Conservation of Objects in Museums and Archaeology (BSc)

at Cardiff University

Course structure

We are currently working with our students to update and improve the content of this course. The information shown below reflects the current curriculum and is likely to change. The review of the course is expected to be completed by August 2022 and this page will be updated by end of October 2022 to reflect the changes.

This is a three-year degree programme. You will take 120 credits in each year.

The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum and will be reviewed prior to the 2022/2023 academic year. The final modules will be published by September 2022.

Year one
Year one conservation modules are designed to develop an underpinning knowledge of conservation theory and practice. This includes developing academic and practical skills within investigative practices such as x-radiography, microscopy, photography and instrumental analysis.

An introduction to archaeology is provided via optional modules which you select.

Year two
The second and third year builds on this platform via theory modules, practical laboratory work and museum vacation placements in conservation.

Year three
In your third year you will undertake theory modules to complement the modules from year two ensuring that over the course of your degree you will have covered a broad range of materials considering metals, organics, inorganics and wet and dry conditions. You will continue to work on your practical projects in the supervised practical projects module and as your confidence increases you will work on more complex challenging problems.

In your third year you will participate in the research module where you will work with staff and students to design, deliver and evaluate a specific piece of conservation related research.

A level
BBC-BCC

Extended/International Project Qualification: Applicants with grade A in the EPQ/IPQ will typically receive an offer one grade lower than the standard A level offer. Please note that any subject specific requirements must still be met.

International Baccalaureate
30-29 overall or 655 in 3 HL subjects.

GCSE
Grade C or grade 4 in GCSE English Language.

IELTS (academic)
At least 6.5 overall with a minimum of 5.5 in each subskill.

TOEFL iBT
At least 90 overall with minimum scores of 17 for writing, 17 for listening, 18 for reading and 20 for speaking.

PTE Academic
At least 62 overall with a minimum of 59 in all communicative skills.

Trinity ISE II/III
II: at least two Distinctions and two Merits.
III: at least a Pass in all components.

Tuition fees for 2022 entry

Fees for home status

• £9,000    

Fees for overseas status

• £23,450

In 2016/17, 96% of the School’s graduates who were available for work reported they were in employment and/or further study within six months of graduating.

The strong vocational nature of the programme is recognised within the conservation profession and this factor provides conservation students with good job opportunities. Some conservation graduates move into research degrees, many choosing to take MSc or higher qualifications with us. Other graduates utilise their extensive transferable skills in communication, problem solving, project management, independent thinking, and scientific theory and practice to compete very successfully in a wide range of other fields.

We believe in giving our graduates the best opportunities to find employment. We organise interactive workshops with the Careers Service to help you identify your skills and attributes and have our own, in-School Workplace Placements and employability officer.

Graduate careers

• Conservator
• Curator