Course summary

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. Why choose West Dean? An international reputation for excellence in conservation and arts education 94% 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 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 The Course 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. 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-9pm, 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 Teaching On the Graduate Diploma you typically have around 24 contact hours per week. Independent learning 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 Overall workload Graduate Diploma: 60% of your time is spent in scheduled teaching and learning activity Scheduled teaching and learning: 720 hours Independent learning: 480 hours