This course introduces students to the principles and practice of textile conservation and to the appropriate implementation of interventive techniques. It introduces the core techniques of conservation documentation, surface cleaning, humidification and stitched support, in addition to the underlying principles of textile science, including the science of fibres and dyes.

15 hours (two and a half days) per week comprising lectures (8 x 2 hours), seminars (20 hours), workshops (32 x 3 hours), supervised studio time (8 x 3 hours sessions), external visit (1 x 3 hours) and individual tutorials (3 x 1 hour).

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The standard assessments for this course are:

■ Science assignment (3,000 words) - 50%

■ Assessment of practical work (continuous assessment) - 25%

■ Object record (1,500 words) - 25%

■ The three parts of the assessment are interlinked, drawing on a developing understanding of textile composition, degradation, condition reporting and intervention; and how this influences conservation decisions.

If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:

■ There is no alternative to the science assignment, but a flexible deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ There is no alternative to the assessment of practical work, but a flexible deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

■ There is no alternative to the object record, but a flexible deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)

Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.

This course aims to:

■ Introduce the students to the principles and practice of the core conservation treatment approaches and techniques used to preserve historic textile artefacts.

■ Enable the students to acquire knowledge of material properties and the causes and effects of degradation necessary to understand an object's characteristics and condition.

■ Foster the development of specialised observation skills to understand and document textile artefacts.

■ Raise students' awareness of appropriate professional skills.

■ Support the students' development of a range of communication skills for professional practice.

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

■ Proficiently use a range of core conservation and laboratory techniques to develop practical and professional skills.

■ Analyse textile artefacts, using observation and interpretation skills in order to record their technical information and condition.

■ Identify and characterise the scientific properties of different fibre types and the scientific principles of textile ageing that inform conservation decisions.

■ Critically reflect on relevant theory and practice in order to justify choices of techniques and materials.

■ Employ professional language and appropriate terminology to communicate orally and in writing.