Conservation Studies, specialising in Ceramics - 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.**Why choose West Dean?**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 Course**The Graduate Diploma is your opportunity to develop the skills and competences to work towards becoming a professional ceramics conservator. You will start with basic treatments while being introduced to a diverse range of objects, then undertake progressively more complex conservation projects, from archaeological finds to decorative arts objects from a range of cultures and stylistic periods.**You can expect**To acquire and practise both established and developing techniquesTo study ceramic technology, material culture and materials scienceTo work on artefacts from historical and private collections**Learning environment**Low student: tutor ratioInterdisciplinary environmentWell-equipped workshopIndividual workspace for each studentWorkshop access 8.30am-9pm, 7 days a weekIcon Professional Standards in Conservation**Exceptional facilities**You will work in our well-equipped workshop with specialist facilities for cleaning, retouching and finishing. Facilities include:Pottery studio for making, firing and finishing new workAreas for photography and microscopyWet room for cleaning processesNew analytical laboratoryIT suite with specialist databasesOn-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 booksWorking on individual and group projectsUndertaking research in the libraryPreparing coursework assignments and presentations**Overall workload**Graduate Diploma: 60% of your time is spent in scheduled teaching and learning activityScheduled teaching and learning: 720 hoursIndependent learning: 480 hours

School of Conservation