Conservation of Clocks (and Related Objects) West Dean College

West Dean College provides unique full-time courses in horology. Students learn professional practice in clock-making and the treatment of historic objects. At Foundation Degree level, practical exercises help you establish hand and machine tool skills relating to historic craft practices in clock-making. You also learn the theory, principles and techniques used in historic horological manufacture. This hands-on approach equips you with the necessary technical and practical skills for a career in the profession. You will work on a range of historic clocks; this bench-based activity is integrated with theory and professional practice. You will learn how to combine and use this knowledge when making treatment decisions as a professional practitioner.

There are opportunities for advanced study at Graduate Diploma and Postgraduate/MA level. Graduate Diploma students combine hand and technical skills with basic science and academic study. Postgraduate/MA level students integrate professional practice, material analysis and contextual studies into the treatment of complex, intellectually and technically challenging historic projects, including objects such as automata, equipping them to operate in a range of environments as professional conservators.

You will have a dedicated bench space in the workshop, equipped with hand and machine tools for the production and repair of clocks. There is an area for cleaning and testing completed work and access to analytical equipment.

Entry requirements

FdA HISTORIC CRAFT PRACTICES

2 ACADEMIC YEARS

(University of Sussex award)

Formerly West Dean College Diploma

An interest in horology and good general education combined with a desire to attain the appropriate level of hand skills. The FdA will appeal to you if you are aiming for employment in the trade, further study or are an international student.

English language: CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) level B2 or IELTS 6.0 or above.

GRADUATE DIPLOMA

1 ACADEMIC YEAR

(University of Sussex award)

To join the programme you will need a degree or qualification at equivalent level to a second year of undergraduate study e.g. HND, DipHE and an interest in horology. English language: CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) level B2 or IELTS 6.5

POSTGRADUATE DIPLOMA /MA CONSERVATION STUDIES

1 CALENDAR YEAR

(University of Sussex award)

To join the PGDip/MA programme you will need to have a good first degree in Conservation or a closely related field; or have completed a Graduate Diploma in a closely related subject (see above); or demonstrate an equivalent proficiency in basic conservation science, academic skills (research, writing and critical analysis)

and practical hand skills, including manual sensitivity and dexterity. Progression to the MA is subject to the successful completion of the first semester and the identification of an appropriate MA project. Students may choose to exit the programme at the Postgraduate Diploma stage.

English language: CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) Level B2 or IELTS 6.5 or above.

PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DIPLOMA

1 ACADEMIC YEAR

(West Dean College award)

By mutual agreement of a project proposal and/or research project.

Programmes are recognised by the British Horological Institute.