Leathersellers' Diploma (Leather Science, Environment, Marketing or Business)

One year full-time

The course is high in practical content with students spending much of their time on practical work in the tannery or laboratories (may be subject to pathway). All practical work is student-centred; there is no regular commercial production. The depth of understanding of the manufacture and properties of leather is built up throughout the course. Students are required to take 120 credits of study.

Students investigate further the process of leather manufacture from raw hide or skin to finished leather with particular emphasis to performance leathers. The properties, quality and value of the raw material and of part-processed skins are considered in relation to their future use. 60 credits of study comprise the compulsory elements across all named pathways.

Students must select a named pathway to make up an additional 60 credits. Each pathway will be comprised of a range of compulsory and/or elective modules.

• This course is not offered anywhere else in the UK
• On-campus tannery for teaching practical leather making
• On-campus laboratories for leather testing
• Industrial expert led practical workshops and seminars
• Named pathways to cater for leather career choices

• Leather Technology
• Leather Science
• Finishing
• Materials Evaluation
• Air and Water - Principles, Processes and Applications

The course is assessed in both theory and practical work by a variety of methods including practical reports, research assignments and examinations.

Modern tannery, laboratory and research facilities.

The leather industry provides a worldwide career in a worldwide industry. Graduates are much in demand for technical management in the leather industry in the UK and throughout the world. There are also excellent prospects in chemical sales and technical support, research and development. Students can also find employment as advisers on leather purchasing for companies using leather such as the clothing, upholstery and automotive industries. The Environment, Marketing and Business pathways widen the employment opportunities to all areas of leather and associated industries.