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Clay is one of humanity's oldest creative materials, yet today's ceramic artists are pushing its possibilities further than ever before. At Nelson Mandela University, our Ceramic Art programme combines traditional craftsmanship with contemporary fine art practice, giving students the technical skills, conceptual understanding and creative confidence to build a successful career as an artist, designer or entrepreneur.
As one of the few South African universities offering a dedicated Fine Art Ceramics programme, we provide students with the opportunity to explore ceramics as a powerful medium for artistic expression, cultural storytelling and innovation.
The former Port Elizabeth Technikon's ceramics programme has long been regarded as one of South Africa's strongest. The programme has been associated with influential ceramicists including Hilton Nell, David Moss, Meshack Masuku and Charmaine Haines, either as graduates or staff members over the years, helping establish Gqeberha as a major centre for ceramics in South Africa
Whether your passion lies in sculptural ceramics, functional pottery, installation art or experimental mixed-media practice, you will develop the knowledge and practical experience needed to create meaningful work while establishing your own artistic identity.
2025 Sasol New Signatures Overall Winner Juandré van Eck with his winning work Cycles of the mind. Courtesy of Sasol New Sigantures.
Why Study Ceramic Art?
Ceramics is far more than making pots.
It is a contemporary visual art discipline that combines sculpture, design, drawing, chemistry, engineering, material science and creative thinking. Working with clay teaches patience, problem-solving and craftsmanship while encouraging experimentation and innovation.
Our students investigate topics such as:
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Identity and culture
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Sustainability and environmental awareness
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African contemporary art
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Material exploration
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Public art
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Installation and sculpture
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Functional design
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Social engagement
By combining technical excellence with conceptual thinking, graduates leave with the skills needed to contribute to South Africa's growing creative economy.
Learn by Making
Ceramics is a hands-on discipline.
From your first year onwards you will spend significant time in our specialist studios learning through making, experimenting and refining your ideas.
You will develop skills in:
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Hand-building
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Wheel throwing
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Ceramic sculpture
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Mould making
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Slip casting
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Surface decoration
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Glaze development
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Electric kiln firing
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Raku firing
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Pit firing
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Installation and exhibition practice
Alongside practical studio work, students participate in lectures, seminars, critiques, individual tutorials and exhibitions that encourage critical thinking and professional growth.
Juandré van Eck a ceramics student from the Nelson Mandela University in Gqeberha has been announced as the winner of the 2025 Sasol New Signatures Art Award.
Outstanding Facilities
Our dedicated Ceramic Art studios include professional equipment that allows students to experiment across a wide range of ceramic processes, including:
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Electric kilns
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Pottery wheels
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Slab rollers
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Extruders
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Raku firing facilities
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Dedicated sculpture and construction areas
These facilities provide an environment where students can confidently develop both technical mastery and artistic expression.
Develop Your Own Artistic Voice
Every successful artist develops a unique visual language.
Throughout the programme students create a Statement of Intent that guides their creative development and research. With support from experienced lecturers, students investigate their own interests while learning to communicate ideas through both visual practice and academic writing.
Regular critiques help students develop confidence, professionalism and the ability to discuss and defend their creative work.
Cycles of the Mind by Juandré van Eck
Connect with the Creative Industry
Students are encouraged to participate in:
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Public workshops
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Community engagement projects
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National exhibitions
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Ceramic competitions
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Collaborative interdisciplinary projects
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Professional gallery exhibitions
These opportunities help students build networks and develop exhibition experience before graduating.
What Will You Learn?
During your studies you will develop:
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Professional ceramic making techniques
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Sculpture and construction skills
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Creative problem solving
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Material experimentation
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Research and visual analysis
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Professional presentation skills
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Exhibition practice
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Critical thinking
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Entrepreneurial skills
Graduates leave with a portfolio that demonstrates both technical competence and creative originality.
Career Opportunities
A Ceramic Art degree opens doors to far more careers than many people realise.
Our graduates work as:
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Professional ceramic artists
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Studio potters
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Sculptors
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Public artists
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Gallery artists
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Ceramic designers
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Product designers
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Creative entrepreneurs
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Ceramic production studio owners
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Educators and lecturers
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Community arts practitioners
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Museum and gallery curators
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Ceramic technicians
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Arts administrators
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Creative researchers
Many graduates establish their own successful studios, exhibiting locally and internationally while selling directly to collectors, galleries and online markets.
Why Choose Nelson Mandela University?
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One of the few Fine Art Ceramic programmes in South Africa.
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Strong emphasis on creative experimentation.
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Contemporary African perspective.
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Opportunities to exhibit your work.
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Cross-disciplinary collaboration with Photography, Sculpture, Graphic Design and other Visual Arts programmes.
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A vibrant creative community in Gqeberha.
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Successful alumni working nationally and internationally.
Your Creative Future Starts Here
If you enjoy making things with your hands, solving creative problems and expressing ideas through art, Ceramic Art offers an exciting and rewarding career path.
Join a community of artists who are redefining what clay can become.
Andile Dyalvane, 2026 Nelson Mandela University Alumni Achievers Award Winner. Photo by Adriaan Louw and courtesy of Southern Guild Gallery.
Nelson Mandela University Ceramic Graduate Alumni Links:
Nelson Mandela University's Bachelor of Visual Arts in Ceramics has produced graduates who have gone on to become respected makers, educators, entrepreneurs and internationally recognised artists. Their careers demonstrate the breadth of opportunities available to our graduates, from functional pottery and studio practice to large-scale sculptural ceramics exhibited in leading galleries and collections around the world. Explore the work of some of our alumni below.
Internationally acclaimed Xhosa ceramic artist whose sculptural vessels draw on indigenous storytelling, scarification patterns and themes of memory, identity and place.
Produces expressive sculptural ceramics inspired by nature, the human figure and the relationship between organic form and texture.
Celebrated for monumental hand-built earthenware sculptures inspired by traditional Xhosa ukhamba beer pots and contemporary African identity.
Creates sculptural ceramic works that explore African identity, heritage and social narratives through contemporary form.
Produces conceptual ceramic sculptures that investigate memory, the body and personal narratives through finely crafted forms.
Recognised for refined wheel-thrown porcelain and stoneware vessels that combine technical precision with contemporary aesthetics.
Creates sculptural and functional ceramics influenced by natural forms, minimalist aesthetics and expressive surface textures.
iThongo [Ancestral Dreamscape]. Watch as Nelson Mandela University Alumnus Andile Dyalvane shares this essential energetic link between the past, the present and the future, and the vital connection that fuels his artistic practice and spiritual being with us.
Ceramic artwork by Lizeldi Loots, BVA 3 student. Photograph by Basil Brady
Ceramic artwork by Laurika Botha, BVA 2 student. Photograph by Sonwabiso Ngcai
Ceramic artwork by Mtha Poni, BVA 3 student. Photograph by Basil Brady
Ceramic artwork by Malene Meyer, BVA 3 student. Photograph by Basil Brady
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