StudyQA — Master: Conservation for Archaeology and Museums

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Description Contents Requirements

The MSc in Conservation for Archaeology and Museums at University College London offers a comprehensive and interdisciplinary approach to the preservation of cultural heritage. Designed for students who are passionate about safeguarding artefacts, monuments, and museum collections, this programme combines theoretical frameworks with practical conservation techniques. Throughout the course, students will explore the principles of materials science, the history and ethics of conservation, and advanced methods for the analysis and treatment of diverse artefacts. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on experience, with access to state-of-the-art laboratories and conservation studios, allowing students to develop essential skills such as cleaning, stabilization, and restoration of materials including ceramics, metals, textiles, and plastics.

Students are encouraged to engage with real-world projects, working closely with museum professionals, archaeologists, and conservation specialists to gain insights into current challenges in the field. The programme also covers topics such as digital documentation, preventive conservation, and ethical considerations surrounding intervention practices. By integrating scientific principles with cultural understanding, graduates are equipped to work in museums, archaeological sites, conservation studios, and heritage management organizations.

The course is suitable for recent graduates in archaeology, art history, chemistry, and related disciplines, as well as professionals seeking to deepen their conservation expertise. UCL’s distinguished faculty comprises leading practitioners and researchers dedicated to advancing conservation practice through innovative research and education. Upon completing this MSc, students will be prepared for careers in conservation laboratories, museums, archaeological research projects, and heritage organizations, contributing effectively to the safeguarding of our shared cultural assets for future generations.

Students gain an in-depth understanding of, and foundation training in, the practice of conservation of heritage objects and develop critically aware approaches to diagnosis, problem solving, decision making and application of conservation treatments. They gain practical training and experience of the professional context in which conservation takes place.

Students undertake modules to the value of 360 credits.

The programme consists of three core modules (120 credits), in year one, a dissertation (90 credits), and an internship (150 credits) in year two.

Year one

Conservation Processess
Conservation Studies
Conservation: Materials Science

Dissertation/report

All MSc students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 15,000 words.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures, seminars, practical demonstrations, practical sessions and one-to-one tutorials. The programme is assessed in year one through essays, projects and conservation practical work on museum-quality objects; and in year two, through practical projects, progress reports and oral presentation.

Placement

During their second year, all students undertake superised work experience in a professional environment.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard and equivalent of the Principles of Conservation MA or significant professional conservation experience.