Ceramics and Related Materials

Graduate Diploma
University of Sussex Award
1 academic year

Postgraduate Diploma
University of Sussex Award
1 academic year

Professional Development Diploma
West Dean College Award
1 academic year

MA Conservation Studies
University of Sussex Award
1 calendar year

ENQUIRIES:
Telephone: +44 (0)1243 818208 or 811301
Email: diplomas@westdean.org.uk

Applying for these programmes?

Link to more information on our application process

Link to downloadable application and referees forms

Link to request or download a West Dean College prospectus

Lorna Calcutt studied for a BA (Hons) in Art and Design from Duncan of Jordanstone College of Art, Dundee, and a Postgraduate Diploma in the History of Fine and Decorative Arts, before coming to West Dean as a student on the ceramics and Glass conservation programme. After graduating she worked at the British Museum for four years, and studied for an MA in Conservation Studies from the University of Sussex. She joined West Dean College as part-time tutor in 1999, and is now Programme Tutor for the Ceramics & Related Materials full-time course at West Dean. She combines this with her role as MA Conservation Studies Tutor.

Kenneth Watt graduated from Glasgow School of Art in ceramic design, Kenneth worked as a potter and subsequently joined Glasgow Museums to train in ceramic and glass conservation. He has taught the West Dean programme in ceramic conservation since 1986 and his current research interests include Meissen porcelain. He was awarded the ICON Nigel Williams prize for his contribution to conservation in 2002 .

The programme is delivered in the purpose-built ceramics conservation workshop which benefits from excellent natural and artificial light where you will have your own workbench and storage for personal tools and equipment. There are specialist areas in the workshop for cleaning, retouching and finishing.

PROGRAMME CONTENT

Foundations for Learning
An introduction to studying at West Dean through practical exercises on objects and artefacts.

Conservation Theory and Practice
Ceramic technology, history, conservation theory and practice. Examination techniques, cleaning and conservation reports. Materials science programme. Specialist lectures, visits to collections and student seminars.

Practical I
Basic treatment techniques for ceramics with case studies.

Practical II
Archaeological Conservation.

Practical III
Examples of increasing complexity.

Practical IV
Completion of conservation treatments including finishing techniques.

Exhibition of Practical Work
An important celebration of your work supported by your portfolio.

Conservation Theory and Practice
Conservation of glass and stone. Visits to specialist collections and workshops.

Practical Projects I to IV
Advanced conservation and of ceramics, vessel glass and stone conservation. Practical project work at an advanced level.

Negotiated Work Placement
Work experience within a museum or private sector workshop, working alongside other professional conservators and curators.

Conservation Research Project
A written research project of an area of conservation theory and practice.

Exhibition of Practical Work
An important celebration of your work, and showcase of your research and professional practice.

If you have considerable experience in a relevant industry, or successfully completed an appropriate qualification, you can embark on a one year professional development diploma based upon a specific project or research idea that you have. You’ll be able to utilise all the facilities and expertise that West Dean College has to offer.

All Postgraduate Diplomas at West Dean can transferred into the MA Degree programmes, thereby extending the duration of study from one academic year to a full calendar year.

Mid way through the academic year (February), students on postgraduate programmes commence MA units in addition to the remainder of their Postgraduate Diploma programmes. On successful completion of the full academic year (July), students will have finished their Postgraduate Diploma while at the same time completing a modest amount of MA introductory study.

In July, students then commence their major projects for the MA degree which involve a further 10-week period of full-time study with a final assessment towards the end of September.

PROGRAMME ADVISERS
Reino Liefkes: Curator, The Victoria and Albert Museum.
Errol Manners: BADA member, Specialist in European and English Porcelain.

VISITING LECTURERS include:
Jonathan Horne: English Pottery Specialist.
Julia Poole: Assistant Keeper of Fine Art, Fitzwilliam Museum.
Jennifer Dinsmore: Sculpture Conservator.

ENQUIRIES
Telephone: +44 (0)1243 818208 or 811301
Email: diplomas@westdean.org.uk

Student Profiles

Lina Pak, Postgraaduate Diploma Conservation of Ceramics and Related Materials progressing to MA Conservation Studies, 2006-2008.

Before studying at West Dean I gained two years experience at two different restoration workshops in Germany. During this period, I became interested in Ceramic, and looked for a College that offered very specialist conservation courses, I chose West Dean. It has been a privilege to study here, in this unique environment and my two years training has passed-by so quickly. After graduation I will take up a job as a Project Ceramic Conservator at the National Museum Liverpool for six months.

Helen Stockman-Todd, Associate Conservator of Objects at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation in Virginia, USA. Studied Postgraduate Diploma Conservation and Restoration of Ceramics, Glass and Related Materials

I chose to study at West Dean because it offered a rare hands-on approach with in-depth knowledge in my chosen field, coupled with excellent tutors and tuition from visiting professionals from the museum and private sectors. Working in wonderful facilities, accompanied by access to analytical labs, made the learning experience enjoyable, thorough, and helped equip me for my career. Since graduating, I have undertaken post-graduate internships/fellowships, along with Assistant and Exhibition Conservator positions for museums both in the UK and the USA. I currently care for the Colonial Williamsburg’s wide collection of 17th – 20th century objects including a large collection of Decorative Art Ceramics and Glass.