MA Conservation of Fine Art (Works of Art on Paper)

The MA Conservation of Fine Art programme (Works of Art on Paper) provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career as a conservator of works of art on paper.This postgraduate programme aims to provide you with advanced knowledge and skills in both practice and research in the conservation of works of art on paper. Northumbria University’s Conservation of Fine Art MA is the only Masters programme in the UK that offers specialisms in both the conservation of Easel Painting and Works of Art on Paper.The programme aims to develop your skills in critical awareness, research, ethics and philosophy, art history, conservation science and the care of collections, in addition to honing the meticulous practical skills that are necessary in becoming a professional conservator.The combination of meticulous practical skill, a sound knowledge of science, and passion for art and art history will make this Masters programme of interest to those from both a science and arts background.Integrating a combination of studio practice, science and art history, the programme covers a range of inter-related subjects. During the course, you will study conservation practice, conservation history, the history of materials and techniques, conservation theory and ethics, conservation science, art history, technical photography, technical art history, preventive conservation and research skills. Additionally, you will be introduced to studio management, the use of methodologies and materials in conservation and good health and safety practice.Conservation is a multidisciplinary field, continuously informed by developments in cultural heritage, visual arts practice, sustainability, ethics, cultural policy, and materials science. The spirit and day to day practice within the course reflects the professional codes of practice established by the International Institute for Conservation (IIC), the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and United Kingdom Institute for Conservation (ICON). The Conservation of Fine Art MA is a multidisciplinary based programme and on graduation you will leave with the highly specialised knowledge and skills required to formally enter the conservation profession.In order to broaden your cultural perspective and enhance your practical learning experience, you will also have the opportunity to carry out a placement in the summer recess. Past students have carried out placements in studios in the UK and globally and have included the British Museum, the Royal Ontario Museum, the National Museum of Australia the Tate and a number of world renowned independent conservation studios.We welcome applications from students from a wide range of academic backgrounds. Typically, but not exclusively, students will have a first degree in Fine Art, Art History or one of the Sciences. Students with a science background should be able to demonstrate skill in practical subject area (eg. painting, drawing, printmaking). Students from an art practice background should demonstrate a sound knowledge of science.This programme has been developed to provide all the skills and knowledge required to begin a career in Fine Art Conservation. At Northumbria there are also many additional opportunities available to further enhance your career prospects.Throughout the duration of the programme, you will develop employability skills, not only as a conservation practitioner in your chosen specialism, but through participation in seminars and class discussions where you will develop important ‘soft skills’, that will enable you to take the first step in your career as a conservator. Northumbria University is committed to enhancing employability of its students by supporting students in their career journey while on the programme and beyond.

A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree, usually in chemistry, physics, art history or fine art, although applicants from other related fields will also be considered.

Applicants with science backgrounds must have interest in learning about practical art, and arts graduates should have minimum grade B GCSE in Science or may choose to complete a specialist science course (such as Chemistry for Conservators run by IAP in London). This will strengthen their application.

Applicants are required to have sound colour vision, manual dexterity, logical thought and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to changing practical situations. Applicants should also appreciate the integrity of works of art and have a sensitivity of approach, along with a calm temperament and infinite patience.
International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component