Conservation of Archaeological & Museum Objects (Diss)
Combining specialist conservation skills with teaching in analysis and research. This research focused MSc allows you to explore a conservation topic in depth.
Note: This course replaces the MA in Conservation of Archaeological and Museum Objects, which was previously offered.
The MSc in Conservation of Archaeological and Museum Objects (Dissertation) combines theoretical knowledge with specialist practical skills. It equips you with the investigative skills to answer some of the complex conservation and archaeological questions posed by ancient and historic artefacts and explores ways to safeguard valuable objects for future generations to enjoy.
This research-rich course, which is studied over two years full time or three years part time, is designed for those interested in a career in conservation research or preventive conservation. It will also suit those with conservation experience who are interested in exploring the field in greater depth. While we draw students from a wide range of academic backgrounds, they share a number of essential traits, those of manual dexterity, a knowledge of chemistry and the desire and commitment to work with museum objects.
Taught by qualified conservators, the course includes core modules in the theory and methods of conservation, conservation skills and practice, artefact studies and the care of collections. The final year of the course is dedicated to the dissertation which focuses on an aspect of object conservation.
The Department of Archaeology at Durham is one of the largest in the world and is considered a leader in archaeological research in the UK. We have a global reputation for our academic standards and the quality of teaching.
We offer state-of-the-art facilities including internationally renowned research laboratories in DNA, conservation, isotope analysis, environmental archaeology, luminescence dating, paleopathology and bone chemistry as well as unique collections of artefacts.
The Department also hosts Archaeological Services Durham University, a leading commercial archaeological fieldwork unit. This means we can provide expert training on the latest fieldwork practices from professional archaeologists.
We are also highly fortunate to be based in the city of Durham which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and located near some of the country’s renowned archaeological sites, such as Hadrian’s Wall and the Saxon monastery at Jarrow.
Course structure
Core modules:
Conservation Theory and Method provides the knowledge to professionally plan the conservation of archaeological and museum objects. You will develop an understanding of the evolution of conservation, its organisation, present day aims and methods used. You will also consider how ethical factors influence the approach to work.
Conservation Skills is a practical module that gives you the opportunity to work on archaeological objects and carry out a range of laboratory, fieldwork, documentation, cleaning, adhesion and replication activities. You will learn to examine and successfully treat archaeological objects and to document the impacts of their interventions in preparation for later practical coursework.
Artefact Studies provides an understanding of the theory, practice and status of artefact studies, with a particular focus on museum collections and archives. You will learn about the physical properties and the traditional production and use of materials and products and also develop skills in handling, analysing, interpreting and recording objects by examining and comparing collections from different periods and cultures.
Care of Collections (Conservation) introduces the concept of preventative conservation and the issues involved with caring for collections. It provides a detailed understanding of the environmental factors that cause deterioration and presents ways they can be monitored and tackled.
And one optional module drawn from a list of potential modules that could support your research objectives. The decision about which module may be most advantageous is taken in concert with the course convener.
The Dissertation, undertaken in the second year of the course, sees you undertake a major piece of work in conservation or object analysis. You will engage in advanced level research; practising, developing and demonstrating your research skills in conservation or object analysis. The dissertation is an opportunity to explore published literature on a research topic, develop a research design, collect data or information, critically evaluate it and draw your own conclusions.
The first year of the course is delivered through a mixture of lectures, seminars, practical classes and site visits, with contact time during the first two terms typically comprising 4-5 hours a week of lectures, 6 hours of practical work including seminars, 3 hours of structured self-development learning and up to 9 hours of conservation skills working in the conservation laboratory.
Lectures provide key information on a particular topic and identify areas for discussion and debate. Seminars and practical sessions then provide opportunities for you to further develop your knowledge and skills, based on the knowledge gained from lectures and your own independent study.
The Department also hosts a programme of weekly research seminars linked to topics covered on the MA, which will give you further insight into the subject.
You will have plenty of opportunities to spend time in the conservation laboratory, learning about methods of conservation, developing skills in handling and analysing artefacts and learning how to make decisions to help safeguard this material for the future as your ability to work independently grows.
The dissertation is completed during the second year under the supervision of a dedicated subject specialist. It develops advanced research skills in an aspect of conservation or artefact studies, in which you are interested.
