Why study this course

Our BSc Conservation of Objects in Museums and Archaeology will equip you with the skill set required to be a practising conservator. As a graduate of this programme, you will be able to develop, execute, report and record evidence based strategies and actions for preserving historic and archaeological objects.

We specialise in the conservation of historic and archaeological museum objects, using both preventive and interventive conservation procedures. All of our teaching is set against the cultural context of the objects undergoing treatment by students, which are genuine museum pieces. Working on these objects, you will consider the needs of owners, and current and future end users in designing your treatments.

Working in our laboratories from day one, you will have access to a wide range of state of the art conservation and scientific facilities.

This degree delivers a broad transferable skill set that encompasses discursive writing, imaging, practical work, communication and investigation using analytical instrumentation. Together these skills produce graduates who use evidence-based thought processes to deliver outcomes aimed at preserving our cultural heritage.

Learning and assessment

The School of History, Archaeology and Religion enables you to develop in a high-quality learning environment, supported by a student-orientated approach to the acquisition of knowledge and skills.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, practical, field trips, and one-to-one tutorials. You will also undertake independent study and research, with guidance from tutors.

Lectures provide an overview of the key concepts and frameworks for a topic, equipping you to carry out independent research for generating treatment regimes in laboratory sessions where you conserve objects, as well as for contributing to seminars using your own ideas. Laboratory practice is taught using object-based learning techniques and one to one support in designated practical sessions, as all objects you work on are unique. Larger group teaching is in place for instructional classes on equipment use and data interpretation, as well as for lectures.

Learning and assessment

The School of History, Archaeology and Religion enables you to develop in a high-quality learning environment, supported by a student-orientated approach to the acquisition of knowledge and skills.

Teaching methods include lectures, seminars, practical, field trips, and one-to-one tutorials. You will also undertake independent study and research, with guidance from tutors.

Lectures provide an overview of the key concepts and frameworks for a topic, equipping you to carry out independent research for generating treatment regimes in laboratory sessions where you conserve objects, as well as for contributing to seminars using your own ideas. Laboratory practice is taught using object-based learning techniques and one to one support in designated practical sessions, as all objects you work on are unique. Larger group teaching is in place for instructional classes on equipment use and data interpretation, as well as for lectures.