find your perfect postgrad program
Search our Database of 30,000 Courses
University of Glasgow: Textile Conservation
| Institution | University of Glasgow View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | College of Arts and Humanities |
| Web | glasgow.ac.uk |
| karen.thompson@glasgow.ac.uk | |
| Study type | Taught |
Master of Philosophy - MPhil
Summary
Textile Conservation is a multidisciplinary subject which combines academic knowledge with cultural awareness, aesthetic sensitivity and technical skill. This MPhil is both an academic programme and professional training; it will give you a framework of theoretical knowledge and a range of practical experience which will enable you to contribute to the understanding and preservation of culturally significant textile artefacts.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME
-
This is the only programme of its kind in the UK, and one of only a few specialist textile conservation programmes in the world.
-
You will be based in our specialist conservation laboratories.
-
You will benefit from our close links with Glasgow Museums, as well as the University’s own Hunterian Museum. Glasgow’s civic and university collections are some of the richest and most diverse in Europe and are of international standing. You will have the opportunity to draw on the museums’ rich and varied textile collections.
-
You will be taught by visiting specialists from local and national museums in Scotland and the wider UK.
-
You will take part in a project-based work placement, where you can explore a possible future career while meeting professional practitioners and developing your skills and experience.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The students develop a wide breath of academic, practical and professional skills. You will take core courses over two semesters in each year, with a work placement in the summer between the first and second years. You will write up your dissertation over the second summer and submit it at the end of August.
Year 1 Ethics in Textile Conservation Practice Principles And Practice: Core Skills Material Cultures Principles And Practice: Developing Skills Preventive Conservation Understanding Textiles: Technology
Summer Placement Textile Conservation Placement
Year 2 Principles And Practice: Advanced Skills Deconstructing the Artefact Principles And Practice: Conservation Projects Research Management
Summer Dissertation
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in a relevant subject, however all backgrounds will be considered. It is desirable to have previous conservation or museum experience, but not an essential requirement. It is, however, necessary to demonstrate an understanding of and interest in textile conservation as a profession. It is recommended that candidates gain a good insight into the sector and the type of work involved (e.g. visiting conservation laboratories, speaking with other professionals and engaging with professional bodies and related activities). Applicants with limited or no formal qualifications, but substantial relevant work experience, may also be considered. Please submit a short statement of around 500 words outlining your interest in this programme with your application. We additionally require an academic writing sample of 2000-3000 words. You will also require a GCSE/Higher/international equivalent Chemistry qualification. A pass in a distance-learning course, such as the International Academic Projects Chemistry for Conservators is an acceptable alternative. All applicants must provide a portfolio of examples if they are called for interview. It can include examples using any media but must include some evidence of excellent hand-stitching skills and a demonstrate attention to detail and a high quality of finish. The portfolio should be made available electronically ahead of the interview. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
Summary
Textile Conservation is a multidisciplinary subject which combines academic knowledge with cultural awareness, aesthetic sensitivity and technical skill. This MPhil is both an academic programme and professional training; it will give you a framework of theoretical knowledge and a range of practical experience which will enable you to contribute to the understanding and preservation of culturally significant textile artefacts.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME
-
This is the only programme of its kind in the UK, and one of only a few specialist textile conservation programmes in the world.
-
You will be based in our specialist conservation laboratories.
-
You will benefit from our close links with Glasgow Museums, as well as the University’s own Hunterian Museum. Glasgow’s civic and university collections are some of the richest and most diverse in Europe and are of international standing. You will have the opportunity to draw on the museums’ rich and varied textile collections.
-
You will be taught by visiting specialists from local and national museums in Scotland and the wider UK.
-
You will take part in a project-based work placement, where you can explore a possible future career while meeting professional practitioners and developing your skills and experience.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The students develop a wide breath of academic, practical and professional skills. You will take core courses over two semesters in each year, with a work placement in the summer between the first and second years. You will write up your dissertation over the second summer and submit it at the end of August.
