Conservation Studies - Metalwork

Entry requirements

Progression from the Graduate Diploma in Conservation Studies to Masters requires successful completion of the graduate programme with a good pass.

Applicants with conservation experience and scientific knowledge equivalent to the Graduate Diploma in Conservation Studies may enter directly on to the Masters programme, in which case an upper 2nd class or above UK Honours degree in an appropriate subject or a non-UK equivalent is required. Alternatively, accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL) will be considered for those who have been out of formal education for some years and are over 21, who do not meet the general (minimum) entrance requirements, but who can demonstrate practical skills or evidence of practical interests and research and writing abilities commensurate with BA level.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Develop well-rounded metalworking skills and theory to enhance your employment prospects and gain the skills and competences to work towards becoming a professional craftsperson or metalwork conservator. Across all courses you will benefit from close connections with the heritage sector, study trips, placement opportunities and visits from industry experts.

Perhaps you have previously studied silversmithing, medieval studies or jewellery making and would like to further your skills, or have an existing qualification and are looking to transfer to a hands-on career. Our courses offer the chance to gain practical experience of making and conserving.

Depending on the level you wish to study, there are a range of courses to choose from:

Levels 4 & 5: Foundation Degree (FdA) specialising in metalwork
The Foundation Degree Arts specialising in metalwork allows students to develop metalworking skills and knowledge of processes, techniques and materials, to enhance your employment prospects, or continue your studies in higher education. Project skills encompass silversmithing through to blacksmithing, and become more challenging as the course progresses.

Level 6: BA (Hons) Craft Practices
The BA (Hons) Craft Practices course is a one-year programme designed to provide a route into professional practice in your chosen field or for progression onto postgraduate study.

Level 6: Graduate Diploma in Conservation Studies
Allows you to further your interest in conservation and progress to the MA Conservation Studies.

Level 7: MA Conservation Studies
The global industry standard for conservation.

Students are provided with objects from historical and private collections to work on. Recent projects include an unusual 17th century English knife, Omani Khanjar daggers, 19th century pewterware and 20th century bronze sculptures.

You will have the unique opportunity to undertake interdisciplinary work with students from other specialisms, for example where an object is mixed materials, to broaden your understanding of a variety of materials and processes.

In conservation, projects use appropriate methods to document objects and assess their condition, discuss treatment strategies, and take part in decision-making. Outcomes are recorded, discussed and communicated as part of learning through practice. The work will increase in complexity and throughout your time you will work with increasing autonomy.

Level 7: MFA Craft Practices
A two-year full-time masters course designed to support you to further advance your practical, theoretical and professional skills, through an emphasis on specialist studio practice.

Fees and funding