Conservation of Furniture and Related Objects West Dean College

Programmes in Furniture and Related Objects encompass both making and conservation. You can expect a strong emphasis on developing good hand skills underpinned by theoretical study. Students on all programmes are encouraged to understand historic craft practice in order to place their own work in a historical context.

Practical work

All courses place significant emphasis on developing hand skills through practical work.

Materials Science

Your interpretation of historic objects will be underpinned by developing an understanding of both structural and decorative materials: their properties, identification, degradation and stabilisation.

Preventive Conservation

You will develop your knowledge of preventive care, including handling, packing, storage and display. You will have your own bench with space for your tools and access to a fully-equipped laboratory for analysis and microscopy. This allows you to fully immerse yourself and study at your own pace.

Entry requirements

FdA HISTORIC CRAFT PRACTICES

2 ACADEMIC YEARS

(University of Sussex award)

An interest in furniture, wood and decorative surfaces and good general education combined with a desire to attain an excellent 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)

Degree or qualification at equivalent level to a second year of undergraduate study e.g. HND, DipHE and a significant interest in conservation and furniture.

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

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.

This programme is supported by BADA.