Conservation Practice (MSc)
- Duration: 2 years
- Mode: Full time
Conversion course
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.
This course is under review
We're working to update and improve the content of our courses to ensure the best education and career outcomes. The information below reflects the current curriculum and is subject to change. You can still apply now. We'll update this page and contact all offer holders when the review is complete to confirm any changes.
Open day
Find out more about studying here as a postgraduate at our next Open Day.
Why study this course
This hands-on conversion programme is dedicated to teaching the next generation of conservators through problem-based learning on real heritage objects.
Conversion programme
Designed for graduates regardless of background who want a career in the discipline.
Theory and problem solving focus
Develop a sophisticated understanding of principles plus practical application.
Hands-on, laboratory-based
Hone practical techniques, working on wide-ranging artefacts and taught by international experts.
Purpose-built laboratories
Bespoke conservation suite, recently enhanced with a £250,000 upgrade.
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.
This degree has been established as a conversion course making it ideal for those from humanities and science backgrounds. We value your strong interest in the subject, without the expectation of prerequisite volunteer or intern hours, specific degrees or science qualifications. However, an interest in science would be beneficial. Please share details of your interest in the sector and level of scientific understanding in your application.
Celebrating the centenary of archaeology and conservation in 2020, our research placed 9th among archaeology departments in the UK, as well as 5th for impact and 6th for research outputs in the latest UK assessment (Research Excellence Framework 2021).
We're committed to delivering programmes that are innovative and relevant, providing the best learning outcomes and career prospects for our students. In light of this, we're currently reviewing some elements of this programme. As such, the details shown are subject to change and indicative only. You can still apply now. We'll update this page and contact all offer holders when the review is complete to confirm any changes.
Where you'll study
School of History, Archaeology and Religion
Curious about the human experience across millennia and cultures, we are seeking to better understand our past, to illuminate our present and improve our future.
Admissions criteria
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.
In order to be considered for an offer for this programme you will need to meet all of the entry requirements. Your application will not be progressed if the information and evidence listed is not provided.
With your online application you will need to provide:
- A copy of your degree certificate and transcripts which show you have achieved a 2:2 honours degree in any subject, or an equivalent international degree. If your degree certificate or result is pending, please upload any interim transcripts or provisional certificates.
- A copy of your IELTS certificate with an overall score of 6.5 with 6.0 in all subskills, or evidence of an accepted equivalent. Please include the date of your expected test if this qualification is pending. If you have alternative acceptable evidence, such as an undergraduate degree studied in the UK, please supply this in place of an IELTS.
If you do not have a 2.1 degree, your application may be considered on the basis of a combination of your existing higher education qualification and your professional experience. Please provide additional evidence to support your application such as signed and dated employer references.
Application Deadline
We allocate places on a first-come, first-served basis, so we recommend you apply as early as possible. Applications normally close at the end of August but may close sooner if all places are filled.
Selection process
We will review your application and if you meet all of the entry requirements, we will make you an offer.
Find out more about English language requirements.
Applicants who require a Student visa to study in the UK must present an acceptable English language qualification in order to meet UKVI (UK Visas and Immigration) requirements.
Criminal convictions
You are not required to complete a DBS (Disclosure Barring Service) check or provide a Certificate of Good Conduct to study this course.
If you are currently subject to any licence condition or monitoring restriction that could affect your ability to successfully complete your studies, you will be required to disclose your criminal record. Conditions include, but are not limited to:
- access to computers or devices that can store images
- use of internet and communication tools/devices
- curfews
- freedom of movement, including the ability to travel to outside of the UK or to undertake a placement/studies outside of Cardiff University
- contact with people related to Cardiff University.
Course structure
You study modules with a total of 300 credits over two years, combining core modules in Conservation training (120 credits), postgraduate core skills (80 credits), optional modules (40 credits) and, upon successful completion of the taught stage of the programme, a dissertation (60 credits).
The modules shown are an example of the typical curriculum. Final modules will be published one month ahead of your programme starting.
Year one
In your first year you will gain the underpinning skills, knowledge and theory required to study and deliver conservation practice.
In the summer you engage in an eight-week placement working in conservation.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| Practical Projects 2 | HS2331 | 40 credits |
| Essentials of Conservation | HS2339 | 20 credits |
| Evidence Based Preservation of Organics | HS2439 | 20 credits |
| Managing Metallic and Inorganic Cultural Heritage | HS2440 | 20 credits |
| Museums' Collections Management | HS2441 | 20 credits |
Year two
Year two incorporates a taught element which lasts for the first two semesters of study and is assessed at the end of this period.
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| MSc Conservation Dissertation | HST592 | 60 credits |
| Advance Practical Projects | HST460 | 40 credits |
| Designing Research in Heritage Science | HST462 | 20 credits |
| Making Conservation Decisions | HST463 | 20 credits |
| Module title | Module code | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| The Archaeology of Death and Commemoration | HST060 | 20 credits |
| Analysis in Heritage Science | HST342 | 20 credits |
| Postgraduate Skills in Archaeology and Conservation | HST500 | 20 credits |
| International Cultural Policy: Theory and Practice | MLT835 | 20 credits |
The University is committed to providing a wide range of module options where possible, but please be aware that whilst every effort is made to offer choice this may be limited in certain circumstances. This is due to the fact that some modules have limited numbers of places available, which are allocated on a first-come, first-served basis, while others have minimum student numbers required before they will run, to ensure that an appropriate quality of education can be delivered; some modules require students to have already taken particular subjects, and others are core or required on the programme you are taking. Modules may also be limited due to timetable clashes, and although the University works to minimise disruption to choice, we advise you to seek advice from the relevant School on the module choices available.
