Study at Cardiff | Postgraduate

Professional Conservation (MSc)

Course Aims

To offer knowledge and expertise for a career in professional conservation practice, conservation science or research.

Special Features

• It links conservation theory and practice in the workplace and research-based conservation.
• It allows students to choose various areas of specialisation.
• Both study pathways include a high content of transferable skills in research, project-design and report writing.

Course Description

The course aims to provide research skills, transferable skills and specialist knowledge.

The course is modular and has a common study structure with the MSc in Care of Collections and MA in Archaeology - all students undertake a taught element followed by a dissertation.

There are two pathways available:

• Pathway One: Professional Conservation - students with a conservation qualification have an opportunity to further their professional, workplace and research skills. Emphasis is on developing investigative and research skills within the context of conservation practice and on reporting and delivering information to a diverse range of audiences.
• Pathway Two: Conservation Science - this concentrates on the theory and practice of analysis in conservation to allow science graduates to prepare for research and analysis in this area.

Taught Element (Autumn and Spring): The taught element lasts for the first two semesters of study and is assessed at the end of this period. All students take two 20-credit modules providing essential research skills and methods.

Alongside these core skills modules, students study more specialist conservation and/or analysis modules that control the focus of their degree. Modules include:

• Theory and Practice in the Workplace;
• Assessment and Design for Collections Care;
• Instrumental Analysis;
• Practice of Research-Based Conservation

Dissertation (Summer): After successful completion of the taught element of the degree scheme, students carry out research and write this up as a dissertation (maximum length 20,000 words). This presents an opportunity for further specialisation and allows students to demonstrate their command of research skills.

Click here for further information about the MSc in Professional Conservation, including core and option modules, professional and transferable skills, learning outcomes etc.

Course Structure

Students take a total of 180 credits of modules, consisting of:

• 40 credits of core skill modules
• 80 credits of option modules selected by the student
• 60 credit dissertation (topic or theme chosen by the student in consultation with academic staff)

Entry Requirements

Suitable for graduates in Conservation, Conservation professionals and science graduates.

Applicants should normally have or expect to obtain a First or Upper Second class Honours degree or equivalent in an appropriate subject.

Note: International students pursuing part-time programmes of study are not eligible for Tier 4 (General Student) visas and must have alternative leave to remain in the UK if they intend to study at the University in person.

How to Apply

Applications can be made for this course via our Online Application Service. Applicants should use the Personal Statement section of the form to outline their area of interest and, if possible, the topic that they hope to research for their dissertation.

Next intake: September each year

More information

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