Assessment
Assessments are rigorous and continuous throughout the course. Assessment methods vary and are designed to demonstrate your skills and understanding of the coursework. They include essays, reports, exams and portfolio write ups based on your practical work.
The degree culminates in writing a dissertation, which will be focused on artefact analysis, preventive conservation, or applications for real-world conservation problems.
Entry requirements
A good second class honours degree (typically 2:1 Honours) or international equivalent in any subject and a pass in Mathematics Grade 4 (or C) or above at GCSE level, or equivalent.
Applicants without a degree will be required to demonstrate sufficient academic capability to satisfactorily complete this degree. Chemistry requirements, one of the following: A grade of ‘B’ or higher in A level Chemistry or its equivalent,A degree that included a significant science component, e.g. Biology or Material Science, An A, B or C grade for Chemistry in a Scottish 'Higher' or similar high grade in the Irish 'Leaving Certificate' may also be acceptable, Completion of university level course units in Inorganic and Organic chemistry - this is particularly appropriate for students from North America, Completion of the 'Chemistry for Conservators' course(this is a correspondence course, which lasts approximately 6 months. Details of the course are available here.)
All students need to be able to accurately distinguish between colours and safely handle objects, scalpels, and other conservation tools. Students may be required to undertake tests to ascertain the levels of some of these skills, if they are invited to visit. Evidence of engagement with and interest in archaeological and museum objects, while not formally required, is highly recommended. This may be in the form of employment, internship or volunteer work in a museum, historic house, or a collecting institute, such as an archaeological repository, or through archaeological site work.
Please note there are a limited number of places available on the course each year, due to the size of the teaching laboratory.
We will only consider applications from those where English is not their first language if they have taken a relevant English Language test which meets the minimum requirements.
Reference requirements:
One satisfactory academic reference is required, however, an additional reference from someone familiar with any museum, archaeology, art or laboratory experience you may have is always welcome.
Application deadlines
As there are a finite number of places on this course and demand is quite high, we operate a staged admissions process with three rounds of application deadlines.
If you apply before the Application deadline for a particular stage, as shown below, you will normally receive a response on or before the Decision by date. In some instances, it may be necessary for us to roll your application forward to the next round.
All deadlines are 23:59 UK time (GMT)
Although we aim to give you a decision on your application by the listed date, due to the volume of applications this may not always be possible. Please note that we reserve the right to issue offers to exceptional candidates in advance of each deadline.
Applications received after the Round 1 deadline will be considered in Round 2. Applications received after the Round 2 deadline will be considered in Round 3. Applications received after the Round 3 deadline will be considered at our discretion only if places are still available on the course.
Applicants are strongly recommended to apply well in advance of the application deadline.
Round One:
Application by: Jan 6th 2025
Decision by: February 3rd 2025
Round Two:
Application by: March 3rd 2025
Decision by April 1st 2025
Round Three:
Application by: May 15th 2025
Decision by June 15th 2025
Tuition fee deposit
All self-financing overseas students are required to pay a £1000 tuition fee deposit if an offer from the Department of Archaeology is accepted. The tuition fee deposit is paid before the University issues a Confirmation of Acceptance to Study (CAS) number, which is required in order to apply for a visa. £500 deposit is also payable by UK applicants if an offer of a place from the Department of Archaeology is accepted.
The tuition fees for 2025/26 academic year have not yet been finalised, they will be displayed here once approved.
The tuition fees shown are for one complete academic year of study, are set according to the academic year of entry, and remain the same throughout the duration of the programme for that cohort (unless otherwise stated).
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/study/individual-course-and-cta-images/Postgraduate-Prospectus.png)
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/study/individual-course-and-cta-images/Postgraduate-Scholarships.png)
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/study/individual-course-and-cta-images/Postgraduate-Meet-Students.png)
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/study/individual-course-and-cta-images/Book-an-Open-Day.png)
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/study/individual-course-and-cta-images/F4KB09.png)
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/study/individual-course-and-cta-images/F4K507-F4K707.png)
/prod01/prodbucket01/media/durham-university/study/individual-course-and-cta-images/F4KE09.png)