The Principles of Conservation MA offers students an introduction to the context of heritage conservation, how conservation works, and the issues and constraints which affect conservation practice. The programme explores the principles, theory, ethics and practicalities relating to the care and conservation of a wide variety of collections and structures. This cross-disciplinary degree has a strong focus on critical thinking and object-based learning through the use of UCL collections as teaching tools that benefit both students and the collections. Our object-based approaches are grounded in real problems that generate both practical and theoretical responses. Students gain an in-depth understanding of approaches to collection care, preventive conservation, risk assessment, conservation strategies, ethics, management and professionalism, and develop critically aware perspectives on professional practice and research processes.The programme is designed for students with experience in heritage, anthropology, archaeology, culture and/or fine arts. Ideally, you should also be able to provide evidence of some experience in the heritage/museum sector. The programme does not provide practical training in interventive conservation treatments, but is an excellent preparation for scientists wishing to undertake research in conservation science, or for those considering a career in collection care, preventive conservation and management. It is a prerequisite for the two-year MSc in Conservation for Archaeology and Museums.