StudyQA — Master: Conservation of Fine Art — University of Northumbria at Newcastle

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Description Contents Requirements Funding

Would you like to apply your arts or applied sciences background to the conservation of fine art?

Northumbria University’s MA Conservation of Fine Art course is the only Master of Arts course in the UK that specialises in the conservation of easel painting and works of art on paper.

Integrating a mix of fine art, science and forensic techniques, you will study a range of subjects including studio and work-based practice, conservation theory, science, technical examination, -preventive conservation and research training skills.

In addition to the core modules studied, you will have the option to undertake a work placement during years one and two in the UK or abroad.

This course is taught by a team of specialist academics who have extensive experience in the field of conservation, science and the Fine Art sectors.

Applying their specialist knowledge to their day-to-day teaching, the members of our staff are actively involved in research and consultancy - activities which are helping to define this exciting and complex profession.

We also engage with the wider conservation sector to ensure that the content of this course is in-line with professional standards and employer expectations.

Throughout the duration of this course you will receive ongoing support from our teaching staff to ensure you leave equipped with - the necessary skills and knowledge to successfully pursue a career within conservation or a related discipline.

Offering the opportunity for you to specialise in either works of art on paper or easel paintings conservation, this course consists of modules that will explore a range of key areas including conservation theory and practice, conservation science, art history and preventive conservation

You will leave with the technical skills required to undertake examinations, cleaning, structural repairs and stabilisation of works of art, in addition to an in-depth understanding of the historic significance artistic practice and materials play-in understanding artworks.

Significant emphasis is also placed on ethics and developing your skills in research development.

This course is primarily delivered through practical workshops where you will develop a wide range of skills using especially prepared materials and case studies selected from our unique archive collection. These activities inform and run parallel with work conducted on project paintings and other challenging artefacts.

Assessment methods focus on you applying your practical skills, academic concepts and theories to your project documentation and the authentically constructed materials that mirror real life scenarios. You will also undertake a dissertation to further demonstrate your knowledge and understanding of this subject.

Year 1

E.S.A.P. in FADSS Level 7

The purpose of this module is to develop the participant’s ability in study skills and English language skills for academic purposes.
The module is designed to develop the participants as independent learners. The module is supported by a teaching and learning plan which outlines the formal sessions, together with the tutor-directed study and independent reading. An interactive approach to seminars will draw upon the directed learning undertaken and participants’ own experience of study skills. Directed learning will centre upon a range of activities including pre-reading, preparation for interactive activities and use of the discussion board on the e-learning platform.
Independent learning will focus upon the participants identifying those skills which they need to develop and understand through a range of learning activities that might include extended reading, and reflection. The sessions will attempt to follow the principles set out by the CEM model (Sloan and Porter, 2008)

Conservation Theory and Practice 1

You will learn via lectures, demonstrations and activity workshops, set readings and critical discussion groups. This 60-credit module provides a professional approach to core practical skills relevant to your chosen conservation specialism (Works of Art on Paper or Easel Paintings) and the related historic, scientific, preventive, historic, technical and tacit knowledge of materials encountered within professional practice. You will also develop ethical and critical awareness and a broad range of additional skills relevant to conservation practice including analytical, problem solving, evaluative, oral and written communication skills alongside Health & Safety best practice.
Using real artworks and authentically constructed facsimiles, the conservation practical workshops are logically arranged in a sequence that parallels actual practice. For example, Week 1, Semester 1, begins with un-framing followed by technical examination, documentation and interpretation which then progresses onto the preparation of adhesives, consolidation or fixing, the removal of surface soils, localised structural repair techniques and lining.This framework also continues throughout Year 2 albeit with a new set of interrelated topics.
In support of conservation practice you will attend a number of science and preventive sessions. The topics covered in former include the effects that light, heat, humidity and pollution has on artist materials, the ageing of natural and synthetic polymers, the use of organic solvents and reagents, and the description and properties of inks, pigments, dyes, varnishes and binding materials. Preventive conservation and collection care sessions include important issues relating to storage, display, works of art in transit and environmental management.

