Principles of Conservation MA
University College London
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( 4.1)

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

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Location

UCL (University College London)

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Study mode

Full Time

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Start date

SEP-25

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Duration

1 year

Course info

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

Location

UCL (University College London)

Study mode

Full Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

1 year

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Qualification

MA - Master of Arts

Location

UCL (University College London)

Study mode

Part Time

Start date

SEP-25

Duration

2 years

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Archaeology
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Course info

The Principles of Conservation MA offers students an introduction to the context of heritage conservation, of how conservation works, and of 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 objects and structures. This cross-disciplinary degree has a strong focus on object-based learning through the use of UCL collections as teaching tools that ...Read more

The Principles of Conservation MA offers students an introduction to the context of heritage conservation, of how conservation works, and of 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 objects and structures. This cross-disciplinary degree has a strong focus on 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 collections care, preventive conservation, risk assessment, conservation strategies, ethics, management and professionalism, and develop critically aware perspectives on professional practice and research processes.

Careers

The Institute of Archaeology has a long history of training in conservation, and many of its graduates are now employed in key posts around the world. Many students go on to take the Conservation for Archaeology and Museums MSc. Others pursue careers in preventive conservation and collections management in local and national museums, art galleries and heritage organisations (mainly in Europe, North America and Asia). Some students have also used this degree as a platform to become a PhD candidate at both UCL and elsewhere.

Employability

Knowledge and skills acquired during the programme include the understanding of the roles conservators play in the care and study of cultural heritage, and the ethical issues involved. This is complemented by a basic understanding of raw materials, manufacturing technologies, assessment of condition and the ways in which different values and meanings are assigned to cultural objects. The student will be able to perform preventive conservation, collections general care and management, visual examination techniques, surveys, as well as assessments and monitoring of museum collections. They will also be proficient in various types of documentation, analysis of numerical data, report writing, public outreach, and presentation of conservation issues through posters, social media, talks and essays.

Key stats

CUG Subject Ranking
CUG Subject Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
5th
CUG Ranking
CUG Ranking
Source: Complete University Guide 2025
9th

Modules

Modules (Year 1)
IDP Connect

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree normally in archaeology, anthropology, history of art or the physical sciences from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Degrees in other subjects may be accepted, and relevant experience (e.g. in conservation, archaeology or museums) is an advantage.

Tuition fees

Students living in

Domestic

£15,100 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from Domestic

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

This is the fee you pay if the University is in the same country that you live in (England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland)

£31,100 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from EU

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from somewhere in the EU.

£31,100 per year

This information is updated by IDP Connect, or in some cases the institution directly.
Please note: The fees might vary so please make sure you contact the institution for up to date information.

Students from International

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

The amount you'll pay if you come to study here from a country outside the EU.

IDP Connect

Uni info

University College London
University College London , London

UCL (University College London) is consistently ranked among the top ten universities in the world, conducting leading research across...

Student rating
( 4.1) View reviews
CUG ranking
9th
University College London
Gower Street London Camden WC1E 6BT United Kingdom
Nearest tube station: Euston  0.1 miles away Nearest train station: Euston   0.2 miles away
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