MA Conservation of Archaeological and Museum Objects (PP) in Durham United Kingdom | Durham University

The Master of Science in Conservation of Archaeological and Museum Objects (Professional Practice) integrates hands-on conservation techniques with academic theory and an extended professional placement. This program equips you with the expertise to examine, preserve, and manage historical artifacts while ensuring their protection for years to come.

Offered as a two-year full-time or three-year part-time program, this intensive course prepares students for careers in artifact conservation, collections management, or cultural heritage research. Applicants come from diverse academic backgrounds but must demonstrate key qualities including fine motor skills, chemistry knowledge, and a genuine passion for working with museum collections.

Under the guidance of professional conservators, you'll master conservation techniques, artifact analysis, treatment methodologies, and collection management. Your studies may range from examining conservation ethics one day to exploring material-specific preservation chemistry the next.

The concluding year focuses on practical experience through an industry placement, typically in a major museum conservation laboratory. Past students have worked with prestigious institutions including the Museum of London, National Museum of Wales, and York Archaeological Trust.

Conservation students benefit from access to cutting-edge departmental facilities, including a photography studio, world-class research labs specializing in DNA analysis, isotope studies, environmental archaeology, luminescence dating, and exceptional artifact collections.

Our department houses Archaeological Services Durham University, a premier commercial archaeology unit, enabling students to receive training in contemporary fieldwork methods from practicing archaeologists.

Durham's Archaeology Department ranks among the world's largest and is recognized as a UK leader in archaeological research. We maintain international acclaim for both our academic excellence and teaching quality. Our location in the UNESCO World Heritage city of Durham provides proximity to significant archaeological sites including Hadrian's Wall and the Saxon monastery at Jarrow.