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Craft Practices
Foundation Degree Arts - Metalwork
Duration: Two academic years (36 weeks each year) full time
Applications open for 2021/22
Scholarships and bursaries are available from £500 to £10,000. Find out about funding opportunities
On this foundation degree course, you will develop well-rounded metalworking theory and skills that will enhance your employment prospects or allow you to continue your studies in higher education. Projects become more challenging as the course progresses and encompasses both silversmithing and blacksmithing. You will be encouraged to understand historic craft practice to place your own work in a broader context and gain a keen understanding of the time needed for a piece of work in a creative, problem-solving environment.
You can expect
- To develop excellent practical skills
- To learn how material properties influence practice and making
- To learn historic metalwork techniques
- To learn from dedicated and experienced tutors who are practising professionals and well-connected in the sector
Learning environment
- Low student: tutor ratio
- Workshop access 8.30am-9pm, seven days a week*
- Interdisciplinary environment
- Visits from practising crafts-persons and specialists from the heritage and private sectors
- Visits to museums and active links with heritage bodies
- Work placements and work-related projects
* Coronavirus update: Workshops may need to close outside teaching hours for thorough cleaning.
How to apply
All applications to our full time undergraduate courses should be made through UCAS. If you only wish to apply to West Dean College of Arts and Conservation we might be able to process your UCAS application for you. Please contact us at admissions@westdean.ac.uk.
If you would like further information please contact our admissions team. Email admissions@westdean.ac.uk or call +44 (0)7771 505 666.
Facilities
You will work in our well-equipped metals workshop with areas for photography, analysis, chemicals, hot work (casting, soldering, and welding) and a machine shop. Adjacent to the workshop is the newly-built forge to which you will have access. Collaboration with other conservation specialisms makes for a uniquely enriched learning environment. Shared facilities include:
- Analytical laboratory
- Photography space
- IT suite
- Specialist library
The on-site Art and Conservation Library puts thousands of specialist books and journals within your reach and you can access specialist databases in the IT suite.
find out more about the facilitiesContact Hours
Teaching
You are taught through a combination of lectures, seminars, external trips and visits and workshop practicals. In addition, you have personal tutorials with your subject tutor.
At level 4 you typically have around 18-19 contact hours per week, typically consisting of:
- 4-5 hours of lectures
- 1 hour of seminars
- 8 hours of supervised workshop practicals
- 1 hour of one-to-one meetings/tutorials
At level 5 you typically have around 16-17 contact hours per week, typically consisting of:
- 3-4 hours of lectures
- 1 hour of seminars
- 7 hours of supervised workshop practicals
- 1 hour of one-to-one meetings/tutorials
Independent learning
When not attending lectures, seminars and workshop or other timetabled sessions you will be expected to continue learning independently through self-study. Typically, this will involve reading journal articles and books, working on individual and group projects, undertaking research in the library and preparing coursework assignments and presentations.
Overall workload
Level 4: 53% of your time is spent in scheduled teaching and learning activity
Scheduled teaching and learning: 633 hours
Independent learning: 567 hours
Level 5: 50% of your time is spent in scheduled teaching and learning activity
Scheduled teaching and learning: 600 hours
Independent learning: 600 hours
Coronavirus update: International study trips have been suspended in line with current guidelines. We aim to recommence UK field trips and visits in the second semester.
Programme structure
| Year 1 / Semester 1 (18 weeks) | ||
|---|---|---|
| Christmas vacation | ||
|
HC-M1 |
10 credits (common) |
|
| HC-D1 Drawing and Aesthetics |
10 credits (common) |
|
| HC-R1 Study/Research Skills |
10 credits (common) |
|
| MID-YEAR ASSESSMENT | ||
| Year 1 / Semester 2 (18 weeks) | ||
| Easter vacation | ||
|
HC-M2 |
10 credits (common) |
|
| HC-H2 History of Craft |
20 credits (common) |
|
| HC-C2M1/C/F/ME Craft Skills |
2-20 credits (subject specific) |
|
| SUMMER ASSESSMENT | ||
| Year 2 / Semester 1 (18 weeks) | ||
| Christmas vacation | ||
|
HC-P3 |
20 credits (common) |
|
|
HC-R1 HC-C1M1/C/ME |
10 credits 1-30 credits (subject specific) |
|
| MID-YEAR ASSESSMENT | ||
| Year 2 / Semester 2 (18 weeks) | ||
| Easter vacation | ||
|
HC-P4 |
60 credits (common) |
|
| FINAL ASSESSMENT | ||
Entry requirements
UCAS tariff points: 120 Completion of a level 3 qualification, for example: A-Levels, BTEC or Foundation Diploma in Art and Design.
