Craft Practices - Metalwork

Official Course Title: Foundation Degree Arts – Metalwork

Study at a specialist college with the assurance of a university qualification. Develop your passions and reach your potential in a small, welcoming environment within a community of like-minded people.

Why choose West Dean?
An international reputation for excellence in conservation and arts education.
94% of students studying at the College* felt the programme had enhanced their skills and abilities (*2019 student survey)
A rich arts environment and a focus on craft skills with vocational application.
Be inspired by the unique historic character and beautiful South Downs setting.
Located close to Chichester and the South Coast, with easy access to London.

The Course

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 in order 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 practicing professionals and well-connected in the sector

Learning environment

Low student: tutor ratio
Workshop access 8.30am-9pm, 7 days a week
Interdisciplinary environment
Visits from practicing 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

Exceptional 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 with access to specialist databases
Specialist on-site art and conservation library with thousands of specialist books and journals

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.
At level 5 you typically have around 16-17 contact hours per week.

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

HC-M1 Materials Technology: delivered in pathway workshop and cross-curricular, HC-D1 Drawing and Aesthetics, HC-R1 Study/Research Skills, HC-M2 Materials Technology (Metal/Wood): delivered in pathway workshop and cross-curricular, HC-H2 History of Craft, HC-C2M1/C/F/ME Craft Skills, HC-P3 Professional Skills incl. work placement, HC-R1 Study/Research Skills, HC-C1M1/C/ME Craft Skills, HC-P4 Professional Portfolio: student led. Modules may be subject to change.