Book & Paper Conservation

Entry requirements

2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in any subject.

• You will also require GCSE/Higher/international equivalent Chemistry qualification. A pass in the International Academic Projects distance-learning course Chemistry for Conservators is an acceptable alternative, as is a pass in a college/university course such as Chemistry 101.

• If invited for interview, a portfolio of examples which demonstrate attention to detail and quality of finish should be made available electronically in PDF format 3 days ahead of the interview. If you are applying for the Book & Archival Materials Conservation specialism the portfolio should include at least one example related to book production or book conservation. If you are applying for the Paper Conservation specialism the portfolio should include at least one example using paper or related to paper conservation.

• Please also upload a short personal statement (information about skills, experience and motivations for applying for this programme). You should indicate on your personal statement which specialism you are applying for: Book & Archival Materials Conservation or Paper Conservation.

• Previous conservation or museum experience is not an essential requirement, although it is necessary to demonstrate an interest and awareness of the conservation profession. It is recommended that candidates visit local conservation studios to gain insight into the type of work which is conducted.

• Applicants meeting these requirements will be invited to interview. The first interviews for entry in 2026 will take place in the week commencing 16 February 2026.

• If you are applying for the Book & Archival Materials Conservation specialism, the portfolio should include at least one example related to book production or book conservation. If you are applying for the Paper Conservation specialism, the portfolio should include at least one example using paper or related to paper conservation. Substantial, directly relevant experience may be considered in place of formal qualifications.

• If you are applying based on relevant experience, we may ask for a sample of academic writing.

Months of entry

September

Course content

This two-year Masters brings together skills training, research, professional practice and applied science. The programme has core common courses and courses tailored to your elected specialism in either Book and Archival Materials Conservation or Paper Conservation. You will have hands-on access to our world-class collections and be based in the Kelvin Centre for Conservation and Cultural Heritage Research, a unique professional, collections-based teaching environment with state-of-the-art scientific equipment and conservation facilities.

Information for international students

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)

• 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0

• IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted

• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of programme start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.