BA Artist Designer: Maker
Cardiff Metropolitan University
About this course
BA (Hons) in Artist Designer: Maker, an undergraduate art and design degree focusing on material practices, creative processes, and the intersection of traditional craft methods with new technologies. Core topics include Critical & Analytical Thinking and Design & Creative Practice. Students can optionally undertake a year-long sandwich placement as part of their studies. The first year establishes foundational proficiencies through compulsory modules such as Groundings, Individual Project, Research Basics, and Interdisciplinary Understanding. Year two advances material exploration and applied problem-solving via Create, 21st Century Challenges, Real-World Contexts, and Research Proposal. The final year culminates independent creative work and professional preparation through Making a Maker, Positioning in Practice, and Contribution.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff: 96-120 A level: Minimum three A levels. No specific subjects required. Welsh Advanced Skills Baccalaureate considered as a third subject. BTEC/Cambridge Technical: MMM-DDM IB: 24 points. No specific subjects required.
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Admissions (2022 entry, home applicants)
Offer rate 79%: 61 offers from 77 applications, from the university's Freedom of Information return.
What students say
Based on about 11 final-year students who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Teaching on my course: 93%
- Learning opportunities: 94%
- Assessment and feedback: 96%
- Academic support: 88%
- Organisation and management: 82%
- Learning resources: 96%
- Student voice: 92%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 35 students who started
- Continued on course: 80%
- Gained a higher qualification: 5%
- Left higher education: 20%
What graduates do next
Based on about 8 graduates who answered (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 60%
- Further study: 10%
- Unemployed: 15%
Most common jobs
- Skilled trades occupations: 20%
- Teaching Professionals: 15%
- Sales occupations: 15%
- Elementary occupations: 15%
- Business and Financial Project Management Professionals: 5%
- Find their work meaningful: 63%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 47%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 42%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 290 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North West: 4%
- East Midlands: 2%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 3%
- London: 5%
- South East: 7%
- South West: 20%
- Wales: 56%
Who gets in
Based on about 45 students who started
- A levels: 80%
- Other HE qualification: 15%
- No formal qualifications: 5%
Modules
- Groundings
- Individual Project
- Research Basics
- Interdisciplinary Understanding
- Create
- 21st Century Challenges
- Real-World Contexts
- Research Proposal
- Making a Maker
- Positioning in Practice
- Contribution
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of BA Artist Designer: Maker at Cardiff Metropolitan University earn?
The median salary is £24,000 after 15 months, £18,500 after 3 years, £23,500 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £19,000 and £29,000. The £23,500 median after five years is the same as the UK median for Creative arts and design (other).
What do graduates of BA Artist Designer: Maker at Cardiff Metropolitan University do next?
70% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on BA Artist Designer: Maker at Cardiff Metropolitan University?
93% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for BA Artist Designer: Maker at Cardiff Metropolitan University?
The typical offer is 24 points in the IB. The average entrant had 142 UCAS points.
What is the offer rate for BA Artist Designer: Maker at Cardiff Metropolitan University?
79% of home applicants received an offer for 2022 entry: 61 offers from 77 applications, according to the university's Freedom of Information return.
Does BA Artist Designer: Maker at Cardiff Metropolitan University include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional placement year.
How many students continue on BA Artist Designer: Maker at Cardiff Metropolitan University?
80% of students continued into their second year, and 20% left higher education.