First year Post Graduate students join 2nd year BA students for the following units: stone and wood conservation (including frame conservation), materials science, theory of colour and polychromy, microscopy, introduction to modern analytical techniques and laser cleaning technique. The study of chemistry and an introduction to the behaviour and mechanisms of deterioration of materials is complimented by extensive practical experience provided by the School's association with various museums. During the year students are taught task skills and management skills, including contingency planning, the significance of conservation and restoration work, and their responsibilities as practitioners.
Students are required to undertake a summer placement in a museum or private conservation practice. Recent host institutions include the V&A Museum, the British Museum, the Tate Gallery, the Conservation Centre of the National Museums and Galleries on Merseyside (Liverpool), the Reina Sofia Museum of Art in Madrid, the National Gallery of Art Washington DC, The National Gallery of Australia, the National Museum in Iceland, the Science Museum, London, the Museum of London, and the Royal Collection, the Natural History Museum and, the Wallace Collection.
Second year Students write a thesis on an extended research project that compliments their research interests and practical experience and will undertake practical work on up to three 3-D objects. Students are also required to study appropriate historical and social backgrounds in order to provide an informed context for their practical skills. Students work on objects provided by high profile institutions such as the English Heritage Collections, St Paul's Cathedral, Leeds Castle Collection, Tate Gallery, Natural history Museum or by private collectors. The course aims to give students the knowledge and experience to make sound judgments about the treatments and the skills to carry them out, as well as an understanding of preventive conservation and collection management.