Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies specialising in Metalwork

Text

An internationally respected metals programme with a practical focus, practical work (75% of the course) is supported by studying the history, conservation theory and material science of objects. You will help organise and undertake work for clients, learn to estimate and tender for work. Seminars, lectures and case studies help you to develop a competitive portfolio and workplace skills.
Develop your passions and reach your potential in a small, welcoming environment within a community of like-minded people.
West Dean College of Arts and Conservation has an international reputation for excellence in conservation and arts education. There is a rich arts environment and a focus on craft skills with vocational application. Be inspired by the unique historic character and beautiful South Downs setting. Located close to Chichester and the South Coast, with easy access to London.

You can expect

• A focus on practical skills
• To develop high level applied craft and conservation skills in metalwork
• To handle, assess and make proposals for the treatment of a range of objects
• Theoretical, scientific and analytical study of artefacts and materials
   

Learning environment

• High tutor: student ratio
• Purpose designed workshop with access 8.30am-10pm, 7 days a week
• Access to on-site silversmiths and blacksmithing workshops
• Interdisciplinary environment
• Teaches students to understand and apply Icon's Professional Standards in Conservation
• Visiting lecturers from public and private institutions and workshops
• Group visits to collections, studios and workshops
   

Exceptional facilities
You will work in our well-equipped metals workshop with individual bench space, a forge and foundry equipped for soldering, brazing and welding, and a tool room. There are areas for microscopy, chemicals, hot work, machining, and photography. There is also access to on-site silversmiths and blacksmithing workshops. Collaboration with other conservation specialisms makes for a uniquely enriched learning environment. Shared facilities include:

• Analytical laboratory
• Photography space
• IT suite with specialist databases
• On-site Art and Conservation Library with thousands of specialist books and journals

Hours

• On the Graduate Diploma you typically have 24 contact hours per week, consisting of:
• 6 hours of lectures or demonstrations
• 1 hour of seminars and peer to peer presentations
• 14 hours of supervised workshop practicals
• 2 hours of external trips and visits (on average)
• 1 hour of one-to-one meetings/tutorials
• Scheduled teaching and learning: 720 hours
   

When not attending lectures, seminars and workshop or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study for approximately 13-14 hours per week. Typically, this will involve:
Reading journal articles and books

• Working on individual and group projects
• Undertaking research in the library
• Preparing coursework assignments and presentations
• Independent learning: 480 hours

Modules
Unit G1A Introducing Professional Practice, Unit G1B Introducing Conservation Science, Unit G1C Contextual and Professional Studies 1, Unit G2A Developing Professional Practice, Unit G2B Conservation Science: Development and Applications, Unit G2C Contextual and Professional Studies 2, Unit G3A Research Through Practice. Modules correct at October 2019, they may be subject to change.
 

intro newsletter

   Last days to apply