Conservation Studies
The Graduate Diploma (Level 6) is the start of your transition into Conservation Studies. 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.
Focusing on research through practice, students studying the master's degree in conservation programme benefit from our extensive international industry connections and in-house archive, which offer students unique opportunities to apply practical conservation techniques and academic exploration to real-world objects.
Tour the Analytical Lab
Student Life at West Dean
Studying Conservation of Books & Library Materials
Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies students have access professional workshops and studios seven days a week. Specialist equipment and facilities include the analytical laboratory, forge, pottery studio and dedicated Arts and Conservation library.
Our School of Conservation offers a dynamic, internationally connected and respected learning environment where students benefit from the unique opportunity to study in a working historic house. Students enjoy access to well-equipped professional workshops, studios, and a state-of-the-art analytical laboratory.
On completion of the Graduate Diploma, many students go on to study the MA Conservation Studies which includes a six-week work placement to broaden practical experience, build contacts and gain transferable skills. Others pursue entry-level positions in the heritage sector. The College’s extensive links with museums, conservators and professional bodies in the heritage sector open up an impressive range of work placement opportunities.
Graduates have had placements at, or gone on to work with:
By Conservation studies student, Katherine Hernon-Johnson, who specialises in Metalwork
I come from a fine art background and graduated in 2020. I specialised in sculpture exploring drawing within the theme of nature; cycles and folklore. It is subsequently where I first learnt to weld before spending time in a garage during lockdown practising my welding an...
By Chris Arrowsmith, Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies student, specialising in Metalwork
This spring term the metals conservation students were given a whole suit of armour to play with. It turned out to be a major undertaking over three months, but one challenge in particular interested me – how on earth to mount a heavy, free-standing suit of armour? &nbs...
Each year, students on the MA Conservation Studies programmes undertake a six-week work placement in industry as part of their studies. The College’s extensive links with museums, conservators and professional bodies in the heritage sector across the UK, EU and internationally, opens up an impressive range of opportunities to apply their skills and knowledge in a 'real-world' sett...
On Friday 4 November, conservators around the world - including Conservation Students and Tutors from West Dean College of Arts and Conservation - participated in Ask a Conservator day. A day that encourages international collaboration and knowledge exchange using #AskAConservator.
School of Conservation students and tutors across Furniture, Clocks, Ceramics, Books and Metals pa...
For World Book Day, West Dean College Librarian Teresa Shergold has chosen to highlight a selection of books from the library collection that relate to the programmes taught within the School of Conservation across clocks, metals, furniture, ceramics and books specialisms. “The books have been chosen as just a little snapshot, to reflect the range of material and objects studen...
Degree or qualification at an equivalent level to the second year of undergraduate study (e.g. HND, FdA or DipHE), and an interest or experience in object conservation and cultural heritage. Alternatively, accreditation of prior experiential learning (APEL) will be considered for those who have been out of formal education for some years and are over 21, who do not meet the general (minimum) entrance requirements, but who can demonstrate their capacity for degree-level work in other ways.
International students will require English language CEFR (Common European Framework of Reference for Languages) level B2 or IELTS 6.5 or above.
If you fulfil the entry requirements, you will be invited to visit the College for an interview with the programme tutor and another senior member of academic staff and undertake a practical test if applicable.
2025/26 Course Fees - UK & International Students
Lunch, accommodation and other living expenses are additional. Find out more
A £250 course fee and £200 accommodation deposit (if residential) is required to secure your place. Details will be provided to you in your offer. Fees are billed termly in advance. Please see the Terms and Conditions for further information.
We may routinely increase our course fees from year to year for one-year courses as well as courses lasting two or more years and may review and change such course fees without notice.
Funding
Scholarships and bursaries are available from £500 to £10,000.
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.
If you only wish to apply to West Dean, please complete the application form below and email to [email protected]. If you are applying to more than one institution, please apply through UCAS using the links.
GD Conservation Studies - specialising in Books and Library Materials
GD Conservation Studies - specialising in Ceramics
GD Conservation Studies - specialising in Clocks
GD Conservation Studies - specialising in Furniture and Related Objects
GD Conservation Studies - specialising in Metalwork
Any questions?
