Conservation Studies, specialising in Metalwork - Graduate Diploma

West Dean College

Study at a specialist college with the assurance of a university qualification. Develop your passions and reach your potential in a small, welcoming environment within a community of like-minded people.

An international reputation for excellence in conservation and arts education94% of students studying at the College* felt the programme had enhanced their skills and abilities (*2019 student survey)A rich arts environment and a focus on craft skills with vocational applicationBe inspired by the unique historic character and beautiful South Downs settingLocated close to Chichester and the South Coast, with easy access to London

The Graduate Diploma is the start of your transition into conservation studies if your undergraduate degree was not in a related field.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.

A focus on practical skillsTo develop high level applied craft and conservation skills in metalworkTo handle, assess and make proposals for the treatment of a range of objectsTheoretical, scientific and analytical study of artefacts and materials

Low student : tutor ratioPurpose designed workshop with access 8.30am-9pm, 7 days a weekAccess to on-site silversmiths and blacksmithing workshopsInterdisciplinary environmentTeaches students to understand and apply Icon's Professional Standards in ConservationVisiting lecturers from public and private institutions and workshopsGroup visits to collections, studios and workshops

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 laboratoryPhotography spaceIT suite with specialist databasesOn-site Art and Conservation Library with thousands of specialist books and journals

On the Graduate Diploma you typically have around 24 contact hours per week.

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 booksWorking on individual and group projectsUndertaking research in the libraryPreparing coursework assignments and presentations

Graduate Diploma: 60% of your time is spent in scheduled teaching and learning activityScheduled teaching and learning: 720 hoursIndependent learning: 480 hours