Diploma of Higher Education in Leather Technology

Key Facts

  • UCAS Code

    J43C

  • Level

    Undergraduate

  • Duration

    Full Time: 1 year
    Part Time: 2 years

  • Starting

    September

  • Location

Get in touch


For questions regarding study and admissions please contact us:

UK/EU Students enquiries

study@northampton.ac.uk
0300 303 2772

International Students enquiries

international@northampton.ac.uk
+44 (0)1604 893981

Overview


Applications to this programme are currently suspended.

This one-year Diploma of Higher Education in Leather Technology is the natural progression from our Certificate of Higher Education in Leather Technology. The knowledge and experience you will gain from this course will allow you to find work in the leather industry at various stages of the leather supply chain or progress further to the top-up year to complete a bachelor’s degree. You will study the practical elements of leather science, underpinned by essential theory.

Find out more about the Institute for Creative Leather Technologies.

Updated 03/08/2023

Highlights


  • Unique to the University of Northampton.
  • Brand new on-site working tannery and laboratories.
  • Subject-specific bursaries and scholarships available.

Course Content


  • This Diploma of Higher Education in Leather Technology combines both theory and practical work and you will spend a significant amount of time working hands-on in our tannery and laboratories. The practical work helps you to learn all the skills you need by developing an in-depth understanding of the manufacturing process as well as the properties of leather. With 100 credits of this 120 credit course each year being compulsory, this leaves you an option to follow either a business, marketing, or leather science route with your remaining 20 credits; a choice to suit your personal interest.

    Please note the modules shown here relate to the academic year 23/24. The modules relating to the academic year 24/25 will be available from June 2024.

      • Module code: BSO2003
        Status: Designate
        To provide an understanding of how organisations manage the processes and resources that are critical to the delivery of products and services. This module focuses on the operational decisions that managers need to take. This includes designing the appropriate planning, controlling and managing operational performance activities for an organisation.
      • Module code: BSO2017
        Status: Designate
        The purpose of this module is to introduce students to the role and function of information technology in business operations. It will develop students' ability to understand the role of information systems, their security and data in organisations, and how these can be used in decision-making. Moreover, it will require students to assess how organisational strategies are employed to ensure effective business performance in this context. A variety of e-Commerce categories are also discussed.
      • Module code: LEA2006
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to allow the students to further their knowledge gained from the previous modules and to critically evaluate the finishing process. At the end of this module, students will be able to design and match the finishes to a given end use and specification.
      • Module code: LEA2007
        Status: Designate
        The purpose of this module is to explore the scientific principles underlying the leather making process, to provide a foundation scientific knowledge of each stage of the leather manufacturing process. This module encourages students to evaluate and reflect upon the properties and structure of collagen and how the control of its reactivity is fundamental to its potential to provide a source and basis for leather.
      • Module code: LEA2008
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to develop the student with a detailed understanding of the methods of chemical and physical testing used in the leather industry and the scientific principles on which the various test procedures are based. An understanding of the significance of results obtained from physical and chemical testing from which conclusions will be drawn.
      • Module code: LEA2010
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to introduce waste issues associated with the leather manufacture. This includes defining and identifying pollutants, understanding how pollutants are measured and various methods to deal with waste as well as to identify and research best available techniques and industrial best practices.
      • Module code: LEA2013
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to prodvide students an opportunity to produce their own leathers. Students will be planning, designing and executing a short project on leather manaufacture to enhance the decision making abilities.
      • Module code: LEA2014
        Status: Compulsory
        The purpose of this module is to prepare students for 'Leather to Specification' requirements in the forthcoming year (critical analysis, test specifications, aesthetic needs and reporting of findings), which are needed for leather technologists to work in the leather supply, leather production and leather utility industries.
      • Module code: MKT2011
        Status: Designate
        The purpose of this module is to develop an understanding of Integrated Marketing Communications theory, and the scope of the integrated communication process in practice as both a philosophy and as a process model. More specifically, the module outlines an outside-in approach that is important to understand and appreciate the context of communication to consumers and stakeholders. It examines methods for creating an insightful overview of the target audience both internally and externally, and investigates key influences for building effective engagement through integrated marketing communications.
  • Applicants must have CertHE in Leather Technology or an equivalent qualification. Applicants wishing to enter with level 3 qualifications (e.g. A-Levels, BTEC National, etc.) should apply for the Certificate of Higher Education in Leather Technology.

    For more more information on how to make an application, please visit our How to Apply page.

    If you are an International student and would like information on making an application, please see our How to Apply page.

    English Language Requirements

    All International and EU students applying for a course with us must meet the following minimum English language requirements:

    • Minimum standard – IELTS 6.0 (or equivalent)
      for study at undergraduate level

    For information regarding English language requirements at the University, please see our IELTS page.

  • 21/22 Tuition Fees

    Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 21/22 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK – Full Time: £6,780
    • International: £13,000
    Additional costs
    • £100 to cover PPE (one white lab coat, one blue lab coat, wellington boots and gloves) and contribution to raw material costs
    • student Membership to the Society for Leather Technologists and Chemists (six journals per year and free attendance to the Annual Conference) This is optional and costs £26.50
    • individual Spray Gun, £40 (Sponsorship may be available)
    • Italy Trip – Although the Italy Trip is heavily subsidised by industry, there is an approximate cost of £150 that students will pay to book flights and transport. The trip is not compulsory. International students will need to apply for a Schengen Visa.
    • Safety glasses.
    20/21 Tuition Fees

    Fees quoted relate to study in the Academic Year 20/21 only and may be subject to inflationary increases in future years.

    • UK and EU – Full Time: £6,750
    • International: £12,900
    Additional costs
    • £100 to cover PPE (safety glasses, one white lab coat, one blue lab coat, wellington boots and gloves) and contribution to raw material costs
    • student Membership to the Society for Leather Technologists and Chemists (six journals per year and free attendance to the Annual Conference) This is optional and costs £26
    • individual Spray Gun, £40 (Sponsorship may be available)
    • Italy Trip – Although the Italy Trip is heavily subsidised by industry, there is an approximate cost of £150 that students will pay to book flights and transport. The trip is not compulsory.

     

    For more information about possible funding options, please visit our Fees and Funding pages.

Facilities and Special Features


We are the only UK university to integrate leather technology with fashion, marketing, business and environmental concerns. We are proud to house a brand new on-site working tannery for practical leather-making as well as laboratories to enable leather testing.