Start Dates in October and February
MA by Research Conservation is designed for students who are keen to undertake an in-depth project of their choice in a particular field of conservation, with the guidance of an expert academic supervisor. You are expected to write a dissertation of around 25,000 words that demonstrates expert knowledge and understanding of the subject area you have chosen. This degree is best suited to students who have a tightly defined research project that is achievable within the time frame.
Students can benefit from the specialist knowledge of academics who are engaged in the Centre for Conservation and Cultural Heritage Research. You will also have access to a range of analytical equipment and technical expertise.
As a postgraduate research student, you are encouraged to participate in the School of Humanities and Heritage's lively culture of research seminars and events, as well as postgraduate forums, training and social events.
Conduct independent and academically significant research
Benefit from training courses to develop key research skills
Supervision and support from expert academic staff
Present at talks and seminars to showcase your work
Enrol in February or October each year
Study takes the form of supervised individual research, so the majority of the time is spent in independent study. You will need to take considerable responsibility for your studies, including time management, project planning and writing drafts of your work. You are expected to submit appropriate work regularly to your supervisors and to act on the feedback received.
You will have regular meetings with your academic supervisors who will discuss the development of the research, comment on written drafts, and agree the next stage of work.
Our team of Conservation academics have particularly strengths in these areas:
You can find out more about current research projects connected to the Centre for Conservation and Cultural Heritage Research.
You can consult all the academic profiles of staff in Lincoln’s School of Humanities and Heritage.
Students can benefit from a range of specialist facilities and work spaces, including our conservation and restoration laboratories.
The assessment takes the form of a 25,000-word dissertation.
To support your experience within the postgraduate research community, new students are encouraged to enrol in October or February, although alternative dates may be agreed with your supervisors on an individual basis. When writing your research proposal, please take note of the following guidance:
Applicants with appropriate projects will be offered an interview with the programme leader and one or more subject specialists where the application can be discussed in more detail.
Applicants with appropriate proposals will be offered an interview with the programme leader and one or more subject specialists, who will discuss with you in more detail the research proposal and your suitability to undertake it.
First or upper second-class honours degree in a relevant subject.
Vitally, you will need to submit a research proposal along with your application form. The proposal forms the basis of your programme of study, as well as demonstrating your suitability to undertake the project.
If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.
Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.5 overall, with a minimum of 6.0 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.
If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/home/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/ .
You will need to have funding in place for your studies before you arrive at the University. Our fees vary depending on the course, mode of study, and whether you are a UK or international student. You can view the breakdown of fees for this programme below. Research students may be required to pay additional fees in addition to cover the cost of specialist resources, equipment and access to any specialist collections that may be required to support their research project. These will be informed by your research proposal and will be calculated on an individual basis.
Loans and Studentships
Find out more about the optional available to support your postgraduate research, from Master's and Doctoral Loans, to research studentship opportunities. You can also find out more about how to pay your fees and access support from our helpful advisors.
Explore Funding Options
Graduates from Lincoln’s Conservation programmes have gained employment as conservators in museums, galleries, historic houses, and conservation agencies, both nationally and internationally. Internships have included roles in natural history at the Horniman Museum, mechanical objects at Edinburgh Museum, and textile conservation for the National Trust at Blickling. An MA by Research can also be the basis for embarking on a PhD in Conservation of Cultural Heritage and potentially an academic career.
The University’s Doctoral School provides a focal point for Lincoln’s community of researchers, where ideas and experiences can be developed and shared across disciplines. It also offers support and training to help equip you for both academic and non-academic careers.
Through our research, we are striving to change society for the better. Working with regional, national, and international partners, our academics are engaged in groundbreaking studies that are challenging the status quo. We also understand the importance of providing the best possible environment for pursuing research that can support our communities, improve lives, and make a tangible difference to the world around us.
Explore Our Research