find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses
Durham University: Conservation of Archaeological and Museum Objects (Diss)
| Institution | Durham University View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | Archaeology |
| Web | durham.ac.uk |
| Telephone | 0191 334 1000 |
| Study type | Taught |
Summary
Course details The MSc in Conservation of Archaeological and Museum Objects (Dissertation) combines theoretical knowledge with specialist practical skills. It equips you with the investigative skills to answer some of the complex conservation and archaeological questions posed by ancient and historic artefacts and explores ways to safeguard valuable objects for future generations to enjoy.
This research-rich course, which is studied over two years full time or three years part time, is designed for those interested in a career in conservation research or preventive conservation. It will also suit those with conservation experience who are interested in exploring the field in greater depth. While we draw students from a wide range of academic backgrounds, they share a number of essential traits, those of manual dexterity, a knowledge of chemistry and the desire and commitment to work with museum objects.
Why Durham University? The Department of Archaeology at Durham is one of the largest in the world and is considered a leader in archaeological research in the UK. We have a global reputation for our academic standards and the quality of teaching. Taught by qualified conservators, the course includes core modules in the theory and methods of conservation, conservation skills and practice, artefact studies and the care of collections. The final year of the course is dedicated to the dissertation which focuses on an aspect of object conservation. We offer state-of-the-art facilities including internationally renowned research laboratories in DNA, conservation, isotope analysis, environmental archaeology, luminescence dating, paleopathology and bone chemistry as well as unique collections of artefacts. The Department also hosts Archaeological Services Durham University, a leading commercial archaeological fieldwork unit. This means we can provide expert training on the latest fieldwork practices from professional archaeologists.
Facilities The Department of Archaeology has a reputation for excellence and connections across the world. We are home to state-of-the-art laboratories, specialist technology and some of the best library resources in the UK. We have project rooms with interactive technology, teaching laboratories, a computer suite, a photographic studio and scientific research laboratories in DNA, conservation, isotopes, environmental archaeology, luminescence dating, palaeopathology and bone chemistry, many of which are used as learning resources for out postgraduate community. Taught courses and researchers alike benefit from our status as co-owners of a UNESCO World Heritage site and the extensive range of library, museum and artefact collection resources on offer at Durham.
Careers Opportunities For a rewarding and stimulating professional career, our teaching strategy develops your skills in teamwork, practical and intellectual problem-solving and analysis of evidence, which are highly sought after by employers. We offer courses that prepare you for a career in professional archaeology, or in the increasingly significant conservation, heritage, or museums sectors. You will also be well-placed for roles in tourism, environmental agencies as well as local and national government, teaching and law.
MSc
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A 2.1 or above honours degree or international equivalent. If you do not have a degree that includes a significant science component, for example, chemistry or biology, you should hold an A Level, a Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher, or Irish Leaving Certificate Higher at grade B or above, or international equivalent. Completion of the "Chemistry for Conservators" course will also be acceptable. You need to be able to accurately distinguish between colours and safely handle objects, scalpels and other conservation tools and may be required to undertake tests to ascertain your level of skill. For International Country and Region specific qualifications please see: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/regional-pages/ Please check the Requirements and Admissions section of the course database for details and exact requirements. Guidance for Home Applicants |
| Location | Durham University South Road Durham DH1 3LG |
Fees
| England | 18000 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 18000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 18000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 18000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 18000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Republic of Ireland | 18000 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 37500 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 37500 GBP for Year 1 |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A 2.1 or above honours degree or international equivalent. If you do not have a degree that includes a significant science component, for example, chemistry or biology, you should hold an A Level, a Scottish Higher or Advanced Higher, or Irish Leaving Certificate Higher at grade B or above, or international equivalent. Completion of the "Chemistry for Conservators" course will also be acceptable. You need to be able to accurately distinguish between colours and safely handle objects, scalpels and other conservation tools and may be required to undertake tests to ascertain your level of skill. For International Country and Region specific qualifications please see: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/regional-pages/ Please check the Requirements and Admissions section of the course database for details and exact requirements. Guidance for Home Applicants |
| Location | Durham University South Road Durham DH1 3LG |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A good second class honours degree (typically 2:1 Honours) or international equivalent in any subject and a pass in mathematics at Grade 4 (or C) or above at GCSE level, or equivalent. Applicants without a degree will be required to demonstrate sufficient academic capability to satisfactorily complete this degree. Chemistry requirements: You will need to be able to accurately distinguish between colours and safely handle objects, scalpels, and other conservation tools. You may be required to undertake tests to ascertain the levels of some of these skills if they are invited to visit. Evidence of engagement with and interest in archaeological and museum objects, while not formally required, is highly recommended. This may be in the form of employment, internship or volunteer work in a museum, historic house, or a collecting institute, such as an archaeological repository, or through participation in an archaeological excavation. We will only consider applications from those where English is not their first language if they have taken a relevant English Language test which meets the minimum requirements Reference requirements |
| Location | Durham University South Road Durham DH1 3LG |
Fees
| England | 17000 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 17000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 17000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 17000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 17000 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 36000 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 36000 GBP for Year 1 |
| Level | RQF Level 7 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | A good second class honours degree (typically 2:1 Honours) or international equivalent in any subject and a pass in mathematics at Grade 4 (or C) or above at GCSE level, or equivalent. Applicants without a degree will be required to demonstrate sufficient academic capability to satisfactorily complete this degree. Chemistry requirements: You will need to be able to accurately distinguish between colours and safely handle objects, scalpels, and other conservation tools. You may be required to undertake tests to ascertain the levels of some of these skills if they are invited to visit. Evidence of engagement with and interest in archaeological and museum objects, while not formally required, is highly recommended. This may be in the form of employment, internship or volunteer work in a museum, historic house, or a collecting institute, such as an archaeological repository, or through participation in an archaeological excavation. We will only consider applications from those where English is not their first language if they have taken a relevant English Language test which meets the minimum requirements Reference requirements |
| Location | Durham University South Road Durham DH1 3LG |
Fees
| England | 9400 GBP for Year 1 |
|---|---|
| Northern Ireland | 9400 GBP for Year 1 |
| Scotland | 9400 GBP for Year 1 |
| Wales | 9400 GBP for Year 1 |
| Channel Islands | 9400 GBP for Year 1 |
| EU | 19800 GBP for Year 1 |
| International | 19800 GBP for Year 1 |
Durham University
- World top 100 University: Joint 89th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
- UK top 10 University: 5th in the Times and Sunday Times Good University Guide 2025 and 6th in the Guardian University Guide 2025
- 7th in the Complete University Guide 2025
- World top 30 University for sustainability: 19th in the QS World University Rankings 2025
- 65th in the world in the category of Employer Reputation. QS World University Rankings 2025
Discover Durham
We believe that inspiring our people …
View ProfileNot what you are looking for?
Browse other courses in Arts, Museum studies, Humanities, Archaeology or Archaeological conservation, or search our comprehensive database of postgrad programs.Postgraduate Bursary Opportunity with Postgrad.com
Are you studying as a PG student at the moment or have you recently been accepted on a postgraduate program? Apply now for one of our £2000 PGS bursaries.
Click here