BA (Hons) Conservation & Restoration

Level 1

Conservation Theory
The module provides the underpinning basic theoretical skills on which the discipline of conservation and restoration is based. Students will study the historical framework, ethical considerations and decision-making processes involved in the conservation of a wide range of historic materials. They will be introduced to conservation terminology and conservation processes and materials.

Conservation Skills
The module provides an introduction to the skills needed to set out as a practicing conservator. It complements the other level 1 practical module which focuses on interventive treatment.

Conservation Practical 1
This module introduces generic practical skills used in the treatment of historic objects. It provides a foundation to future work, although at the early stages the students work on exercises and simulations, prior to being allocated their first object.

The student thus develops awareness of the practices and procedures common to areas of conservation treatment including laboratory and bench skills, documentation skills and basic decision-making skills.

Understanding Historic Objects 1
This module combines an introduction to materials science and concepts taken from art history and study of material culture and relates them to the understanding and analysis of historic objects.

Level 2

Practical 2: Archaeology, Ethnography
The module develops basic skills introduced in year one and applies them to the conservation of objects related to social history, ethnography and archaeological materials. The student will experience the treatment of objects of this nature and will undertake a range of processes relevant to this specialism. Theoretical concepts introduced in Year 1 are developed and underpin the students’ practice.

The module will allow a student to achieve a basic professionally acceptable standard in the treatment of social history, archaeological and ethnographic objects.

Conservation Practical 2: Decorative Arts
The module develops basic skills in the conservation of Decorative Arts material, which have been introduced through simulation in Year 1. The student engages in the practical treatment of a range of Decorative Arts materials, including ceramics and decorated and gilded objects and undertakes a range of treatment processes. Theoretical concepts introduced in Year 1 are developed and underpin the students’ practice.

The module will allow a student to achieve a basic professionally acceptable standard in the treatment of Decorative Arts objects.

Understanding Historic Objects 2
The module seeks to demonstrate the relationship of historic materials, their scientific composition and production technology and the design, use and interpretation of the object.

The module will begin by further developing knowledge of materials science. It intends to develop skills in the use of scientific analytical techniques for the examination and identification of materials encountered in historic objects and their treatment. The second part of the module examines the nature of cultural production and other determinants such as the conditions of patronage, training of craftspeople and the growth of historicism will be discussed.

Professional Studies
The module introduces students to the broader professional skills required in conservation practice and prepares them for third year study and ultimately employment in the conservation / cultural heritage sector.

Level 3

Conservation: Placement
This triple module focuses around a six week period of placement in a museum, historic house or private workshop. The student is responsible for negotiating the placement arrangement with considerable support and guidance from their placement tutor. The student is encouraged to select a placement to suit their individual aspirations and needs.

Independent Study: Dissertation
The module allows students to undertake a major research project in an area of their own choice.

The student is allocated a dissertation tutor following their decision on the topic to be researched. The initial stage of planning involves the student confirming a working title and agreeing the structure to their work. Regular tutorials with the dissertation tutor will monitor the students’ time management.

Practical 3: Conservation Major Project
The triple module allows a student to choose to specialise in a specific material discipline or alternatively to continue to pursue broader options from the following treatment areas: Ceramics, Social History/Ethnography, Gilded Objects, Decorated Surfaces, and Archaeological Materials.

Students will research their object and produce standard documentation in the form of a report and treatment report card(s) and will also engage in a public event to exhibit their work and will produce interpretation for a lay audience.

Level 1:

In the first year, practical, theoretical, scientific and art historical studies prepares a foundation of the mixed bag of skills that make up the conservators expertise.

Level 2:

By the second and third years, in over half of the units you will be treating historic objects and developing decision-making and project-management skills, whilst furthering practical expertise. Relevant research, recording (photography and drawing) and scientific skills will enhance your practice and professional competence.

The second year includes practical study of a wide range of historic materials to allow a breadth of experience and source of transferable skills. Separate practical units at this stage consider ceramics, gilded objects, archaeological objects, decorated surfaces and ethnographic material.

Level 3:

The third year offers opportunities for specialisation with a six-week placement, chosen to suit your aspirations.

• Students are allocated historic objects for practical modules. They may work on their own material if appropriate but are not required to buy objects themselves.

• The core of activities are focused in the Chad Varah building, a grade II listed building in the historic uphill quarter and close to the Cathedral and castle.

• The Conservation Unit has strong links with local, regional and national museums, and professional bodies.

• The third year allows a six-week placement in an historic house, museum or private workshop either in the UK or overseas. Staff support students in making this choice, which is based on their future goals and aspirations.

• Considerable emphasis is placed on preparation for employment. Our graduates will have a prepared CV, portfolio and interview skills together with relevant work experience.

The programme is delivered through workshop, studio and laboratory sessions, lectures, demonstrations and seminars. After an initial introduction to conservation skills, materials and techniques, all practical work is on historic objects from museums and private collections.

An assessed vocational placement forms a major component of the third year of study and live projects based in museums and historic houses are used in various aspects of the learning process.

A full range of practical, theoretical and contextual assessments utilise a variety of different techniques including exams, essays, reports, presentations and practical work.

Applicants will need to have one of the following:

• UCAS Points detailed at the top of the page

• Foundation Art and Design (Pass)

• Equivalent Scottish, Irish or Overseas qualifications

• An equivalent qualification to those listed above i.e. Access to Higher Education Certificate.

A science or history based subject is welcomed.

All applicants will be required to have at least five GCSEs, including a pass in GCSE English Language and evidence of an art/design subject. Mature students with relevant experience and/or portfolio of work are selected on individual merit.

All applicants are offered an informal interview, accompanied by a portfolio inspection, though offers made are not conditional upon this.

Those applicants coming from Art, Design, Craft or Technology backgrounds may chose to bring a portfolio of selected previous work. In making the choice of what to include, please, bear in mind the skills that we are looking for include precision, dexterity and attention to detail.

Many students applying to study Conservation will have a background that does not offer evidence to present in a portfolio. This is not a problem. In some case, applicants have a hobby, such as needlework, DIY or model-making, that demonstrates potential skills.

Applicants will be invited for interview, whereby they will have opportunity to go through their portfolio with a member of the academic team.

I chose Lincoln because I am able to apply my interest in art and history with practical skills ( Shani Mavani Year3 Conservation)

Conservation is a unique course, not many people have heard of it. It’s a combination of many different disciplines ( Phil Treece Year 3 Conservation )

The help and support offered by conservation staff over the three years of study was invaluable and inspiring. ( Lizzie Dunford – Graduate, 2009)

Thank you for an incredible 1st year and I hope the second will be as exciting! (Cincia Albanese Year 1 Conservation)

This programme is an excellent undergraduate preparation for a wide range of work in a range of conservation employment and in other allied fields such as collections management. We have strong links with museums and heritage agencies in the UK and overseas, together with good networks with employers in the conservation private sector. Conservation has been taught in Lincoln since the early 1970s and there are many Lincoln-trained graduates employed in the conservation and allied professions who ensure our reputation goes from strength to strength. Graduate destinations include the Royal Palaces, National Trust, English Heritage, the Leeds Royal Armouries and Benaki Museum, Athens, The National Coal Mining Museum, the Science Museum, London .

For further information and funding your study please see our Fees & Funding pages.

Fees and Funding