Trailblazing New Craft Design in Business Course to Launch at Inverness College UHI

Budding creative entrepreneurs will be interested to learn of a new BA Honours course from the University of the Highlands and Islands, which will focus on craft, design and business studies.

The course, a first of its kind in the UK, will be delivered at Inverness College UHI and is due to start in September.  It combines practical and theoretical craft skills including ceramics, jewellery and textiles, with a strong business core.

Course leader and practising jeweller Roddy Young has developed plans for the course over the past 18 months. He said:  “We are really excited about the prospect of this very hands-on course starting in September.  It will provide students with the knowledge required to, one day, run their own business, integrating commercial design and business skills.

“Equipment is currently being delivered, specialist studio space is being installed and further preparation work will continue throughout the summer.”

The course will provide students with the tools required to set up an entrepreneurial craft business where they can design, make, exhibit and sell their own products. There will be field trips, specialist visiting professionals and opportunities for placements.  At the end of the course, students will produce their own range of commercial products, design and build their own website and will even open and run a pop-up shop.

Diane Rawlinson, principal and chief executive at Inverness College UHI, said: “This unique course blends the skills of a craft-maker with the marketing and business skills of an entrepreneur. It’s a fantastic opportunity for students to gain the vital knowledge required to make their craft and design ventures successful.  

“Over 4,000 people are employed in the creative industries in the Highlands and Islands, with many of them clustered around Inverness.   Future jobs’ growth is expected and the new BAH Craft Design and Business course will be at the core of the support Inverness College UHI is providing to employers in this sector.”

Dr Neil Simco, dean of the arts, humanities and business faculty at the University of the Highlands and Islands, said: “The BA (Hons) in Craft, Design and Business is an important addition to the University’s extensive range of courses in a range of creative industries. I am really excited at the prospect of this new and innovative course being launched. It will provide students with a unique opportunity to combine academic and practical study while gaining invaluable business skills and will be delivered by a team of highly experienced and respected practitioners.”

For more information about courses at Inverness College UHI visit http://www.inverness.uhi.ac.uk/courses