Â鶹ԭ´´

**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 skillsTo learn how material properties influence practice and makingTo learn historic metalwork techniquesTo learn from dedicated and experienced tutors who are practicing professionals and well-connected in the sector**Learning environment**Low student: tutor ratioWorkshop access 8.30am-9pm, 7 days a weekInterdisciplinary environmentVisits from practicing crafts-persons and specialists from the heritage and private sectorsVisits to museums and active links with heritage bodiesWork 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 laboratoryPhotography spaceIT suite with access to specialist databasesSpecialist 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 activityScheduled teaching and learning: 633 hoursIndependent learning: 567 hoursLevel 5: 50% of your time is spent in scheduled teaching and learning activityScheduled teaching and learning: 600 hoursIndependent learning: 600 hours

School of Arts