Principles and Practice: Conservation Projects gives students the opportunity to consolidate their knowledge and understanding of the approaches and techniques used in textile conservation and to refine their practical skills by working on one textile artefact. Students consolidate their skills in devising, carrying out and evaluating more complex conservation treatments; the management of the projects is a key element of the course and includes independent research to learn about the objects they are working on and to inform the conservation treatment.

15 hours per week for 11 weeks, comprising supervised studio time (47 x 3 hours), seminars (12 hours), workshops (3 x 3 hours) and individual tutorials (3 x 1 hour).

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Assessment comprises two elements:

a) Practical treatment 50% (continuous assessment)

b) Conservation Report 50% (3,500 words)

This course aims to:

■ Provide the student with the opportunity to implement varied and complex interventive treatments to further develop and refine practical skills.

■ Enable the student to synthesise observation, research, analysis and an understanding of cultural and ethical context to formulate appropriate treatment strategies.

■ Embed professional skills appropriate for an emerging conservation practitioner.

■ Consolidate profession communication skills to enable the student to confidently articulate, verbally and in writing.

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

■ Employ high quality practical skills to carry out complex object treatments with independence.

■ Formulate well-argued conservation reports that meet client and object needs using advanced observation and reasoning, as well as research.

■ Effectively apply critical reflection and problem-solving to practice as part of continuing professional development.

■ Organise and manage practical projects effectively within agreed timeframes.

■ Employ advanced professional skills particularly in relation to health and safety protocols, appropriate object handling and team working.

■ Communicate professionally, verbally and in writing, at a level appropriate for a conservator entering the profession.

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