Conservation of Fine Art

Conservation of Fine Art at Northumbria University offers a comprehensive and in-depth program designed to prepare students for a professional career in the preservation and restoration of valuable artworks. This program combines rigorous academic study with practical hands-on experience, providing students with a solid foundation in the theoretical principles and technical skills necessary for effective conservation practice. Throughout the course, students explore a wide range of topics, including the history and principles of conservation, materials and techniques used in fine art preservation, scientific analysis methods, and ethical considerations in the field. The curriculum is structured to progressively develop students' understanding, starting from fundamental concepts and advancing towards specialized areas such as paint layer analysis, surface cleaning, structural repairs, and preventative conservation strategies.

Students benefit from state-of-the-art facilities and laboratories equipped with modern conservation technologies, enabling them to apply their knowledge to real-world scenarios. The program emphasizes the importance of critical thinking, problem-solving, and meticulous documentation to ensure the longevity of artworks for future generations. It also encourages engagement with a variety of conservation projects, often in collaboration with museums, galleries, and cultural institutions, providing invaluable practical experience and professional networking opportunities. Moreover, students have access to expert practitioners and research-active staff who are actively involved in the field, ensuring that the education they receive is current, relevant, and informed by the latest developments and research. Graduates of the Conservation of Fine Art program are well-equipped to pursue careers in conservation studios, museums, galleries, and cultural heritage organizations, contributing significantly to the preservation of artistic heritage worldwide.

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: 

1. 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.
2.  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

Scholarships

• International Academic Scholarships
• Early Payment Discount
• Chevening Scholarships

The Conservation of Fine Art program at Northumbria University offers students an in-depth and comprehensive education designed to prepare them for professional careers in the conservation and preservation of artistic heritage. This program is tailored to equip students with both the theoretical understanding and practical skills necessary to assess, conserve, and restore various types of fine art, including paintings, prints, and other cultural artifacts. The curriculum emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating knowledge from art history, chemistry, materials science, and conservation techniques to ensure a well-rounded educational experience.

Students enrolled in the program have access to state-of-the-art laboratories and facilities, enabling hands-on training in the safe handling, examination, and treatment of art objects. The program also involves significant practical work, including internships and collaborative projects with museums, galleries, and conservation institutes, providing invaluable real-world experience. The faculty comprises experienced professionals and researchers dedicated to advancing conservation science and artistry, ensuring students are mentored by experts in the field.

Throughout their studies, students learn about the structural and chemical properties of various artistic materials, methods of deterioration, and various conservation strategies. Ethical considerations and professional standards are integral parts of the program, preparing students to make informed decisions in complex conservation scenarios. The program encourages critical thinking, problem-solving, and innovative approaches to preserving artistic heritage for future generations.

Graduates of the Conservation of Fine Art program are well-prepared to pursue careers in museums, galleries, conservation workshops, or further academic research. The program's emphasis on both practical skills and scholarly understanding makes its graduates highly valued in the heritage, arts, and cultural sectors. Overall, Northumbria University’s Conservation of Fine Art degree aims to develop expert practitioners who are committed to maintaining and protecting the world’s artistic treasures through technical excellence and ethical practice.