PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
MSc in Conservation Studies
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
MSc
(where stopping off points exist they should be
detailed here and defined later in the document)
UCAS code:
N/A
(where applicable)
Cohort(s) to which this programme
specification is applicable:
From session 2012-13 onwards
(e.g. from 2008 intake onwards)
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Office for International Affairs
Parent Department:
UCL Qatar
(the department responsible for the administration of
the programme)
Departmental web page address:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/qatar
(if applicable)
Method of study:
2 years full-time
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
In addition to standard UCL entrance requirements:
For admission to this MSc, candidates must have a Bachelor's
degree with Upper Second Class Honours (UK system), a GPA of 3.3
on the 4.0 scale (US system) or another qualification of an equivalent
standard.
There are no subject pre-requisites for entry, however some previous
experience and understanding of Chemistry is useful. Candidates are
expected to demonstrate strong motivation for the subject to which
they have applied, via the personal statement section of the
application form. Candidates should have a passion and curiosity for
conservation and cultural heritage. They should also be able to
demonstrate a strong understanding of what the course entails.
Relevant work experience, for example in a museum or the cultural
heritage sector, will be considered.
Candidates whose first language is not English are normally required
to sit an English language examination. The acceptable qualifications
for admission to this programme include IELTS (7.0 overall).
Length of the programme:
(please note any periods spent away from UCL, such
as study abroad or placements in industry)
Level on Framework for Higher
Education Qualifications (FHEQ)
(see Guidance notes)
Two calendar years full-time
Students will undertake two eight-week placements as part of their
course, one at the end of the first year and one in the second year.
Masters Level (Level 7)
1
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
Not Applicable
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme and its assessment
methods:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/qatar/study/degree-programmes/conservationstudies
(see guidance notes)
Board of Examiners:
Name of Board of Examiners:
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
UCL Qatar Postgraduate Board of Examiners (UCLQG)
n/a
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
The MSc in Conservation Studies aims at educating future professionals in conservation, taking a practiceorientated holistic approach to cultural heritage preservation, with a regional focus. The course is structured in such
a way as to permit a range of specialisations, ranging from the conservation of different object types tomovable and
immovable heritage. Students are expected to undertake two placements. These can be carried out in Qatar or the
wider region.
This MSc is a two-year course that covers a wide range of materials, from historic and archaeological to
contemporary art (metals, glass, stone, ceramics, textiles), plus archaeological sites. Students will be trained in the
theory and principals of conservation and will be able to specialise in a material or object type of their choice in the
second year. A regional focus to the course is provided by the objects the students work with. Practical placements
at museums, sites and with cultural heritage organisations across the region, give students the experience and
transferable skills necessary to assume a leading position as a conservator or fulfil associated roles within the
cultural heritage sector.
The MSc in Conservation Studies provides a robust background in professional codes of ethics. Students examine
factors affecting the condition of cultural heritage assets and ways to preserve them using both preventive and
remedial methods. Emphasis is given to collections care and management, with a focus on risk assessment and
mitigation.
The degree is divided into two parts. The first (Year 1) aims to form a foundation where conservation theory and
object conservation methods are examined. The second part (Year 2) builds on these foundations, allowing
students to specialise in conservation of a range of different materials, object types and contexts. The second year
focuses on applications of materials science and the development of research skills. The dissertation is expected to
be on a research-based project or topic related to a specialisation of the student’s choice.
The programme aims to develop the student’s interest, knowledge and understanding of:
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The conservation of objects, taking into consideration the unique environmental conditions experienced
in the Arab region
Global legislation and ethical codes relating to conservation and preservation of cultural heritage
The mechanisms involved in the deterioration of cultural heritage objects, sites and buildings
The care and management of museum collections, including core skills such as documentation and
preventive conservation
Research methods relevant to conservation (through academic teaching and the supervised completion
of a research thesis)
The theory and practice of conservation and materials science,allowing students to identify and
understand scientific issues in conservation
Research design and methodologies, leading to student-led independent research making use of
scientific evidence
Relevant conservation and conservation science literature and how to access it
The need for critical thinking, and its application to conservation practices indifferent professional
environmentss
Past and present theoretical concepts used by anthropologists, archaeologists, art-historians and
museum professionals, whenstudying artefacts and materials in a range of different contexts
Undertaking independent research in conservation and, potentially, to prepare them for research at
PhD level
The practical skills,theoretical background and cultural awareness needed to work in the regional
museums and organisations of the region
The potential health and safety implications of the materials and approaches they will be employing and
how to minimize potential risks
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PROGRAMME OUTCOMES:
The programme provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding,
qualities, skills and other attributes in the following areas:
A: Knowledge and understanding
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Lectures and seminars
The principles and ethical
Practical demonstrations
considerations which govern the
Online lectures
field of conservation
Extensive structured reading
Virtual Learning Environment
Historic development of the
profession over the last centuries,
Acquisition of 1-3 through the module UCLQG211:
with particular emphasis on the
Principles of Conservation. The module is delivered
transition from crafts to sciencethrough lectures, seminars and directed structured
based, value-based and, more
reading. In addition, ethical considerations in decisionrecently, to people-centred
making processes are discussed throughout modules
conservation
UCLQG213: Introduction to Conservation Practice (45,
credits, Year I), UCLQG221: Advanced Conservation
Theoretical and practical issues
Practices (30 credits, Year II) and the two placements
related to the diverse roles of
(UCLQG218, UCLQG228) where students submit a
conservation in the cultural
reflexive report on the experience of working within a
heritage field. Analytical and
professional context.
