menu icon
Book your open day visit nowClick to book open day
Conservation of Archaeological and Museum Objects (PP) MA

Conservation of Archaeological and Museum Objects (PP) MA

Different course options

Full time | Durham University | 2 years | SEP-24

Study mode

Full time

Duration

2 years

Start date

SEP-24

Key information
DATA SOURCE : IDP Connect

Qualification type

MA - Master of Arts

Subject areas

Conservation Skills Archaeological Conservation

Course type

Taught

Course Summary

Course Summary

This is a two-year course, which trains graduate students to be conservators of archaeological and museum objects. You will learn to research, analyse, clean, preserve and care for a wide range of artefacts and you will learn how to make decisions to help safeguard this material for the future.

The course is intended for those who wish to become practicing artefact conservators, or who want to work in the fields of artefact research or preventive conservation. Graduates of the course now work in a wide variety of museums as well as large heritage organisations, such as the National Trust and English Heritage. Course participants are drawn from a wide range of disciplines. However, manual dexterity, a basic knowledge of chemistry and the desire to work with museum objects are all essential prerequisites. The first year consists of 11 months intensive teaching in Durham. The second year is typically an industrial placement in a conservation laboratory at a major museum, although you may also opt to stay in Durham and undertake an independent research project. Fees in the second year are approximately 35% of the initial year.

Course Learning and Teaching

The course is delivered through a mixture of lectures, seminars and practical classes as well as an industrial placement. Typically lectures provide key information on a particular area, and identify the main areas for discussion and debate among conservators in that area. Practicals provide opportunities to develop and implement skills, based on the knowledge gained through lectures and through independent study outside the course's formal contact hours. Self-learning development packages allow participants to continue their learning in a structured way outside the practical sessions. The industrial placement forms a major part of the contact time in the programme for Professional Practitioners, allowing you to gain direct experience of practical and applied skills in Conservation. Industrial partners include the Museum of London, the National Museum of Wales and the York Archaeological Trust.

The balance of activities changes over the course as you develop your knowledge, skills and abilities as independent learners and practitioners. The course’s emphasis on taking learning from the classroom to real-life situations in Museums and conservation laboratories, prepares you well for work or further study once you have completed the course. All teaching is delivered by qualified conservators.

In the final year, you will spend nine months working in a conservation lab. You will gain experience working with a wide range of materials and further develop your practical skills, within a real-life working environment. A focus is placed upon problem-solving and organisational and managerial skills, under the supervision of a professional conservator. Alternatively, you may opt to stay in Durham and undertake an in-depth project focused on artifact analysis or applications for real-world conservation problems. The Department also has an exciting programme of weekly research seminars and talks by visiting scholars, which you are strongly encouraged to attend.

Career Opportunities

Many of our postgraduates move into an academic career, either teaching or by taking up post-doctoral research positions in universities. Others join museums or national and regional heritage organisations. Some work in professional archaeology, in national or local planning departments, while others elect to use their analytical and presentation skills to gain positions in industry, commerce and government.

Modules

Artefact Studies
Conservation Skills
Conservation Practice
Care of Collections
Conservation Theory
Professional Practice

Tuition fees

UK fees
Course fees for UK students

For this course (per year)

£15,500

International fees
Course fees for EU and international students

For this course (per year)

£34,000

Entry requirements

Students need to have a good second class honours degree (typically 2:1 Honours) or international equivalent in any subject and a pass in Mathematics Grade 4 (or C) or above at GCSE level, or equivalent. Applicants without a degree will be required to demonstrate sufficient academic capability to satisfactorily complete this degree. Chemistry Requirements: one of the following: An 'AS' level in Chemistry or its equivalent; A degree which included a significant science component, e.g. Biology or Material Science; An A, B or C grade for Chemistry in a Scottish 'Higher' or similar high grade in the Irish 'Leaving Certificate' may also be acceptable; Completed university level course units in Inorganic and Organic chemistry - this is particularly appropriate for students from North America; Completed the 'Chemistry for Conservators' course.