Year 2

E.S.A.P. in FADSS Level 7

The purpose of this module is to develop the participant’s ability in study skills and English language skills for academic purposes.

The module is designed to develop the participants as independent learners. The module is supported by a teaching and learning plan which outlines the formal sessions, together with the tutor-directed study and independent reading. An interactive approach to seminars will draw upon the directed learning undertaken and participants’ own experience of study skills. Directed learning will centre upon a range of activities including pre-reading, preparation for interactive activities and use of the discussion board on the e-learning platform.
Independent learning will focus upon the participants identifying those skills which they need to develop and understand through a range of learning activities that might include extended reading, and reflection. The sessions will attempt to follow the principles set out by the CEM model (Sloan and Porter, 2008)

Conservation Theory and Practice 2

This immersive and challenging 60-credit module continues to provide a professional approach to core practical skills relevant to your chosen conservation specialism (Works of Art on Paper or Easel Paintings) and the related historic, scientific, historic, technical and tacit knowledge of materials encountered within professional practice. With increasing complexity you will further develop ethical and critical awareness and a broad range of additional skills relevant to conservation practice including analytical, problem solving, evaluative, oral and written communication skills alongside Health & Safety best practice. Science, an integral part in understanding the deterioration and behaviour of artist and conservation materials is supported throughout this module through individual or group tutorials. A greater emphasis is also placed in this module on independent research, professional advocacy, project management skills and situating conservation in relation to current and emerging international/global practices and debates. Following on from the framework adopted in Year 1, the conservation practical workshops are logically arranged in a sequence that mirrors actual practice.
Topics include:
Works of Art on Paper specialism:

Consolidation of friable painted surfaces
Pressure sensitive tape removal
Washing and the alkalisation of coloured and friable material
Non aqueous facing and advanced aqueous lining techniques
Pulp and non-aqueous repair techniques
Retouching and toning
European and Japanese inlaying techniques
Mounting and assemblage and reframing

Easel Paintings specialism:

Advanced structural treatments
Aqueous cleaning methods
Solvent cleaning and varnish removal
Infilling
Retouching
Coatings and re-varnishing
Reframing

Conservation Dissertation

You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your abilities as reflective practitioners and critical scholars by examining and engaging with a topic broadly of relevance to the field. The module is designed to allow you flexibility of approach and outcome, reflecting the multi-disciplinary context of conservation and diversity of subject backgrounds with which each of you enters the programme. You will have access to a series of presentations on research skills which will enrich your methodological training for the undertaking of this module (see ‘How will I learn on this module’ for further details).

You will select the form of dissertation that best suits your own individual research and practice interests, choosing from:

A literature based research dissertation, requiring a synthesis, critical review, exploration and further development of an academic issue or professional topic - using existing academic and scholarly literature and, if relevant, the interpretation of primary or historic sources.
An applied research dissertation, requiring a technical or practice-led exploration of a problem centred enquiry, combined with scholarly review of relevant knowledge. The applied dissertation normally involves you in developing an evidence base and interpreting primary data, you may undertake practical experimentation or scientific analysis, or may use secondary analysis of existing data.

The dissertation enables you to show originality in researching a question which has to date been little explored. It also enables you to demonstrate project and time management skills in terms of completing a major project to deadline.

Requirements

Applicants are required to hold an honours degree, usually in chemistry, physics, art history or fine art, although students have also come from backgrounds in engineering and other related fields.
Science graduates must also have competence in practical art and Arts graduates should note that an A Level in Chemistry or the completion of a specialist science course (such as Chemistry for Conservators run by IAP in London) will strengthen their application. The course requires students to have sound colour vision, manual dexterity, logical thought and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to changing practical situations. It is also necessary to appreciate the integrity of works of art and have a sensitivity of approach coupled with a calm temperament and infinite patience.
Overseas applicants should have an IELTS score of 6.5. International students without the required level of English may be asked to undertake additional English language training.
Fully completed application form
Personal Email address must be included on application form
Transcripts and/or certificates (including a certified translation if not in English)
Passport - copy of personal details page
Proof of financial sponsorship if applicable
Reference
Confirmation of immigration history including copies previous and current visas if applicable