methodological issues regarding
conservation of different objects,
Acquisition of 4 and 5 through the module UCLQG212:
including condition survey,
Investigating Objects (30 credits, Year I). Understanding
documentation, examination
of physicochemical properties of materials, the way the
methods (e.g. UV, x-ray imaging).
manufacture of objects affects these properties and how
Testing of materials to be used in
the environment affects deterioration mechanisms is an
museum showcases. Preventive
essential part of conservation. Students learn that only
and remedial conservation
when these factors are fully understood can the
treatments
appropriate conservation treatments be planned and
carried out
Understanding of the
manufacturing techniques used
Acquisition of 6 and 7 is through the module UCLQG214
for ceramics, glass, metals, stone
Preventive Conservation. The module is divided into two
and organic materials
parts, the first relates to the ten agents of deterioration
and the second part is dedicated to risk management,
Deterioration mechanisms of
during which students carry out a risk assessment of a
tangible cultural heritage in a
museum collection in Qatar. Students identify the risks,
range of different environmental
analyse and evaluate them, then develop risk treatment
conditions and the preventive
options to mitigate the most significant. The technical
methods appropriate for each
data collected, and the student’s individual interpretation
case
of it, is then presented in a project report. Students also
carry out a cost-effectiveness study, helping them to
Environmental monitoring of
understand the feasibility of certain decisions.
museum and storage collections
through the use of equipment
Acquisition of 7 and 8 is through the module
including RH/T, UV/Vis, and
UCLQG012: Collections Care and Management. The
dataloggers. Pest monitoring and
module focuses on the management and care of
integrated pest management
museum collections including collections management
database systems (such as KE-Emu) which are used by
Training on risk assessment, risk
museums world-wide. The module includes museum
treatment options and risk
visits (e.g. tour of the storage facilities of the Museum of
management in museum
Islamic Art by the Head of Collections) and
collections. (This is now a legal
seminars/discussions with local and visiting
requirement for museums in a
professionals. The assessment focuses on either the
number of countries worldwide.)
documentation of museum collections (incorporating a
practical element in which students document five real
The methodology behind care
objects in KE-Emu), or the environmental monitoring of a
and management of collections
real case scenario, in which students work in teams to
including collections managing
monitor relative humidity, temperature, UV/Vis light, and
systems (e.g. KE-Emu).
pest monitoring, then discussing how the measured
3
Knowledge and understanding of:
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
Environmental monitoring to
retard deterioration processes,
organisation of objects in storage,
packing and storage and
transport
values might affect the specific collection under study..
The project report includes all the technical data
collected during the study.
Acquisition of 8 is through different modules, including
UCLQG211: Principles of Conservation, UCLQG212:
Investigation Objects, UCLQG213: Introduction to
conservation Practice, UCLQG221: Advanced
Conservation Practices as well as through the two
placements UCLQG218 and UCLQG228 which take
place in professional environments and through the
optional course UCLQ013 Materials versus Culture.
9. Decision making processes in
conservation practice
10. Interpreting scientific evidence
relevant to objects composition
and conservation materials and
communicating results and
conclusions
Acquisition of 9 is through the core module UCLQG222:
Materials Science for Conservation and UCLQG221:
Advanced Conservation Processes. The students have
the opportunity to
11. Critical awareness of heritage
issues as they relate to
conservation practice
Acquisition of 10 is through all the core modules
mentioned above. In addition to these, the students are
encouraged to cross register on optional courses from
the MA in Archaeology of the Arab and Islamic World,
the MA in Museum and Gallery Practice, and the MA in
Library and Information Studies degrees, which provide
a range of options that particularly relate to outcomes 4
and 5.
Assessment:
Assessment methods aim to cover the whole range of
skills developed during training and are revised regularly
on the basis of both professional and on student
feedback.
