Finding the right course for you
Courses and workshopsFinding the right course for you
Types of courses
Term courses
MAC's term courses run for 6 or 12 weeks, across spring, summer and autumn. We have over 150 sessions to choose from, tailored to various different abilities, so you can be sure to find the perfect setting to ignite a new creative passion or develop your current skills. Explore our term courses.
2024-25 term dates*
Autumn
Start date from Mon 16 September 2024 | Half term date from Mon 28 October 2024 | End date from Mon 9 December 2024
Spring
Start date from Mon 6 January 2025 | Half term date from Mon 17 February 2025 | End date from Mon 31 March 2025
Summer
Start date from Mon 28 April 2025 | Half term date from Mon 26 May 2025 | End date from Mon 21 July 2025
*The 'from' date reflects the week of the start/half term/end dates - the actual day will depend on which day your course is usually on.
Short courses
Our short courses run from one day to six weeks. If you're looking to try something new, or have other time commitments, our short courses offer the perfect way to get creative at MAC. Explore all our short courses.
Holiday courses
Our holiday courses run during school breaks, and offer fun activities for children, families and young people.
We offer both one-day courses and creative camps, which run from two to five days.
Our family workshops are a great opportunity for children to get creative alongside a parent or guardian with both participants making their own pieces of work to take home (additional people may join for a fixed fee, please refer to specific course listings for more information).
Age guidance
Our courses and workshops have been developed with specific age ranges in mind, so we ask that you keep to those suggested. You are welcome to discuss particular needs with us if you are unsure about ages ranges.
Children's courses
A parent of a young child may stay for a short period to settle the child into their class, but is encouraged to leave eventually so that the child can develop a relationship with the artist tutor and learning support worker (unless for specific family activities where parents are encouraged to support learning).
All MAC artist tutors and learning support workers are DBS-checked and work within MAC’s safeguarding policy.
Experience levels
Beginner
No previous experience is expected. You will develop basic skills and knowledge.
Beginner/Improver
Suitable for beginners or those with limited or rusty previous experience.
Improver
Develop your existing skills and knowledge, and begin to explore more complex techniques.
Improver/advanced
Perfect for those who still find more complex techniques a bit difficult, and are looking to refine their skills.
Advanced
Develop your independent learning and practice, with support and guidance from our tutors and resources. Ideal for those who are confident in their skills, but may appreciate additional advice.
Artist pass
Experienced and confident working alone? Continue your practice independently and develop your artistic skills with access to our workshops and studios beyond scheduled class times. Find out more about MAC's artist pass.
Accessibility
At the heart of MAC is a focus on accessibility and inclusion. The majority of our creative courses welcome adults and children with disabilities or additional learning needs. Please feel free contact us to discuss your individual access needs.
We have fully adjustable, wheelchair-accessible ceramics wheels, and wheels with lower seating in our accessible ceramics studio.
We offer complimentary tickets for companions. We are unable to provide one-to-one support.
We can arrange for you to attend a free taster session for our courses, along with a chance to meet the tutor to discuss any specific needs.
Courses for under 18s are delivered by artist tutors with the help of Learning Support Workers, both of whom are DBS checked. On courses where children are unaccompanied, staff will support participants in their art making and aid them to access toilet facilities and lunch spaces. If further assistance is required a parent or companion may book a complimentary ticket to provide support.
Please visit our Access page for further information.
MAC's save-a-space scheme
We try very hard to make our artistic activity as affordable as possible, subsidising where we can, but we know that it helps to spread the cost. With the MAC save-a-space scheme, you can secure your space on a course for a deposit of £30, with the balance due 3 weeks before the course begins. Find out more about MAC's save-a-space scheme.
Health and safety
All artist tutors and students are expected to abide by MAC health and safety requirements.
Students enrolling on a learning programme at MAC will receive a health and safety induction from their artist tutor.
Students are expected to work within health and safety guidelines and under the guidance of artist tutors especially when using or operating specialist equipment and hazardous materials such as chemicals and other specialist tools used in jewellery-making, pottery and other courses. If you have any queries or concerns, please contact us prior to enrolling on the course.
For health and safety reasons and out of consideration for other students, it is not possible for participants to bring a young baby or child into classes at MAC, unless stated otherwise.