Conservation of Fine Art MA

at Northumbria University

Offering the opportunity for you to specialise in either Works of Art on Paper or Easel Painting conservation, this programme consists of modules that will explore a range of key areas including conservation theory and practice, conservation science, art history and preventive conservation.

The programme covers a range of state-of-the-art treatments, and you will gain a plethora of valuable technical and academic skills including documentation, technical examination, structural repair, stabilisation, consolidation and cleaning techniques for works of art, and most importantly, the confidence and knowledge to development and critically evaluate conservation treatments. You will also be acquiring an understanding of the history, identification and deterioration of the artist’s materials associated with your chosen specialism. Significant emphasis is also placed on ethics, advocacy, and developing your research skills.

 

The programme offers a strong balance of theory and practice. In the art conservation-focused practical workshops, you will develop a range of skills in preparing and using conservation materials and equipment. Workshop activities are performed on a range of materials from archival paintings and original works of art, and simulated materials. 

 

Assessment focuses on your understanding of practical methods and treatments as well as conservation science, preventive conservation and your practical and communication skills, including academic concepts and theories to your project documentation and conservation treatment evaluation. 

 

You will develop ideas for your research over the first year and write a dissertation at the end of the second year that demonstrates your knowledge and understanding of a focused area of conservation.

 

Modules

Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.

 

Year one

 

• EF0126 -Academic Language Skills in FADSS Level 7 (Optional,0 Credits)
• VA7032 -Conservation Theory and Practice 1 (Core,30 Credits)
• VA7033 -Conservation Theory and Practice 2 (Core,30 Credits)

Year 2

 

• EF0126 -Academic Language Skills in FADSS Level 7 (Optional,0 Credits)
• VA7034 -Conservation Theory and Practice 3 (Core,30 Credits)
• VA7035 -Conservation Theory and Practice 4 (Core,30 Credits)
• VA7044 -Conservation Project-Dissertation (Core,60 Credits)

Entry Requirements 2022/23

Standard Entry

Applicants should normally have:

 

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 qualifications:

 

If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages.

 

English language requirements:

 

International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).

Fees and Funding 2022/23 Entry

Full UK Fee: £15,900

 

Full EU Fee: £26,400

 

Full International Fee: £26,400

This programme has been developed to provide a basis for a career in Fine Art Conservation. At Northumbria there are also many additional opportunities available to further enhance your career. 

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 you 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 alumni by supporting students in their career journey. In addition to completing a placement to further enhance your development you may also have the opportunity to present your research at a Student Symposium. 

 

We have a strong supportive alumni network which is important in providing placement and job opportunities.  Students are actively encouraged to organize and participate in placements in order to gain valuable workplace experience that can be taken forward into the second year.

 

We actively encourage students to engage with professional bodies, such as the Institute of Conservation (ICON), the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic works (IIC) and the International Council of Museums Committee for Conservation (ICOM-CC ), all of which have vibrant student and emerging conservator networks. Students are also encouraged to attend conferences, particularly those that are student-led, allowing you to network with professionals and peers working within the profession. You may also benefit from our formal partnerships with the Northumbria University Gallery and with several local and regional museums, such as Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums, Bowes Museum, V&A, and Tate.  We also have a long-standing link with the National Trust, who have provided students with opportunities for study and project work in the past. On completion of the programme, students find employment in galleries, museums, and other heritage institutions, or continue to carry out research at PhD level. 

 

Northumbria University Conservation of Fine Art alumni, are found in significant positions throughout the world. Some notable alumni include such as Virginia Lladó-Buisán, Head of Conservation & Collection Care, Bodleian Libraries, Britta New, Paintings Conservator at the National Gallery in London, Anne Slettemoen, Head of Conservation at the National Museum of Sweden (Stockholm), Alan Derbyshire, former Head of Paper, Book and Paintings at the V&A.