Assessments vary depending on the module. They
include written essays focusing on theoretical issues
(UCLQG211, UCLQG212, UCLQG213, UCLQ013),
project reports (UCLQG214, UCLQG012, UCLQG212),
oral presentations (UCLQG212), poster presentation
(UCLQG212), object drawing and photography
(UCLQG011), portfolios of practical work (UCLQG213,
UCLQG221, professional skills (UCLQG213,
UCLQG221), reflexive reports (UCLQG218,
UCLQG228), scientific reports (UCLQG222),
Dissertation (UCLQG098)
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills - able to:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
The programme aims to help students:
Seminars
Extensive Structured reading
Virtual Learning Environment (Moodle)
Research-based learning
Supervised practical work
Supervised dissertation work
1. organize and conduct research in
conservation
2. conduct critical evaluation of
primary and secondary sources
Abstract and critical thinking skills are developed
through the problem-based approach used across all the
modules. These are further discussed and implemented
during the practical sessions where the students are
expected to synthesise the information acquired (e.g.
during the examination of their objects) and criticallyapply the theory they have been taught in order to make
appropriate conservation decisions (such as develop a
range of treatment options or devise a preventive care
3. apply theory to individual case
studies
4. demonstrate an interdisciplinary
and transdisciplinary approach in
conservation
4
5. communicate ideas to different
audiences, from general public to
museum professionals
6. formulate and communicate
research questions related to
conservation issues
7. design independent research
projects, interpret analytical
results and produce extended
academic papers
strategy), and to be able to communicate these skills to
a range of different audiences.
Acquisition of 1 is through UCLQG221, UCLQG222 and
UCLQG098: Dissertation.
Acquisition of 2, 4, and 5 is through the modules
UCLQG211: Principles of Conservation, the placements
and the optional course UCLQG013: Materials versus
Culture and UCLQG014: Interdisciplinary Methods for
the Study of Cultural Heritage.
Acquisition of 3 and 5 is through seminars and
presentations to different audiences are part of the
assessment of UCLQG212: Investigating Objects,
UCLQG213: Introduction to Conservation Practice and
UCLQG221: Advanced Conservation Processes.
Acquisition of 6 and 7 is through module UCLQG221:
Advanced Conservation Processes, UCLQG22:
Materials Science for Conservation and UCLQG098:
Dissertation. Part of the teaching is inquiry-based and
the students need to formulate research questions,
design the project, carry out the experimental work
(UCLQG221 and UCLQG098) and carry out scientific
analysis. The results and their interpretation are then
presented both informally in the class and formally as
part of the assessment.
Assessment:
Written essays, project reports, reflexive reports
(Placements, UCLQG218 and UCLQG228)
Portfolio of practical work that involves scientific analysis
(UCLQG222 and UCLQG221)
Dissertation (UCLQG098)
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
The degree is largely practice-based and involves a lot
of hands-on supervised laboratory sessions. The
students work on real objects where they can develop
these skills. There are a number of demonstrations on
the use of specialised equipment, conservation methods
and supervised laboratory work which lead to the
development of these skills.
There are also seminars and workshops, structured
reading related to certain skills and projects where
students can make use of acquired knowledge and
skills.
This programme aims to help students
acquire and develop the following
practical skills:
1. Design and implement conservation
projects in different contexts
2. Carry out conservation work of high
standards taking into account the
relevant ethical/cultural and scientific
issues
The degree is largely practice-based. Acquisition of 1, 2,
3 and 4 through the core modules UCLQG213:
Introduction to Conservation Practice, UCLQG221:
Advanced Conservation Processes, and the placements
UCLQG218 and UCLQG228. During these core
courses, students work on real museum objects and
carry out conservation treatments at high standards. The
assessment of these modules includes professional
skills assessment which examine the way treatments are
carried out. In addition to this, students are asked to fill
in a self-evaluation ‘Practical Skills Checklist’ which is
related to all the skills expected to learn through the core
courses of the degree. The checklist is filled twice during
the first year and three times in the second year to
monitor the progress of each student individually. This
helps in the development of the course as a whole and
each student individually.
3. Safely carry out conservation work on
a range of materials, selecting
appropriate methods and tools.
4. Carry out documentation using
traditional and novel methods of
examination including multispectral
camera, 3-D microsope and x-ray
imagining
5. Carry out environmental monitoring
assessment, analyse data collected
and design measures to preserve
museum collections
6. Carry out integrated pest management
in a museum environment
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7. Organise and manage the storage and
display of museum collections
Acquisition of 5, 6, 7 and 8 primarily through
UCLQG012: Collections Care and Management and
UCLG214: Preventive Conservation. These skills are
further developed thought the core conservation courses
UCLQG213: Introduction to Conservation Practice,
UCLQG221: Advanced Conservation Processes and the
placements (UCLQG218 and UCLQG228).
