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The British Horological Institute Limited

Education

From its very beginnings, the Institute has had an extremely proactive role in education, and it continues to encourage newcomers, students and professional alike to learn the enormous range of skills and knowledge required within the field of horology. Download a copy of the Institute's Education Policy.

Our examined syllabus sets high standards for the aspiring professional, but its various aspects can be learned through a range of options, which can be tailored to suit each individual's learning preferences and timescales, including full or part time courses at various colleges, distance learning and short seminars.

 

IMPORTANT NOTICE
FOR PROSPECTIVE EXAMINATION CANDIDATES

In order to comply with government changes to the arrangements for all accredited qualifications, there will be changes to the BHI/EAL examinations for clock and watchmaking. Whilst the revisions are under way, candidates and prospective candidates should note that:
 

  1. Units for the existing qualifications will be available unchanged for the May 2011 examinations.
  2. The final date for candidates to register with the Institute for the current qualifications is 11 March 2011.
  3. The new qualifications will be phased in, commencing in May 2012.
  4. As far as possible, arrangements will be made within the new qualifications structure to enable candidates who have commenced the current awards to complete their qualification or transfer to the new qualifications.

November 2010

Further details on our exams page

 

Seminars

Short seminars are conducted at Upton Hall, where we have well-equipped clock and watch workshops. We can offer the option of residential facilities, and many students enjoy the added opportunity to socialise with like-minded people after each day's learning. The seminars last from 1 to 5 days and cover both basic and advanced topics. Click to download a pdf copy of the current seminar programme, and the Provisional Booking Form (which includes prices), or contact us if you'd like further information about any of our courses. Clock
workshop watch1
Clock1 We can also organise and run specialist seminar courses to suit the needs of companies involved in horology. Contact us to discuss your requirements.

 

Distance Learning Course

There are three grades to our Distance Learning course, the NEW Technician Grade, Intermediate Grade and Final Grade.  The course covers many aspects of horology from clock and watch repairs to using a watchmaker’s lathe and designing escapements.  Determination, good co-ordination and dexterity are essential to ensure success.

These courses lead to examinations, which have been accredited in the UK by the Qualifications and Curriculum Authority.  The Examinations form the basis for British Horological Institute professional membership that is recognised throughout the world.

The Distance Learning Courses:-

Technician Grade – prepares candidates for the Diploma in Clock and Watch Servicing (“Technician Grade”). This course, our most popular, has been completely re-written for its launch during the Annual Show in 2011 (June 10, 11 & 12). It is now presented in a more accessible style for the novice horologist, extensively illustrated throughout, and divided into 12 separate booklets, each comprising one lesson. The course can be purchased on a lesson-by-lesson basis, or as a complete set, and a number of learning support options are available to help your studies. Download an information sheet and order form.

To preview the course, you can download the Introduction and Lesson 1 here.

Note: if you have purchased the old DLC preliminary grade within the last year, this will still prepare you for the examination, but if you would like to consider upgrading to the new version, contact us.


Intermediate Grade – prepares candidates for the first year examinations of the Certificate in the Repair, Restoration and Conservation for Clocks/Watches (“Final Grade Part I”)
Final Grade – prepares candidates for the final year examinations of the Certificate in the Repair, Restoration and Conservation for Clocks/Watches (“Final Grade Part II”)

The course is available with or without tuition. Those purchasing the 'with tuition' option are entitled to send their lessons and practical pieces for marking and feedback, and to access support from a qualified tutor.

Prices (Intermediate and Final Grades only):

COURSE UK OVERSEAS
With Tuition £250.00* £300.00*
Without Tuition £100.00* £140.00*

 

For further details or advice about the course, please contact us. If you'd like to join the BHI and order your DLC at the same time using our secure server, please use the join us form, including your DLC payment in the Total To Be Charged box, and adding 'DLC Order' in the Other Information box, including the grade(s) you require, and whether you wish to order with or without tuition.

Examinations

Our examination system is designed to test candidates' horological understanding and ability, and is the recommended route to qualified membership of the Institute. exam
exam2 Follow this link for full details of the BHI examinations programme and the latest exam results and reports.

    “Helping Hand” – a popular series of articles from the Horological Journal reproduced to help students with their examination preparation.

    Helping Hand Parts 1 to 30

Other Colleges

In the UK.Birmingham City University offers full and part time courses in Technical Horology. The courses consist of 3-years of study leading ultimately to the BHI Certificate in the Repair Restoration and Conservation of Clocks/Watches. Students who have completed the the first year, which follows the BHI Technician Grade may opt, in addition to the BHI examinations, to take an HND qualification during their final two years.

West Dean College, an educational establishment based near Chichester, offers a specialist Conservation and Restoration of Antique Clocks course.

Located near London, the Epping Forest Horology Club offers practical workshop courses, and has a very enthusiastic membership.

Courses may be available in other areas as evening classes.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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