MA in Conservation of Archaeological and Museum Objects (PP)

This is a two-year course, which trains graduate students to be conservators of archaeological and museum objects. You will learn to research, analyze, clean, preserve and care for a wide range of artifacts and you will learn how to make decisions to help safeguard this material for the future.

The course is intended for those who wish to become practicing artifact conservators, or who want to work in the fields of artifact research or preventive conservation. Graduates of the course now work in a wide variety of museums as well as large heritage organizations, such as the National Trust and English Heritage.

Course participants are drawn from a wide range of disciplines. However, manual dexterity, a basic knowledge of chemistry and the desire to work with museum objects are all essential prerequisites.

The first year consists of 11 months of intensive teaching in Durham.  The second-year is typically an industrial placement in a conservation laboratory at a major museum, although you may also opt to stay in Durham and undertake an independent research project. Fees in the second year are approximately 35% of the initial year.