Applicants can be considered if they can provide evidence of prior learning and should provide a digital portfolio. You will be invited to a portfolio interview. The portfolio should evidence commitment to the discipline. It could include sketchbooks, technical and material exploration, design work, project development from start to finish, detailed images of finished work. Where possible, applicants are encouraged to include a video of working on a practical exercise as part of the portfolio, of which the College can provide guidance if required (see below). If applicants cannot provide a portfolio, the College will provide a practical exercise that can be done remotely to asses mental agility and dexterity and suitability for this skills based programme.
To guide you through the process of putting together your digital portfolio, we've put together our 6 top tips; including how to select projects for inclusion, and formatting your portfolio. Read more here.
International students must provide evidence of English language ability to Level B2 (IELTS 6.0), as well as equivalent level 3 qualifications.
Fees and funding
Course fees are the same for UK and international students
- £4,230 per term (£12,690 per year)
Included is mandatory study trip costs of £400, which typically includes tailored visits to collections/exhibitions of specific interest to the programme of study. Lunch, accommodation and other living expenses are additional. Find out more
Funding
If you are a UK/EU student you may be eligible to apply for a Student Loan (tuition fees and/or maintenance loans) from the Student Loans Company.
Student scholarships and bursaries
Scholarships and bursaries are available from £500 to £10,000.
Careers
Graduates have gone on to work in the sector, both as employees and self-employed, to pursue their studies in higher education, and some have established a high profile for their own designs and craftsmanship. In 2018, 75% of students were in work or study six months after graduation.
FAQs
What level of qualification is the Foundation Degree?
The Foundation Degree Arts is equivalent to a Level 5 qualification.
Entry requirements ask for a portfolio. What is this and what should be included?
Students need to prepare a digital portfolio to evidence their manual dexterity and their interest in the area of craft practice they have chosen. It could include sketches, images of finished work, videos of them working with their hands. Read more tips on preparing a digital portfolio.
I have no experience and therefore no portfolio – can I still apply?
If applicants cannot provide a portfolio, we will ask you to complete a practical exercise to assess mental agility and dexterity and suitability for this skills-based programme. Assessments take place onsite at the college workshops or remotely when it is not possible to come into college.
What do students do after their Foundation degree?
This course is designed to give you well-rounded theory and craft skills. You can set up as a self-employed maker or find employment in this or a creative industry sector. The Foundation degree is also an excellent first step before progressing on to the Graduate Diploma in Conservation Studies if you wish to pursue a career in Conservation.
Commendations
Commendations from the University of Sussex include:
"The high quality student experience and strength of student representation within the College."
"The introduction of a “maker-in-residence” scheme to the FdA."
"Responding to employer and student feedback in extending the work placement from 2 weeks to 4 weeks to support employability after graduation."
"The range of tailored study trips to suit different student cohorts."
Student perspective
"There were probably three main reasons I chose West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. Firstly, the small class sizes, which offer a high degree of personal tuition. Secondly, the unparalleled access to facilities including the forge, hot work and chemicals areas, which because of the small class sizes you get plenty of time to use. Thirdly is the location - it is unique!
One of the highlights of the course so far has been a project to make a pewter box. Part of the brief was that before construction the box we also had to make the tools to do the repoussé. It allowed us to learn and experience the whole process, from design and methodology to realisation of the final object. I also found great satisfaction from the integrity of hand-making the tools and ensuring they were specialised to create the desired finish."
Mary, metalwork student
Tutors
Subject Leader
Grant McCaig is an internationally recognised Silversmith and educator. His work is in several major collections including National Museums of Scotland, the Goldsmiths' Company, Birmingham Museums & Art Gallery and Aberdeen Art Gallery. He has taught in Japan and Colombia, is a selector for Cockpit Arts and mentor for the Crafts Council.
Head of School of Arts
DACC core team tutor
Alison Baxter started working at the College as a jewellery tutor, then as Head of Short Courses before taking on the Head of School role in 2017. She has many years experience in developing and implementing creative programmes in several Art Schools, as well as teaching across a broad range of subjects.
Program advisors
Hazel Newey: former Head of Conservation at the Science Museum
Richard Rogers: Richard Rogers Conservation
Alistair Dickenson: specialist in precious metalwork
Student Information
Find out more about how to apply, student life and on-site facilities, accommodation, possible funding and College alumni.
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International Students
We welcome students from around the globe. Wherever you are from you'll find like-minded fellow students with a passion for conservation and/or arts.
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