Course Catalogue

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Students undertake a full-time 6-8 week work placement with a textile conservation department of a major museum, conservation studio or other cultural institution, at the end of the first year of study.

Full-time for 6-8 weeks, at the end of the first year. There are two preparatory taught sessions and individual tutorials with the academic tutor.

Standard entry to College at Masters level.

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ePortfolio - 80%. Students compile the portfolio through the course of the placement. It serves as a record of and reflection on learning, and should provide evidence of attainment of the learning outcomes of the course. The portfolio will be developed under the guidance of the academic tutor. Word count: maximum 8000 words.

Presentation - 20%. Students will give a presentation, focused on their individual placement goals, at the beginning of the second year to an audience of first year students, staff and invited guests.

The placement performance also has to be deemed satisfactory by the course convenor based on the placement report by the placement mentor from the host institution.

This course aims to:

■ Provide the opportunity to gain an insight into the 'world of work' through experiencing at first-hand conservation in professional practice

■ Provide the opportunity to understand differences in approach between institutions and to apply the learning on the programme in context

■ Consolidate and develop knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of textile conservation through work-related learning

■ Offer opportunities to make contact with colleagues in the field, to explore potential future career paths and to begin to establish a profile within the profession

By the end of this course students will be able to:

■ Critically reflect on development of skills in textile conservation practice and emerging professional attributes

■ Critically evaluate the role of conservators in a wider cultural heritage context

■ Apply conservation theory and practice sympathetic to the needs of the placement context

■ Communicate effectively with a range of specialist and general audiences

Students must submit at least 75% by weight of the components (including examinations) of the course's summative assessment.

Completion of work placement and submission of all assessments as required by placement provider.