Department of Archaeology | MSc Conservation of Archaeological and Museum Objects (Professional Practice)

MSc Conservation of Archaeological & Museum Objects (Professional Practice) at Durham University

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Combining specialist conservation skills with teaching in analysis and research. This practice-based MSc includes a year-long placement, allowing you to put your knowledge into practice.

The MSc in Conservation of Archaeological & Museum Objects (Professional Practice) combines specialist conservation skills with theoretical knowledge and a year-long placement. You will develop the skills to research, analyse, preserve and care for historic and archaeological objects, and safeguard them for future generations.

This practical course, which is studied over two years full time or three years part time, is designed for those interested in a career as a conservator of historical objects, or in the fields of artefact research or collections care. 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, you will learn about conservation skills, artefact studies, methods of conservation, and how to care for collections. One day you might be looking into the ethics of conservation, the next you could be learning about chemical compositions used in the preservation of different materials.

You will spend the final year on placement. The placement year is normally spent developing your skills in a conservation laboratory at a major museum. Previous industrial partners have included the Museum of London, the National Museum of Wales and the York Archaeological Trust.

As a conservation student you will have access to many of the Department’s state-of-the-art facilities, these include a photographic studio, internationally renowned research laboratories in DNA, conservation, isotope analysis, and environmental archaeology, luminescence dating as well as unique collections of artefacts.

We are also home to 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.

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 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.

Many of our postgraduates move into an academic career, either teaching or by taking up post-doctoral research positions in universities. Others join museums or national and regional heritage organisations. Some work in professional archaeology, in national or local planning departments, while others elect to use their analytical and presentation skills to gain positions in industry, commerce and government.

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