Email [email protected]; call us on: (01243) 818 300 and select option 1, or read more about our Admissions processes.
Need more information? Have a question? Speak to our course advisors
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +44 01243 818 300 and select option 1
Commendations from the University of Sussex include:
"This re-validation further builds on the success of the courses, which have been refined over a number of years to produce excellent results."
"The professional networking opportunities provided through external collaborations and the opportunities for students to disseminate their work to an external audience."
"The approach to fostering a collaborative, creative student community in line with Edward James’ vision for the College."
Programme Coordinator and Subject Leader for Ceramics (and Related Materials)
Lorna has been a tutor then Subject Leader at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation for 16 years and prior to that was employed as a conservator in national institutions and in the private sector.
Subject Leader, Clocks (and Related Objects)
Malcolm's extensive experience in private practice, as well as the heritage sector/museums, lies behind his in-depth understanding of the profession. He brings a comprehensive knowledge of traditional craft skills, theory and contextual history. He also has an interest in new and innovative ways of applying conservation to mechanical objects.
Subject Tutor, Books and Library materials
Maudie is a book and paper conservator and bookbinder. Having worked a various institutions and companies over the years, including the Victoria & Albert Museum and The National Archives, Maudie now works for herself, taking on commissions from museums, libraries, collections and private individuals. In additional to practical conservation and binding, Maudie also teaches a range of online classes in bookbinding to students all over the world.
Subject Tutor, Conservation Science
David is a book and paper conservation specialist who has tutored more than a generation of book conservators since he began as a tutor in book conservation at West Dean College in 1988. He has taught science for conservators in the UK, USA and Europe, established the analytical laboratory at West Dean College in 2007 and has been the college's science tutor for 25 years.
Subject Tutor, Clocks (and Related Objects)
Tim Hughes MBHI, clock maker, trained at West Dean College and works as a clockmaker and scientific instrument restorer, and as external consultant at Bellmans Auctioneers. He has received several awards, including the Trustees' Prize while at West Dean College and a QEST Scholarship.
Subject Leader, Furniture (and Related objects)
Daniel designs and makes furniture to commission inspired by the principles of the arts and crafts movement which had a profound influence whilst serving his apprenticeship at the Edward Barnsley Workshop in Hampshire. He has an affinity for using hand tools and how they creatively contribute to the making process.
Research Skills and Cross-curriculum Practice
Shayne Rivers is an acknowledged world expert in the conservation of furniture and Asian lacquer. She has lectured on conservation in the USA, Australia, Japan, Europe and the UK, and has been involved in the education of the next generation of conservators throughout her professional career.
Subject Tutor, Ceramics (and Related Materials)
Jasmina Vuckovic is Subject Tutor at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation. She has been a visiting lecturer at West Dean College of Arts and Conservation prior to becoming a subject tutor in 2018. Jasmina is a member of ICOM and accredited member of Icon.
Conservation Science Laboratory Tutor
Anna studied organic chemistry in Italy and her interest in academic research brought her to the UK. Her passion for research and art brought her to West Dean College, a very special and unique place where applied science meets cultural heritage.
Deborah Lee is a visiting lecturer at West Dean and freelance Metals Conservator, specialising in Arms and Armour.
Subject Leader, Conservation Studies specialising in Metalwork
Kate's background includes practicing as a solicitor before making a career change to train as a blacksmith and specialist Metals Conservator. She earned an MA in Conservation Studies from West Dean, following which she founded a small business specializing in the conservation of forged and architectural metalwork.
Subject Tutor, Books and Library Materials
Jonathan is a Library and Archives Conservator with over 40 years experience. Jonathan has worked for various institutions such as the National Archive, Hampshire Record Office and The University of Hull. Jonathan is an accredited member of ICON (the Institute for Conservation).
Subject Tutor
Phil is a BAFRA accredited conservator/restorer based in Buckinghamshire. He has twenty years experience in private practice running a small business providing a professional conservation/restoration service.
