Conservation of Archaeological and Museum Objects (Diss)

Entry requirements

A good second class honours degree (typically 2:1 Honours) or international equivalent in any subject and a pass in mathematics at 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: An 'AS' level in Chemistry or its equivalent A degree which 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, Completed 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.

You will need to be able to accurately distinguish between colours and safely handle objects, scalpels, and other conservation tools. You 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 participation in an archaeological excavation.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This is a 2 year (full-time) or 3 year (part-time) course that is particularly appropriate for those seeking a career in conservation research, preventive conservation or for those with significant practical work or an undergraduate degree in conservation who are interested in exploring a particular facet of the field in greater depth.

Graduates of the course typically go on to work in museums or large heritage organisations. Graduate students are drawn from a wide range of disciplines, but manual dexterity, a knowledge of chemistry and an enthusiasm and desire to work with museum objects are essential.

Example of modules:

• Conservation Theory
• Conservation Skills
• Artefact Studies Care of Collections
• Conservation Practice Dissertation.
• F4K707: Conservation of Archaeological

Information for international students

If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre.

Fees and funding

For further information see the course listing.