Learning and assessment
How will I be taught?
We teach via laboratory practice, seminars, lectures and assessed work using multiple formats to combine theoretical knowledge with realistic practical applications, including placements in partner museums and related heritage organisations.
Importantly, this programme integrates theory and practice throughout via practical work on archaeological and historical objects, where you are supported by one to one tuition. The focus is on developing problem solving and decision-making skills using problem-based learning assignments. Verbal interaction with staff forms a large part of the learning process that leads the student towards being a stand-alone decision maker.
Learning outcomes for the module are correlated to the novice to expert scale utilised by The Institute for Conservation (ICON) for competence assessment.
More advanced knowledge and understanding is acquired by independent study, guided reflective laboratory practice, self-directed learning and individual supervision of dissertations.
How will I be assessed?
There is a diverse range of assessment methods including reflective learning logs, essays, exams, oral presentations, portfolio, reports and viva.
This range of assessment ensures that you have developed a broad range of practical and theoretical skills, knowledge and communication methods by the completion of the course.
On successful completion of the taught elements of the programme you progress to a dissertation of up to 20,000 words. This self-regulated year of study is ideal preparation for progression to PhD.
How will I be supported?
On enrolment, you are assigned your own Personal Tutor and provided with teaching and learning resources, including Postgraduate Handbook. Additional specific module resources are made available during the programme.
We offer one-to-one time in set office hours during teaching weeks, and also welcome email contact. Additionally, you can make appointments to see your personal tutor on a one-to-one basis about any issue. Our Professional Services team is also available for advice and support.
Your personal tutor is your contact point to discuss any problems arising from the course. Further queries should be addressed to the School’s Director of Postgraduate Taught.
A suite of object conservation and analytical research laboratories are available to you. Treatment facilities and analytical equipment include:
- Analytical SEM
- Portable XRF
- FTIR with microscope attached
- Portable Raman Spectroscopy
- EIS
- X-radiography
- Climatic chambers
- Digital microscopy
- NdYag laser
- Freeze-drying system (for treating waterlogged materials such as wood and leather)
- Abrasive suite (for the investigation of metal surfaces and removal of corrosion)
- Three conservation laboratories (including flexible space for the treatment of large objects)
- Digital photography suite
- Computer suite
Feedback
Feedback on coursework may be provided via written comments on work submitted and through discussion in contact sessions.
Formative feedback is provided individually through essay returns, feedback during practical classes, comments upon documents and via formal and informal review meetings.
What skills will I practise and develop?
You will acquire a broad range of skills including the ability to:
• evaluate the condition of archaeological and historical objects and formulate evidence-based procedures to preserve them
• execute a wide range of practical processes required to apply conservation treatments
• operate a range of instrumental and investigative analysis tools and interpret the data they produce
• liaise with stakeholders
• offer rationalised solutions to problems
• carry out independent research on specialist subjects
• exercise initiative and personal responsibility, decision-making in complex situations and offer pragmatic evidence based solutions
• present information in appropriate formats within professional contexts
• acquire the independent learning ability required for continuing professional development.
Additionally, you will develop communication, time management, decision making, presentation and good record keeping skills.
Tuition fees for 2025 entry
Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on your fee status. Your fee status could be home, island or overseas.
Learn how we decide your fee status
Fees for home status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £11,700 | None |
| Year two | £11,700 | None |
Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland
If you are an EU, EEA or Swiss national, your tuition fees for 2025/26 be in line with the overseas fees for international students, unless you qualify for home fee status. UKCISA have provided information about Brexit and tuition fees.
Fees for island status
Learn more about the postgraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man.
Fees for overseas status
| Year | Tuition fee | Deposit |
|---|---|---|
| Year one | £26,700 | £2,500 |
| Year two | £26,700 | None |
More information about tuition fees and deposits, including for part-time and continuing students.
Financial support
Financial support may be available to individuals who meet certain criteria. For more information visit our funding section. Please note that these sources of financial support are limited and therefore not everyone who meets the criteria are guaranteed to receive the support.
Additional costs
Living costs
We’re based in one of the UK’s most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.
Funding
Careers and placements
Many graduates of this programme have embarked on careers in conservation within the heritage sector, while others choose to continue studies at PhD level.
Recent graduate destinations include UK organisations such as The National Trust, The National Archives, Imperial War Museum, Bath Record Office, MSDS Marine and international destinations including Yale Peabody Museum, Penn Museum, St Mary’s City Maryland, UCLA Library, Colonial Williamsburg and the Library of Congress.
91% of postgraduates from the School of History, Archaeology and Religion were in employment or further study within six months of graduation (DLHE 2016/17).
Placements
Benefitting from our sector connections, you will develop your skills on an eight week conservation placement, normally in the summer between years one and two.
Among recent partner organisations are the Imperial War Museum, Amgueddfa Cymru National Museum Wales, Staffordshire Hoard project, Bristol Museum and the Royal Armouries.
Next steps
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Related searches: Archaeology, History and ancient history
HESA Data: Copyright Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited 2021. The Higher Education Statistics Agency Limited cannot accept responsibility for any inferences or conclusions derived by third parties from its data. Data is from the latest Graduate Outcomes Survey 2019/20, published by HESA in June 2022.
