The Graduate Diploma provides the theoretical and practical knowledge and experience necessary to start your career as a conservator and to begin to develop an area of specialisation.

The programme is designed to be accessible from both the humanities and science study backgrounds. Students choose one of the pathway specialisms below, yet elements of interdisciplinary work are still involved.

Metalwork

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.

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.