Metal Art, introductory course
Summary
The course allows you to develop your artistic expression and craftsmanship as you explore the possibilities of metal as an artistic material. As a student you will improve your skills in hot forging, fabrication, welding och sheet metal forming in the largest academic metal workshop in the world.
About
You will receive support in developing working methods and reflecting on your work, and also in communicating your choice of methods orally and in writing. Through lectures, supervised exercises, workshops, and tutorials, you will explore visual design and communication, as well as theory and history, providing a foundation for a rich and well-rounded education as you develop your craftsmanship.
During the course, you focus on advanced knowledge in machine and craft techniques, materials and expression. You will learn about the properties of materials, including less common metals such as stainless steel, copper and aluminium. You will develop your artistic voice and explore how your artistic idea takes shape.
Courses included in the course package
- CSME1A Metal Art 1, 15 credits
- CSHF1A Craft and Design Histories and Futures 1, 7,5 credits
- CSCS1A Core Skills 1: Explorative Sketching and Documentation 7,5 credits
You will study in an international and unique environment: HDK-Valand Campus Steneby in Dals Långed, 170 kilometres north of Gothenburg. We have one of the largest academic metal workshop in the world, including a 1200-square-meter forge. See our virtual tour of the workshops.
Course meetings
The course package is given with study pace 100% during the autumn semester. Students in the free-standing course co-study together with the program students in the BFA programme in Metal Art. The teaching takes place on site at HDK-Valand Campus Steneby in Dals Långed. The language of instruction is English.
A more detailed schedule for the course will be published in the Learning Platform Canvas before the start of the course.
Prerequisites and selection
Entry requirements
Approved work sample. Exceptions may be made for Swedish when the language of instruction is English.
Special instructions for application
- Apply for the course at universityadmissions.se. Deadline April 15, 2026.
- Submit your portfolio SlideRoom. Deadline April 15, 2026.
- Submit documentation proving you meet the entry requirements of the course on universityadmissions.se. Deadline June 18, 2026.
Your portfolio should include
- CV: List previous experience and education.
- Letter of intent: A personal letter that describes why you have chosen to apply to our free standing course in Metal Art and what you expect to gain from the course. Describe what and/or who inspires you.
- Use images to present a metal object (large or small, contemporary or historical) that has made a negative or positive impression on you. Take note! Do not use your own work here. Write a short description why you chose that metal object. 5–10 pictures.
- Hand drawings, sketches, paintings or life drawings (figure studies). 5–10 slides.
- Images (photos, prints) of work/objects you have designed and made yourself, preferably in metal, work/objects made in another material may also be submitted. Describe your chosen pieces: Material, technique, size and when they were made. 5–10 pictures.
Your application must be anonymous. Please do not include your name or any personal information in your application.
Your application will be assessed based on the following criteria
- Ability to work independently to find own solutions, methods, arguments etc.
- Ability to work with hand tools, machines and materials, and understanding of material properties, constructions, etc. Craftsmanship and technical understanding
- Ability to visalize ideas, forms and generate new ones through artistic methods such as sketching, drawing, modelling, painting etc.
- Motivation for the course
- Artistic motivation and communication
- Reflection on practice
- Suitability for the course
Selection
The selection is based on submitted work samples.
Prior learning and exemption
If you do meet the formal entry requirements, you may be able to qualify through other knowledge and experience. You can apply to have this knowledge and experience recognised as prior learning.
Applying for assessment of prior learning
Please note that the application must be received by the application deadline.
