PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
PROGRAMME SPECIFICATION
Programme title:
MSc Conservation for Archaeology and Museums
Final award (BSc, MA etc):
(where stopping off points exist they should
be detailed here and defined later in the
document)
UCAS code:
(where applicable)
Intake cohort(s) to which this
programme specification is applicable:
(e.g. from 2015 intake onwards)
MSc
Awarding institution/body:
University College London
Teaching institution:
University College London
Faculty:
Social and Historical Sciences
Parent Department:
(the department responsible for the
administration of the programme)
Departmental Web page address:
Institute of Archaeology
N/A
From session 2012-13 onwards
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology/
(if applicable)
Method of study:
The programme can be taken either full-time or part-time
Full-time/Part-time/Other
Criteria for admission to the
programme:
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/prospective-students/graduate-study/
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)
Relevant subject benchmark statement
(SBS)
(see Guidance notes)
Brief outline of the structure of the
programme / its assessment:
(see guidance notes)
Board of Examiners:
Two calendar years full-time; three to four years part-time
Level 7
N/A
http://www.ucl.ac.uk/archaeology/studying/masters/degrees
Name of Board of Examiners:
Institute of Archaeology Masters Board
Professional body accreditation
(if applicable):
Date of next scheduled
accreditation visit:
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EDUCATIONAL AIMS OF THE PROGRAMME:
1. to provide a foundation training in, the practice of conservation of archaeological and museum objects
2. to encourage critically aware approaches to the current theory and practice of conservation: diagnosis, decision ,
problem solving and implementation of conservation treatments
3. to provide an in depth understanding of the professional context in which conservation takes place
4. to develop an expertise in conservation practice that prepares you for entry into the conservation profession
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
Knowledge and understanding of:
1. theoretical perspectives and ethical
issues relating to the practice of
conservation
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
Each aspect is taught through lectures, seminars,
practical demonstrations, practical sessions and one-toone practical tutorials. Conservation work on museum
quality objects is used to impart knowledge and
understanding of conservation practice. Work in
external contexts (e.g. historic houses and museums) is
used during the first year to broaden understanding. The
internship during the second year provides knowledge
and understanding of the professional context.
2. raw materials and pre-industrial
technologies
3. deterioration processes
4. conservation materials and methods
Assessment: In year 1 through a combination of
essays, research projects, unseen assessments and
conservation practical work on museum quality objects;
in year 2 through practical projects and internship
progress reports
B: Skills and other attributes
Intellectual (thinking) skills:
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
During year 1 intellectual skills are developed through
class discussion, through research into cultural
significance, materials science and conservation
procedures, and through one-to-one tutorials. The
practical work requires students to apply critical skills to
practical problems, and encourages problem solving and
reflective practice.
During year 2 these skills are extended and consolidated
through work-experience and the production of a
dissertation
1. to be aware of the use and
significance of archaeological
and museum objects in society
today.
2. to be aware of ethical issues in
the conservation of
archaeological and ethnographic
objects
3. to recognize a range of options
for the preventive and remedial
conservation of archaeological
and museum objects
4. to identify and solve problems
5. to reflect on approaches to
conservation practice
6. to synthesise data and reach
appropriate conclusions
2
Assessment: In year 1 these skills are assessed
through essays, research projects, unseen assessments
and through continuously assessed practical work and
its documentation. The practical work is designed to
ensure understanding of key principles, critical
evaluation of possible options and reasoned justification
of selected solutions. In year 2 they are assessed
through practical projects and progress reports
C: Skills and other attributes
Practical skills (able to):
assess objects in context
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
During year 1 these skills are taught by lectures,
seminars, practical demonstrations and one to one
tutorials via a series of practical conservation projects
undertaken by the students. During year 2 (the
internship) they are learned through work-experience.
During both years, conservation staff provide day-to-day
supervision and one-to-one advice and instruction during
the execution of projects.
undertake scientific investigation of
objects
develop conservation strategies
test and develop conservation procedures
apply preventive and remedial
conservation processes
plan, carry out, and document a range of
conservation projects
Assessment:
During both years these skills are assessed through
continuous assessment of the conservation practical
work. Feedback is given as both formative and
summative assessment, students are also encouraged
to undertake self-assessment
D: Skills and other attributes
Transferable skills (able to):
1. demonstrate professional skills
entailing judgement, management of
ethical conflicts, reflection and enquiry
Teaching/learning methods and strategies:
1, 5 and 6 are developed through conservation project
work in a number of different contexts including the
internship; 3 and 4 are developed through collaborative
work on group projects, and working with museum
colleagues during the internship. 2 and 7 are
developed through investigation for and documentation
of conservation projects, and through production of
research reports and a dissertation during years 1 and 2.
2. use verbal and written communication
3. work in a team
4. demonstrate understanding and
tolerance of others
5. manage time and work to deadlines
6. manage projects
7. undertake research
Assessment:
1, and 3-6 are assessed as part of the continuous
assessment of conservation project work; 2 and 7 are
assessed by through conservation records, research
reports, dissertation and oral presentation
3
The following reference points were used in designing the programme:
 the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/en/Publications/Documents/qualifications-frameworks.pdf);
 the relevant Subject Benchmark Statements:
(http://www.qaa.ac.uk/assuring-standards-and-quality/the-quality-code/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 by the
College and may be checked by the Quality Assurance Agency for Higher Education.
Programme Organiser(s)
Name(s):
Date of production:
Date of review:
Date approved by Head of
Department:
Date approved by Chair of
Departmental Teaching
Committee:
Date approved by Faculty
Teaching Committee
Dean Sully
08.04.03
February 2015
October 2015
October 2015
October 2015
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