The RSN is regarded world-wide as a quality specialist provider of training in technical embroidery. The RSN Diploma is the organisation's own qualification and is devised to equip students with the a range of skills necessary to produce fine quality work to professional standard and have the confidence and expertise to work in a commercial studio, or in a voluntary capacity in the nation's stately homes and cathedrals. This course is offered in three venues - Hampton Court Palace, Durham City and San Francisco.
Entry Requirements:
You must have gained the RSN Certificate or an RSN Certificated Course Certificate gained between 1992 and 2009 in four core techniques. Design will be assessed in the context of suitability for the technique and the choice of stitches used.
The Diploma offers the student an opportunity to:
Further develop technical expertise
Master more stitches in each technique where appropriate
Have knowledge to select the best choice of stitches for the design
Understand how to adapt a design to fit a specified technique
Develop confidence in recognising and solving technical problems while working each technique.
Develop speed and accuracy when stitching
Develop confident understanding of the use of professional equipment and the use of appropriate materials for each technique.
Become familiar with sourcing materials.
Mount each embroidery in an appropriate manner so the work will withstand the passing of time and be available for future generations.
Syllabus:
1. Three core techniques to be completed (allow 8 days each but the techniques may be combined in one piece):
Advanced Goldwork
Advanced Long & Short Silk Shading (tapestry shading or natural animal/bird)
Appliqué
2. A choice of a minimum of three of the following taking at least one from each set:
Set 1 (allow 8 days each): Canvas Shading; Canvas Stitches; Blackwork (if not taken for Certificate)
Set 2 (allow 8 days each): Stumpwork; Box Making
Set 3 (these techniques may take 2 to 4 days each)
Creative Metal Thread; Smocking; Tassels and Cords; Whitework - choice of one or several; Pulled & Drawn Thread; Satin & Cutwork; Mountmellick; Shadow Work
Quilting - English & Trapunto
The following options will also be available throughout the year in 1 to 2 day blocks (these will not be assessed)
Painting on Silk; Painting on Canvas; Developing Design Skills
Once six techniques are completed any number of other techniques may be worked depending on the personal time available to each student.
Further Options - Hampton Court Palace only
RSN Advanced Diploma:
The RSN is regarded world-wide as a quality specialist provider of training in technical embroidery. The RSN Advanced Diploma is the organisation's own qualification and is devised to equip the student with detailed knowledge of technique.
Entry Requirements:
You must have gained an RSN Diploma or worked at least five techniques to Advanced (or second) Certificate Level on the RSN Certificated Course between 1992 and 2009.
There will be Eight Day or Ten Day Courses on set dates in the following techniques and an Advanced Diploma will be awarded for each technique undertaken at this level:
Embroidery Both Sides Alike: Advanced Whitework; The Basics of Conservation:
Managing an embroidery project from design to finished product
To gain an RSN Advanced Diploma the RSN professional standard must be demonstrated throughout the working of the technique.
Attendence Options for the Diploma:
There is a choice of attendance options to enable you to fit this course to your lifestyle and circumstances.
Option 1: Hampton Court Palace
You can opt for the traditional full academic year and attend from September to June (36 weeks) for one, two or three days a week. This is an ideal way to really concentrate on the programme. Attending for one day a week for a full year you will gain the Certificate. Attending for two or three days a week for a full year you will gain the Certificate and Diploma within the year.
Option 2: Hampton Court Palace
If full attendance is not a possibility, perhaps because of your work or family commitments or because you live abroad, you can book for eight days tuition in order to work one technique at a time. The days can be at any time during term times from September to June.
You can attend at regular weekly intervals;
Or for two or three consecutive weekdays every month;
Or for two or three consecutive weekdays every term.
At the end of eight days you should have completed one technique - and then you can either move straight on to start another technique or you can have a break before starting again. You have five years in which to work the required number of techniques for the Diploma.
Option 3: Durham City, County Durham in the North East of England
You can attend the course over two to five years attending for sixteen set days - eight in the autumn term and eight in the spring term.
Option 4: Hampton Court Palace, Durham City and San Francisco USA
You can work the course intensively in short sessions over five years. On set dates we offer two-week sessions of eight days' intensive learning to complete a technique within two weeks. You do not have to attend the same centre each time - it may suit you to attend Hampton Court or Durham one summer and then San Francisco the following spring to continue. Each centre works to the same standard and assessments made are by the same rigorous methods.
How can we be so flexible with attendance options?
Class tutor groups are kept small. A timetable and individual learning plan to suit your requirements is devised with the tutor. There is no group class teaching - on each day you will find students working individual projects at different stages of completion. Our embroidery tutors are RSN Graduate Apprentices who have learnt all the techniques offered to professional standard. Our tutors are also professional embroiderers working regularly on customer commissions with the project planning and problem-solving that this involves. They have a wealth of experience of taking classes where up to six techniques may be taught at any one time.
Assessments and the RSN
All students' work is continuously assessed both by you the student and your tutor. At the end of the module the work is formally assessed by your tutor and another tutor who has not taught you. A sample of all work is examined at the end of each year by an external verifier ensuring that the high teaching standards are maintained.
Students are measured up against the finest embroiderers in the world and the gradings are much higher than other comparable courses.
The gradings of the final percentage are:
Pass 65% to 79%
Merit 80% to 89%
Distinction 90% to 100%
It is a great achievement to gain a Pass on an RSN course and this is what our tutors are aiming for you to accomplish. If you gain a Pass grade you can be assured that your work is of the appropriate standard required by the RSN. The assessment process is optional, so your work need not be assessed. However, a Diploma or Advanced Diploma cannot be awarded for work that is not formally assessed.
For details
Contact: Jessica Aldred T: +44 (0)20 3166 6938
E: jessica.aldred@royal-needlework.org.uk