Year 1 Ethics in Textile Conservation Practice Principles And Practice: Core Skills Material Cultures Principles And Practice: Developing Skills Preventive Conservation Understanding Textiles: Technology
Summer Placement Textile Conservation Placement
Year 2 Principles And Practice: Advanced Skills Deconstructing the Artefact Principles And Practice: Conservation Projects Research Management
Summer Dissertation
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in a relevant subject, however all backgrounds will be considered. It is desirable to have previous conservation or museum experience, but not an essential requirement. It is, however, necessary to demonstrate an understanding of and interest in textile conservation as a profession. It is recommended that candidates gain a good insight into the sector and the type of work involved (e.g. visiting conservation laboratories, speaking with other professionals and engaging with professional bodies and related activities). Applicants with limited or no formal qualifications, but substantial relevant work experience, may also be considered. Please submit a short statement of around 500 words outlining your interest in this programme with your application. We additionally require an academic writing sample of 2000-3000 words. You will also require a GCSE/Higher/international equivalent Chemistry qualification. A pass in a distance-learning course, such as the International Academic Projects Chemistry for Conservators is an acceptable alternative. All applicants must provide a portfolio of examples if they are called for interview. It can include examples using any media but must include some evidence of excellent hand-stitching skills and a demonstrate attention to detail and a high quality of finish. The portfolio should be made available electronically ahead of the interview. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
Summary
Textile Conservation is a multidisciplinary subject which combines academic knowledge with cultural awareness, aesthetic sensitivity and technical skill. This MPhil is both an academic programme and professional training; it will give you a framework of theoretical knowledge and a range of practical experience which will enable you to contribute to the understanding and preservation of culturally significant textile artefacts.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME
-
This is the only programme of its kind in the UK, and one of only a few specialist textile conservation programmes in the world.
-
You will be based in our specialist conservation laboratories.
-
You will benefit from our close links with Glasgow Museums, as well as the University’s own Hunterian Museum. Glasgow’s civic and university collections are some of the richest and most diverse in Europe and are of international standing. You will have the opportunity to draw on the museums’ rich and varied textile collections.
-
You will be taught by visiting specialists from local and national museums in Scotland and the wider UK.
-
You will take part in a project-based work placement, where you can explore a possible future career while meeting professional practitioners and developing your skills and experience.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The students develop a wide breath of academic, practical and professional skills. You will take core courses over two semesters in each year, with a work placement in the summer between the first and second years. You will write up your dissertation over the second summer and submit it at the end of August.
Year 1 PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE: CORE SKILLS ETHICS IN TEXTILE CONSERVATION PRACTICE UNDERSTANDING TEXTILES: TECHNOLOGY PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE: DEVELOPING SKILLS PREVENTIVE CONSERVATION MATERIAL CULTURES TEXTILE CONSERVATION PLACEMENT
Year 2 PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE: ADVANCED SKILLS CONSERVATION IN PRACTICE DECONSTRUCTING THE ARTEFACT PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE: CONSERVATION PROJECTS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH MANAGEMENT DISSERTATION
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | An Honours degree, at 2.1 or above, or international equivalent. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
Summary
Textile Conservation is a multidisciplinary subject which combines academic knowledge with cultural awareness, aesthetic sensitivity and technical skill. This MPhil is both an academic programme and professional training; it will give you a framework of theoretical knowledge and a range of practical experience which will enable you to contribute to the understanding and preservation of culturally significant textile artefacts.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME
-
This is the only programme of its kind in the UK, and one of only a few specialist textile conservation programmes in the world.
-
You will be based in our specialist conservation laboratories.
-
You will benefit from our close links with Glasgow Museums, as well as the University’s own Hunterian Museum. Glasgow’s civic and university collections are some of the richest and most diverse in Europe and are of international standing. You will have the opportunity to draw on the museums’ rich and varied textile collections.
-
You will be taught by visiting specialists from local and national museums in Scotland and the wider UK.
-
You will take part in a project-based work placement, where you can explore a possible future career while meeting professional practitioners and developing your skills and experience.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
The students develop a wide breath of academic, practical and professional skills. You will take core courses over two semesters in each year, with a work placement in the summer between the first and second years. You will write up your dissertation over the second summer and submit it at the end of August.
Year 1 PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE: CORE SKILLS ETHICS IN TEXTILE CONSERVATION PRACTICE UNDERSTANDING TEXTILES: TECHNOLOGY PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE: DEVELOPING SKILLS PREVENTIVE CONSERVATION MATERIAL CULTURES TEXTILE CONSERVATION PLACEMENT
Year 2 PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE: ADVANCED SKILLS CONSERVATION IN PRACTICE DECONSTRUCTING THE ARTEFACT PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICE: CONSERVATION PROJECTS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT RESEARCH MANAGEMENT DISSERTATION
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | An Honours degree, at 2.1 or above, or international equivalent. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
The University of Glasgow is one of the UK’s most prestigious seats of learning, and the fourth oldest university in the English speaking world. Established in 1451 and recognised for its world-changing research and teaching, our people have always been at the forefront of innovation, including eight Nobel Laureates, two UK Prime Ministers, three First Ministers of Scotland, 10 Fellows of the Royal Society and 11 Fellows of the British Academy. Our past achievements inspire our current world changers.
Rankings
The University:
- is ranked 79th in the world: QS World University Rankings 2025
- is …
Not what you are looking for?
Browse other courses in Production, Textile engineering or Textile 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