• Understand the principles and key reactions that occur in clay, quartz, and feldspar bodies during firing.
• Interpret and control firing curves, recognising the purpose of each stage and its influence on final properties.
• Describe how heat work is measured using pyrometers and thermocouples, and understand their role in accurate kiln monitoring.
• Identify the main types of kilns, their features, and the effects of atmosphere and pressure on firing behaviour.
• Apply technical principles such as gas laws, heat transfer, Darcy’s law, and combustion to optimise kiln operation.
• Recognise and diagnose common firing problems, understanding their root causes and potential solutions.
• Apply best‑practice approaches for process control, quality improvement, maintenance planning, and energy efficiency.

• Process control and optimisation
• Problem solving
• Troubleshooting
• Knowledge of firing curves, behaviour and ceramic reactions
• Knowledge of kiln operation, monitoring and atmospheres 

This course is ideal for anyone involved in ceramic production, firing operations, quality control, or process optimisation. It is particularly valuable for technicians, operators, supervisors, early‑career ceramicists, and professionals working with ceramic tableware, whitewares, structural ceramics or related materials. No prior in‑depth knowledge is required, making this an excellent starting point for those seeking to build confidence in understanding and managing the firing process.

If you are completely new to ceramics and would benefit from a broader introduction to ceramic materials and the full manufacturing process—from raw materials to finished products—we recommend completing the introductory courses linked below before attending this course. These will provide helpful context and enhance your understanding of the role and importance of the firing process.

• Access to 4-5 hours worth of eLearning content developed by Lucideon experts.
• 12 months of access to the eLearning course, which you can revisit anytime. Your progress is saved via your access link, so you can complete the training at your own pace without needing to finish in one sitting.