Advance your expertise through independent enquiry
Building on your existing conservation knowledge and practical experience, you’ll develop the confidence to investigate complex problems, evaluate different approaches and make informed conservation decisions.
The MA encourages you to move beyond established procedures, bringing scientific evidence, critical research and ethical reasoning together to develop an independent and questioning approach to professional practice.
Undertake advanced object-led conservation
Practical conservation is central to the course. You’ll investigate the materials, construction, condition and historical significance of cultural objects, using research and analysis to inform appropriate treatment strategies.
Working with a significant object or conservation project, where appropriate to your specialism and available resources, you’ll develop your ability to plan, undertake and evaluate complex conservation work.
You’ll also consider how decisions about intervention, preservation and care reflect wider cultural, historical and ethical responsibilities.
Learn from specialist conservators
You’ll work with experienced conservators and specialist practitioners whose expertise informs both practical teaching and research supervision.
The Art School supports conservation work involving three-dimensional objects, including wood, stone and related materials, alongside books and paper.
Through specialist demonstrations, individual tutorials and supervised practical work, you’ll develop advanced technical knowledge while gaining greater independence in your research and decision-making.
Connect science, materials and critical thinking
Conservation requires an understanding of how materials behave, deteriorate and respond to treatment.
You’ll develop your ability to interpret scientific and technical evidence, investigate treatment methodologies and evaluate the consequences of conservation decisions.
Research and critical discussion will also encourage you to consider contemporary debates around authenticity, sustainability, intervention and the changing responsibilities of conservators.
Join a wider postgraduate community
MA Conservation is part of the Graduate School, bringing together conservators, artists, carvers and researchers through shared teaching and critical exchange.
Cross-course seminars, research events and presentations offer opportunities to explore how cultural objects are made, understood, preserved and interpreted, broadening your perspective beyond your immediate specialism.
Communicate your work and develop your professional practice
You’ll present your conservation work in the Art School’s MA Show, sharing both practical outcomes and the research, analysis and treatment decisions that informed them.
You’ll also participate in a final Critical Practice Event, communicating your research and reflecting on the development of your professional judgement.
Throughout the course, you’ll strengthen your skills in technical documentation, analytical reporting, critical writing and professional communication, preparing you for advanced conservation practice or further specialist research.