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 paintings both in terms of art history and material science? The MA in the Conservation of Easel Paintings is a 3-year full-time programme which will prepare you for a professional career. Its interdisciplinary nature combines art history, fine arts and the natural sciences. Applicants usually have a BA or equivalent degree in any of these subjects. Conservation of Easel paintings at the Courtauld offers the opportunity for a rigorous theoretical training that is constantly accompanied by the opportunity to put learning into practice. From the very first weeks of study, students are immersed in practical work in our Somerset House studios and labs, at first by the creation of replica paintings, and quickly moving to the closely supervised treatment of paintings from public and private collections in the UK. With access to cutting edge scientific equipment, students learn to carry out imaging and analysis that helps them to understand the materials and making of paintings. Over three years, students build a portfolio of treatment and research that allows them to apply for diverse careers in museums, research institutes and private sector conservation studios and labs, or to continue studying at PhD level. This course attracts an international student body, with a yearly intake limited to six students. which makes the teacher student ratio exceptionally high. In-person learning makes up between 4 and 4.5 days per week in both semester 1 and 2. The degree is taught by specialists in 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. Theoretical classes are delivered in small group seminars, and each year group is based in their own studio for practical work, sharing additional facilities for photographic imaging, scientific analysis, and specialist structural treatments. The strong practical and intellectual focus of the degree is reflected in courses designed to build on knowledge and to develop both practical and decision-making skills underpinned by ethical and scientific principles. https://courtauld.ac.uk/explore-our-courses/postgraduate/conservation-of-easel-paintings/
Modules
Year 1 focuses on the acquisition of foundation knowledge and the development and application of scientific methods. Practical work in the studio forms a substantial part of each semester (2.5 days per week), beginning with replica-making and the examination of easel paintings, and then introducing the application of principles and theory of conservation to practical conservation. Other modules focus on the theory, ethics and practice of conservation, technology and history of easel paintings, art history and technical study. Applied science is integrated throughout theoretical and practical modules. The teaching provides a foundation for understanding and identifying the condition and conservation requirements of easel paintings, and for the development of decision-making and practical skills. Assessment and formative feedback is spread across the year via a range of methods such as: tutorials; continuous assessment of studio work; essays; reflective writing; presentations; and reports produced in groups and individually. Year 2 is largely devoted to practical work in the studio (3.5 days per week), with students becoming increasingly independent in carrying out conservation work. In Semester 1 there is a module devoted to preventive conservation and collections care with a group project and monitoring exercise of an historic property. In Semester 2 there is a module focusing on research skills and methodologies in conservation, with advanced principles and theory of conservation. This leads to the development of a Dissertation research proposal. Self directed preparatory reading for the Dissertation is undertaken in the summer between 2nd and 3rd year. Assessment and formative feedback is spread across the year via a range of methods including tutorials, continuous assessment of studio work, presentations, research proposal, and reports produced in groups and individually. Year 3 features an independent research project resulting in a Dissertation. This takes place for the first 9 weeks of Semester 1. The majority of the remainder of the academic year (3.5 days per week) is spent in the conservation studio undertaking practical conservation treatments and associated research with increasing autonomy and confidence. In Semester 2 there is a module focusing on skills for publication and dissemination of research, with advanced principles and theory of conservation. This leads to the presentation of Dissertation research in a variety of formats.
Assessment method
The formal assessment of MA Art and Business is based on the following components: Written exams Coursework, presentations and reports Tutorials and continuous assessment of studio work Dissertation Viva voce examination in the final year The range of assessment methods requires students to demonstrate skills through the production of verbal and practical responses to the questions or problems set. At the Courtauld practical work on paintings in conservation studios accounts for the majority of the degree, which is reflected in both the credit structure and assessments. Each term you will give a presentation of studio work at ‘Work in Progress’ meetings. You will also complete written and photographic documentation for each painting you conserve, and sit a viva voce examination at the end of the programme. You will have to pass all modules in order to progress through the programme.
Entry requirements
UK qualifications: Successful applicants will normally hold a Bachelor’s degree in either Fine Art, History of Art, or in the Natural Sciences, and have achieved a good 2.1. Overseas qualifications: 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. English language requirements: If your first language is not English, we require proof of English language proficiency. If you are invited to the interview, it is recommended to submit your test results before the interview. If you are unable to do so, you will be asked to submit your test results no later than the acceptance deadline. Please see the English Language Requirements page https://courtauld.ac.uk/explore-our-courses/international-students/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
| England | £17300 | Year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £17300 | Year 1 |
| Scotland | £17300 | Year 1 |
| Wales | £17300 | Year 1 |
| EU | £31700 | Year 1 |
| International | £31700 | Year 1 |
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
Courtauld Institute of Art Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded on the basis of academic merit combined with financial need. The average postgraduate scholarship is £6,000. Applications are welcomed from Home, EU and Overseas applicants and students. Find out more about our scholarships: courtauld.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/courtauld-scholarships/
Provider information
Courtauld Institute of Art, University of London
The Courtauld
Vernon Square
Penton Rise
London
WC1X 9EW