8. Carry out scientific analysis using
appropriate sampling techniques as
well as in situ analysis using nondestructive methods such as handheld
X-ray Fluorescence (XRF)
Acquisition of 8 and 9 through UCLQG222: Materials
Science for Conservation, UCLQG221: Advanced
Conservation Practices and depending on the student’s
specialisation through placements and dissertation. In
UCLQG222 there are practical demonstrations and
tutorials based on sampling real objects and carrying out
scientific analysis (e.g. SEM-EDS, XRF or FTIR). The
assessment is a report where the results of the analysis
are interpreted and discussed following publication
formats. This is further enhanced during UCLQG 221,
where the students following training during UCLQG222
have the opportunity to carry out analysis of their
objects.
9. Report scientific results to publication
standards
10. Be competent in a range of technical
skills relevant to cultural heritage,
including digital, RTI and 3-D
photography (Structure from Motion),
illustration, specialised software (e.g.
Photoshop, Agisoft, MeshLab), use of
Collections Management systems
(KE-Emu), use of chroma-meter and
glossmeter to assess changes in the
condition of an object and a range of
equipment which can be used to
monitor treatments (e.g. use of pH
meter, conductivity meter).
Acquisition of 10 primarily through UCLQG011:
Technical Skills for Cultural Heritage, UCLQG213:
Introduction to Conservation Practice and UCLQG221:
Advanced Conservation Processes which have a big
laboratory-based element with a lot of practical
demonstrations. During conservation treatments
students need to use this equipment on a regular basis.
Some of these skills are taught through workshops
where the theory is discussed.
Assessment:
Project report (UCLQG012, UCLQG214, UCLQG213,
UCLQG221, UCLQG011), report of scientific analysis
(UC LQG222: Materials Science for Conservation),
Placement portfolios and reports, formative informal
assessment during the class (e.g. feedback on treatment
proposals for UCLQG213 and UCLQG221) Assessment
of individual object conservation
Dissertation
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
The programme will encourage students
with:
Informal formative seminars, instruction and discussion
during classes, feedback on essays and dissertation
Oral examination.
Seminars with professionals
1. Develop, organise and conduct
research projects
All of these skills are developed through both core and
optional courses. The degree is designed around the
core modules which have a lot of cross-disciplinary
qualities. In the first year skills 2,3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
and 11 are developed through the core modules
(CULQG213, UCLQG214, UCLQG012, UCLQG211)
while in the second year these skills are enhanced with
more emphasis on skills 1, 8 (though core modules
UCLQG221: Advanced Conservation processes and
UCLG222: Materials Science for Conservation).
Acquisition of skill 12 is developed through applications
for placements where the students prepare a letter of
intent and their CV and communicate with potential
museums. There are also a number of informal seminars
and support to apply for internships in museums around
the world.
2. Problem solving and decision making
3. Time management
4. Critical and reflective thinking
5. Preparing clear oral and written
reports of work done
6. Use of IT in analysis and report writing
7. Critically evaluate ideas and test
hypotheses in a formal way
6
8. Observation and scientific
investigation
Communication (skill 13) has been identified as a key
skill for any professional and it is acquired through
regular contact with museum professionals, oral
examination (as part of UCLQG212: Investigating
Objects which includes an oral presentation to nonspecialised audience and a poster for professional
audience) as well as through encouragement of the
students to discuss their work during open days. The
department receives visitors from local schools,
museums and colleagues from different universities
frequently and students are also encouraged to engage
and explain their work so they can develop their skills.
9. Adaptability
10. Flexibility
11. Teamwork through group projects
12. Self-presentation: design of CV and
letter of application for internships
13. Communicating with professionals
from within and outside the discipline
Assessment:
Essays, oral presentations (UCLQG212: Investigating
Objects), assessment of professional skills (30% of
overall mark of core modules UCLQG213: Introduction
to Conservation Practice and UCLQG221: Advanced
Conservation Practices).
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/Framework-Higher-Education-Qualifications-08.pdf);
the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements (http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-qualitycode/subject-benchmark-statements
 the programme specifications for UCL degree programmes in relevant subjects (where applicable);
 UCL teaching and learning policies;
 staff research.
Please note: This specification provides a concise summary of the main features of the programme and the
learning outcomes that a typical student might reasonably be expected to achieve and demonstrate if he/she takes
full advantage of the learning opportunities that are provided. More detailed information on the learning outcomes,
content and teaching, learning and assessment methods of each course unit/module can be found in the
departmental course handbook. The accuracy of the information contained in this document is reviewed annually
by UCL and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency.
Programme Organiser(s) Name(s): Dr. Stavroula Golfomitsou
Date of Production:
October 2011
Date of Review:
September 2015
Date approved by Head of
Department:
September 2015
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
September 2015
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