Course summary
Do you want to make a difference in the care of cultural heritage, and preserve it for the future? Would you enjoy a career that combines your strong practical and manual skills with a deep intellectual understanding of wall paintings both in terms of art history, conservation ethics and material science? The Courtauld is a leading centre for education and research in wall painting conservation. The 3-year practical MA in Conservation of Wall Paintings will prepare you for a professional career in a field that is inclusive, interdisciplinary and international. The degree is taught by specialists in wall paintings conservation, technical art history and conservation science, with many years of collective experience of working in the conservation sector. This sector knowledge informs the teaching, which is tailored to the evolving needs of the profession with the aim of producing highly employable graduates. The programme excels in developing conservators with research and critical skills that allow them to flourish in a wide range of challenging careers. Applicants usually have a BA or equivalent degree in the humanities or the natural sciences. The course leads to a high degree of employment upon graduation in both private practice and institutions, with many Courtauld alumni going on to make a major impact in the conservation of wall paintings and other aspects of cultural heritage through roles at leading national and international organisations or as independent practitioners. Teaching focuses on evaluating the synergistic relationship between wall paintings, built heritage and the environment. Through a rigorous ethical and scientific framework, you will gain skills in passive, preventive and remedial conservation, and in professional practice. The MA degree offers extensive practical experience on wall painting sites, and on completion you will be able to design, evaluate and carry out conservation treatments. The course teaches the digital and organisational skills required to manage ambitious projects, both independently and in collaboration. It will equip you with critical evaluation and communication skills, so that you will be ready for a career in conservation, further conservation research, and beyond.
Modules
Year 1 provides a vital practical and theoretical foundation in the principles, ethics and practice of conserving wall paintings. Students learn about the technology and history of wall paintings through seminars and replica-making. They are introduced to typical deterioration phenomena, and develop methods for recording and documenting wall paintings. The application of materials science is integrated throughout the theoretical and practical courses. All modules have substantial practical components in the laboratory and on site, to provide familiarity with materials, health and safety, technical equipment and software. Foundations lectures in History of Art examining art from across the globe are an essential component of first year teaching. Fieldwork in the Spring semester introduces methodologies for conservation interventions and develops practical, manual and communication skills. Visits to see important wall paintings in historic sites and museums in London and the South-East of the UK are integrated with formal teaching. Year 2 formal instruction concentrates on diagnosis and preventive conservation, on the technical examination of wall paintings and their supporting structures, and on the theory and materials of advanced remedial conservation techniques. Materials science is integrated throughout theoretical and practical courses. Students will develop research skills, prepare a proposal for their dissertation, and learn about project management and professional practice through seminars and on site. A substantial period of fieldwork is carried out in the second year in Spring semester. There, students apply technical examination, condition survey, diagnostic and remedial conservation learning. They develop project management, team-working and communication skills. Year 3 is devoted to fieldwork and an individual dissertation research project on an original aspect of the conservation of wall paintings. Fieldwork, on national or international sites, takes place during both Autumn and Spring semesters. This substantial period of site-based practice enables students to gain confidence and experience in applying their learning on a wide range of wall paintings. As with all our fieldwork teaching, students will be operating under the guidance of experienced wall painting conservators.
Assessment method
The formal assessment of MA Conservation of Wall Paintings is based on assessed coursework and practical work with written examinations and practical oral examinations. Informal, continuous assessment is also used, based on didactic exercises — essays, seminars, etc. — and supervision of practical work. Students must demonstrate competence in each of the subject areas in order to progress into the second year. At the end of the first and second years, students sit written examinations, give presentations, and submit coursework on modules. Assessment of the third year is based on the examination of the dissertation, fieldwork and an oral examination. The final degree mark is calculated from the second and third year marks.s, or fail.
Entry requirements
UK qualifications: Successful applicants will normally hold a Bachelor’s degree in either Fine Art, History of Art, Archaeology, or in the Natural Sciences, and have achieved a good 2.1. Overseas qualification: Equivalent to a good 2.1 in a UK first degree (e.g. US applicants should have a cumulative GPA of 3.3 or above). Country-specific qualifications can be found here: https://courtauld.ac.uk/explore-our-courses/international-students/international-entry-requirements/ English language requirements: If your first language is not English, we require proof of English language proficiency – please see the English Language Requirements page https://courtauld.ac.uk/explore-our-courses/international-students/english-language-requirements/ Other requirements: Previous conservation experience is not required, though some understanding of the nature of wall painting conservation is desirable. Students must have normal colour vision. The interview process consists of a personal interview before a board; tests of manual dexterity and colour vision; and a brief written test requiring comment on a variety of wall paintings. Students who do not have a degree in science will need to complete and pass an online science course in the summer prior to beginning the MA. This will be delivered online by the Courtauld.
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.
Sponsorship information
Information about loans, grants, and bursaries to support you during your studies at The Courtauld can be found here: https://courtauld.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/postgraduate-fees-funding-and-scholarships/
Provider information
Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London
The Courtauld
Vernon Square
Penton Rise
London
WC1X 9EW