MSc Conservation Practice

Our MSc Conservation Practice programme takes a theory into practice approach to bench conservation, led by accredited conservators and taught through lectures, seminars and laboratory practice.

Designed as a conversion programme for humanities and science graduates seeking a career in Conservation, this two-year programme offers significant experience working on archaeological and historical objects in the lab, plus real-world conservation placements.

Gaining a sophisticated understanding of theoretical principles and practical applications under expert tuition, you will become adept in the care and protection of cultural heritage artefacts through laboratory experience. Developing your skills in the practice of both new and traditional conservation techniques, you will amass considerable experience of working on cultural heritage objects from the UK and across the globe. More than this, you will demonstrate valuable transferable skills in project and resource management, problem solving and communication.

Taught by leading practitioners respected worldwide, our programme combines the knowledge and expertise to operate at professional conservation levels in the heritage sector, with a solid platform for pursuing future research.

Your strong interest in the subject is a given, but our internationally-respected entry-level programme does not require a fixed prerequisite volunteer or intern hours. The degree has been established as a conversion course making it ideal for those from humanities and science backgrounds. Within your application please share with us the evidence you have for your interest in the sector and your highest level of scientific qualification.
Career prospects - Graduates of this and similar degree programmes have embarked on careers in a range of professions from academia, the heritage sector, journalism and law to media research (media, commercial, academic), teaching and publishing. A significant number choose to continue studies at PhD level. Recent graduate destinations include CADW, Church in Wales, Council for British Archaeology, Glamorgan Archives, Heritage Lottery Fund, National Trust, Tate Gallery, Welsh Assembly Government and a range of universities in the UK and overseas.

This is a conversion course. Conversion courses allow you to study a subject unrelated to your undergraduate degree or current career, and support you with a change of career path. No prior knowledge or degree in the subject is required.

Academic requirements:

Typically, you will need to have either:

a 2:1 honours degree in any subject, or an equivalent international degree
a university-recognised equivalent academic qualification
or relevant professional experience evidenced by a reference. The reference must be provided by your employer to evidence that you currently work in an area relevant to the programme. This should be signed, dated and less than six months old at the time you submit your application.
English Language requirements:

IELTS with an overall score of 6.5 with 6.0 in all subskills, or an accepted equivalent.
TOEFL (iBT) - At least 90 overall with a minimum of 20 in each subskill
International Baccalaureate Language A- HL 4 or SL 5