Furniture and Related Objects
Programme content and entry requirements

Programme content

 The programme covers five key areas of study:

• Stabilisation, cleaning, consolidation, and restoration; materials and techniques
• Historic craft practices; tools, techniques and trades
• Historical and cultural context and the architectural interior
• The science and technology of wood and other decorative art materials associated with furniture including
surface coatings, transparent, gilded, painted or lacquered
• Non-interventive care, exhibition, storage and preventive conservation

The West Dean Diploma course emphasises the first two areas, whereas all five areas are addressed in the Graduate
and Postgraduate Diploma courses. The Postgraduate Diploma builds on the Graduate Diploma with the melding
of the practical, theoretical, scientific and technical studies into a coherent and unified approach to the treatment
and preservation of furniture and related objects.

Entry requirements

West Dean Diploma:
A good general education combined with an appropriate level of woodworking or cabinet making skills.

Graduate Diploma:
HND, Dip HE or equivalent qualification in a related subject such as furniture restoration, cabinet making, furniture craft or furniture design and professional experience in a furniture conservation workshop.

Postgraduate Diploma:
The West Dean Graduate Diploma or equivalent such as a degree in a directly related subject with an appropriate level of study in materials science.

Professional Development Diploma:
Considerable experience in a relevant industry or successful completion of the West Dean College Diploma.