Professional Leather Training

Short Courses

Our short courses are aimed at increasing both theoretical and practical knowledge using our classrooms, tannery, and laboratories. The knowledge you will gain will make positive contributions to both your role within the business and professional development on an individual basis. Courses range from 1 week to 3 months in duration and are held either online or on-site at ICLT.

For any further information, please contact marc.gummer@northampton.ac.uk

  • This course will help you to refresh or develop your science knowledge in preparation for the Foundations of Leather Science course.

    • Level: Beginner
    • Duration: 4 weeks
    • Start Date: TBC
    • Location: Online Learning
    • Industry Fee: £200
    • Student Fee: £100

    The aim of this course is to prepare those who wish to undertake the Foundations of Leather Science course but feel that their science knowledge may need to be refreshed or developed. Over 4 weeks, you will learn the basic principles of science needed to understand the science of leather making. During this course you will explore atoms, types of bonding, pH levels, the structure of proteins and solution chemistry.

    To book a place, please contact marc.gummer@northampton.ac.uk

  • This course explores each step of the leather making process from preservation to finishing, as well as skin structure and testing.

    • Level: Beginner
    • Duration: 12 weeks
    • Start date: 19 April 2023
    • Location: Online Learning
    • Industry Fee: £500
    • Student Fee: £300

    In response to industry demand, we have developed an online leather technology course, consisting of twelve 90-minute weekly online lectures. This course is ideal for those new to the industry or those working within the leather value chain looking to upskill and increase their leather knowledge and understanding.

    To book a place, please contact marc.gummer@northampton.ac.uk

  • This course explores the scientific aspects of the leather making process.

    • Level: Beginner
    • Duration: 12 weeks
    • Start Date: 20 April 2023
    • Location: Online Learning
    • Industry Fee: £500
    • Student Fee: £300

    Consisting of twelve 90-minute weekly online lectures, this course aims to explore the science used in the leather making process. It is an ideal professional development opportunity for those new to industry with existing science knowledge or those who have completed the Foundations of Leather Technology course and wish to explore the science in greater detail.

    To book a place, please contact marc.gummer@northampton.ac.uk

  • This course explores preservation, soaking, liming, deliming, bating, pickling and tanning.

    • Level: Intermediate
    • Duration: 12 weeks
    • Start date: September 2023
    • Location: ICLT (Waterside Campus)
    • Industry Fee: £5,000
    • Student Fee: Negotiable

    This course offers a comprehensive introduction to the science and technology of leather processing from raw to tanned. Combining both theoretical and practical modes of delivery, the course is held at ICLT, using our on-site tannery, laboratories, and classrooms.

    To book a place, please contact marc.gummer@northampton.ac.uk

  • This course explores advanced leather processing, advanced leather finishing, quality evaluation and problem solving, sustainable development within the leather industry, leather science and research methods.

    • Level: Advanced
    • Duration: 12 weeks
    • Start Date: January 2024
    • Location: ICLT (Waterside Campus)
    • Industry/ Student Fee: £8,350

    If you are already working in the leather industry, this course will help to further develop your skills. You will be taught by experts in the field, covering a comprehensive overview of leather science and technology. This, along with developing a critical standpoint will increase your personal value and contribution to the commercial sector. This intensive course combines both theory and practical modes of delivery using our on-site tannery, laboratories, and classrooms.

    For further details and to apply, see our Professional Leather Development course page.

  • This course explores leather processing from raw to finished leather, including skin and hide types and end products.

    • Level: Advanced
    • Duration: 6 weeks
    • Start Date: January 2024
    • Location: ICLT (Waterside Campus)
    • Industry Fee: £4,500
    • Student Fee: £3,000

    This course will give you the opportunity to critically appraise the processes involved in leather manufacture from raw material to crust stage by analysing the complex relationships between tannery processes, available skin and hide types, the types of end product, and problems in the manufacture and quality of leather. Using our on-site tannery and laboratories, this course will enable you to further develop your existing knowledge.

    To book a place, please contact marc.gummer@northampton.ac.uk

  • This course explores waste treatment, carbon footprint, deforestation, corporate social responsibility, water footprint and the triple bottom line.

    • Level: Advanced
    • Duration: 2 weeks
    • Start Date: March 2023
    • Location: ICLT  (Waterside Campus)
    • Industry Fee: £1,500
    • Student Fee: £850

    This course enables you to develop your knowledge and understanding of pollutants and their sources, as well as the use of clean technologies within the leather industry to minimise pollution load. Using our on-site laboratories and classrooms, you will also explore a variety of social and environmental indicators specific to the leather industry. This course is ideal for those with an interest/ working in supply chain management and compliance.

    To book a place, please contact marc.gummer@northampton.ac.uk

  • This course explores the properties of leather as a material and suitability for end use.

    • Level: Beginner
    • Duration: 1 week
    • Start Date: 12 June – 16 Jun 2023
    • Location: ICLT (Waterside Campus)
    • Industry Fee: £800
    • Student Fee: £200

    This course will enable you to gain an understanding of the leather supply chain, different leather types, how they perform and the importance of quality specifications. Using our on-site tannery, classrooms, and laboratories you will have the opportunity to design and make your own leather. This course is ideal for fashion and design students as well as sales and marketing personnel. We also recommend this course for independent leather makers as the knowledge gained can be applied when ensuring your final leather products are fit for purpose.

    To book a place, please contact marc.gummer@northampton.ac.uk