each day begins with a brief lecture featuring examples from relevant artists, followed by practical tutorials with step-by-step demonstrations, ensuring you grasp the essential skills.
You’ll explore sculpture through clay modelling, armatures, metal construction and direct carving.
Investigating sculptural form and line and structure, you’ll develop your understanding of how the specific qualities each material has, so that you can take advantage of their mechanical strengths for your own designs.
Practical sessions allow you to apply what you've learned, with one-on-one tutorials for personalised guidance, alongside group critiques foster constructive feedback, helping you advance your sculpting skills and critical thinking.
During this course, you will:
- explore the history of sculpture and its artistic significance
- transform your drawings into 3D artworks and work directly into carving
- be introduced to materials and tools and learn how to use them safely and effectively
- work with a range of materials including clay, aluminium, and aeroblock
- hone your skills in creating sculptures that express form, emotion, and artistic finesse
- practice joining metal without heat and learn simple carving techniques.
By the end of the course you will have a solid foundation in various sculpting techniques and materials.
You’ll also have created your own original sculpture that shows how you have applied these processes.
You’ll leave with lots of samples that can inspire further sculptures, with an improved aesthetical understanding and practical knowledge on how to apply your skills to further projects.
You will have also presented your work effectively, enhancing your portfolio and artistic practice.
- Day 1: Introduction to Sculpture and the History of Sculpting
- Day 2: Clay and Wire Armature
- Day 3: Working with Aluminum Wire
- Day 4: Carving Techniques with Aeroblock
- Day 5: Finishing Your Sculptures
Introduction to tutor and to sculpture with a short lecture on the history of sculpture.
Start practical work, learning and developing skills of modelling with Clay including how to keep the material workable, use of modelling tools, carving and building. We will be using the human form as our inspiration looking at artists such as Michelangelo and August Rodin.
Using the work of Alberto Giacometti as inspiration, you’ll develop themes of the Human Form and expression through stance and gesture. You’ll be introduced to metal as a material and build on the modelling used in day one.
Create a metal sculpture, addressing challenges in joining metal without heat, drawing inspiration from artists like Alexander Calder, Sally Mathews, and Celia Smith.
Learn to carve using rasps and chisels, creating sculptures from concrete. Draw inspiration from artists like Barbara Hepworth, Henry Moore, and Constantin Brancusi.
Explore plinth and display options, surface treatments, and finishes. Conclude with an informal presentation, critique, and a comprehensive tutorial on tools, techniques, and sourcing materials for continuing your projects after the course.
How you’re taught
This course will be delivered in person on Nottingham Trent University city campus.
Contact hours
You will receive 25 contact hours of quality tuition with an experienced tutor.
Careers and employability
This course equips you with valuable skills in sculpture and a deeper understanding of materials and techniques.
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned artist, the ability to create three-dimensional art enhances your portfolio, making you more versatile and employable in the art industry.
You can pursue a career as a sculptor, expand your artistic practice, or use these skills to diversify your creative offerings, opening doors to various artistic opportunities.
On successful completion of the course you will receive a certificate of attendance, which will further enhance your CV.
Campus and facilities
You’ll be based in the School of Art and Design on the City Campus.
You'll receive training and advice on how to fully utilise the equipment in the workshop.
You will receive an email one week before the course starts with joining instructions on where to go for the first day.
You’ll also have access to our library to use outside of your short course; whilst you can’t reserve or take away books, you are welcome to use them as a resource for research and referencing.
Entry requirements
Level: Open to all.
Entry requirement: No previous experience is necessary. You should dress appropriately for a workshop environment, wearing full shoes/boots, trousers, and work clothing or an apron.
You must be over the age of 18 in order to attend this course.
Fees and funding
The fee for this course is £675.
Payment is due at the time of booking - ask us if you'd prefer an invoice sent to your company.
Secure your place with a deposit - If you're booking more than two months before the course starts, we can accept a £200 deposit to secure your place, and the balance is due one month before the course starts.
Your course fees cover the cost of studies, including great benefits such as the use of our modern library and free use of the IT equipment and software on the campus during your course.
Please bring with you to the first session:
- your everyday art box contents including pens, pencils, paints etc.
- choose a sketchbook that suits your style of working – A4/A3 allows you to have some freedom yet isn’t so large that it becomes intimidating to use
- a project brief and further details will be sent to you separately, prior to the course starting.
You can read the terms and conditions of booking here.
Need accommodation for a week long summer course?
Accommodation can be booked separately to the course; the rooms are only a few minutes’ walk from our studios and classrooms, and cost £259 per week.
These are single rooms with a private bathroom in shared apartments in Nottingham Trent University’s city campus accommodation, which is ideal if you're looking to be based in Nottingham's lively city centre and want an economical place to stay.
Find out more and book your accommodation here.
How to apply
You can book your place for the following dates via the NTU online store:
4 - 8 August 2025, Monday to Friday 10 am - 4 pm
Browse all short courses in fine art.
Any questions?
Contact the short course team:
Email: creativeshortcourses@ntu.ac.uk
Telephone: +44 (0)115 848 2813