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Book & Paper Conservation at University of Glasgow - UCAS

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Course summary

This two-year Masters brings together skills training, research, professional practice and applied science. The programme has core common courses and courses tailored to your elected specialism in either Book and Archival Materials Conservation or Paper Conservation. You will have hands-on access to our world-class collections and be based in the Kelvin Centre for Conservation and Cultural Heritage Research, a unique professional, collections-based teaching environment with state-of-the-art scientific equipment and conservation facilities. Why this programme

  • Benefit from practical training and research-led teaching, with a high level of supervision from professionals and organisations.
  • Focus on the specialist area of conservation for books and archival materials, or paper including photographic media.
  • You will have hands-on access to our own world-class Hunterian collections with curatorial expertise.
  • The programme is based in the Kelvin Centre for Conservation and Cultural Heritage Research, in Kelvin Hall.
  • We share dedicated studio/laboratory spaces with The Hunterian.
  • This unique professional, collections-based teaching environment enables interactions with curatorial, collections management, scientific and public engagement professionals.
  • You will share five courses with other Masters students within the Kelvin Centre; enabling an understanding of related disciplines in a wider cultural heritage context.
  • You will have the opportunity to develop communication skills and collaborate with a range of students and staff.
  • You will develop transferable skills within the cultural heritage field e.g., technical examination, preventive conservation, ethics, decision making, professional documentation and research methodologies.
  • Placements will be offered at a wide range of institutions across the Scotland, the UK, and internationally.
  • Research dissertation projects (object-based and practical in nature) will offer an opportunity for collaborations nationally and internationally.
  • The city of Glasgow provides a unique location for this programme with The Hunterian, Glasgow Museums, The Glasgow School of Art and the Glasgow Print Studio on your doorstep.
  • Further afield, the Kelvin Centre has links with the National Libraries of Scotland, National Trust for Scotland, National Museums of Scotland, National Galleries of Scotland, the Bodleian and The British Library, Yale University, The Smithsonian and the Getty Foundation.
  • The Textile Conservation Foundation has bursary funding available for students on this programme, all those who accept places will be invited to apply.


Entry requirements

2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in a relevant subject. You will also require GCSE/Higher/international equivalent Chemistry qualification. A pass in the International Academic Projects distance-learning course Chemistry for Conservators is an acceptable alternative, as is a pass in a college/university course such as Chemistry 101. A portfolio of examples which demonstrate attention to detail and quality of finish should be made available electronically in PDF format 3 days ahead of the interview. If you are applying for the Book & Archival Materials Conservation specialism the portfolio should include at least one example related to book production or book conservation. If you are applying for the Paper Conservation specialism the portfolio should include at least one example using paper or related to paper conservation. Personal Statement (information about skills, experience and motivations for applying for this programme). You should indicate on your personal statement which specialism you are applying for: Book & Archival Materials Conservation or Paper Conservation. A sample of academic writing (extract from a dissertation, an essay or equivalent) 300-500 words. Previous conservation or museum experience is not an essential requirement, although it is necessary to demonstrate an interest and awareness of the conservation profession. It is recommended that candidates visit local conservation studios to gain insight into the type of work which is conducted.


Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .

Additional fee information

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Book & Paper Conservation at University of Glasgow - UCAS