Curriculum: Leather Design and Restoration 2009

2005 2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2019

Certificate of completion of secondary education,
successful passing of TAC entrance examinations, admission on the basis of a ranking list

Diploma of Professional Higher Education (Leather Design and Restoration, Specialisation in Design or Restoration)

Diploma of Professional Higher Education, Academic Transcript in Estonian, Diploma Supplement in English

1. Provide high-quality professional higher education in the field of leather art along with opportunities for specialisation in design or restoration.
2. Educate the next generation of specialists and/or creative artists who boast independent thinking and decision-making ability and adaptability.
3. Promote the acquisition of varied professional knowledge and skills and encourage the development of artistic creativity and individuality.
4. Prepare students for moving into post-graduate studies as well as for life-long learning and continuous self-development in other ways.
5. Integrate the speciality areas within the curriculum from accessory design to the art of bookbinding and restoration, which is unprecedented in terms of teaching leather crafting.

first cycle higher education,
Estonian Qualifications Framework Level 6,
European Qualifications Framework for Lifelong Learning Level 6

General module and speciality module: compulsory
Module of elective and optional subjects: it is compulsory to select one of the three elective sets of general subjects (see modules of the curriculum); optional subjects can be selected from among the optional subject courses offered by TAC (about 10 courses each term) and by other higher education institutions.
Specialisations: Before making the choice, the students are given a broad introduction to both areas of specialisation as part of the general module, worth 6 ECTS. By the end of the 2nd year, a student must choose either of the minor speciality areas: design or conservation/restoration.

Master´s studies

The curriculum (240 ECTS) comprises the following modules:

General module 89 ECTS
I. General theoretical subjects 38 ECTS
II. General practical subjects 51 ECTS

Module of elective and optional subjects 16 ECTS
I. Elective sets of general subjects 8 ECTS
II. Optional subjects 8 ECTS

Speciality module 80 ECTS
I. Speciality-related subjects 18 ECTS
II. Speciality subjects 35 ECTS
III. Projects and practice 27 ECTS

SPECIALISATION A
Module of the Design specialisation 55 ECTS
I. Subjects in the Design specialisation 40 ECTS
II. Final project 15 ECTS

SPECIALISATION B
Module of the Conservation/Restoration specialisation
55 ECTS
I. Subjects in the Conservation/Restoration specialisation
40 ECTS
II. Final project 15 ECTS

Upon successful completion of the curriculum, students will:
- understand the basic concepts, functional mechanisms and role of leather design and restoration in society;
- understand the implementation mechanisms in the area of culture;
- be able to draw essential knowledge from the history of the speciality and use this knowledge to implement innovative ideas;
- be able to collect, select, analyse and critically evaluate professional information and use theoretical knowledge in practice;
- be able to generate creative ideas and have the courage to experiment with technologies and concepts;
- be able to consciously choose and apply appropriate methods and materials in their professional activity;
- be able to understand and engage in the process of communication between the designer/ restorer and the customer;
- demonstrate tolerance toward the diversity of cultures, attitudes and values;
- be socially and ethically sensitive, get involved in civic processes with professional means where necessary;
- demonstrate initiative and an ability to plan and organize as well as a sense of responsibility both when working alone or as part of a team;
- use the mother tongue and at least one foreign language for discussing professional issues orally or in written form;
- be qualified for employment as accessory designer, bookbinding designer, stylist, arts administrator or as restorer of bindings, objects or paper;
- demonstrate adaptability to changing environments and be committed to life-long learning.