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Principles of Conservation MA

London, Bloomsbury

Keen to develop your expertise in heritage conservation and the issues and constraints affecting practice today? Explore the principles, theory and ethics of the field while honing your skills by working on real-life collection problems and attending informative technical visits. Delivered within UCL’s globally respected Institute of Archaeology, this MA is excellent preparation for research in conservation science, or for a career in collection care, preventive conservation and management.  

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2025/26)
£16,000
£8,000
Overseas tuition fees (2025/26)
£33,000
£16,500
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2025
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 27 Jun 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 14 Oct 2024 – 29 Aug 2025
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree normally in archaeology, anthropology, history of art or the physical sciences from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Degrees in other subjects may be accepted, and relevant experience (e.g. in conservation, archaeology or museums) is an advantage. Applicants should also have gained experience of working in the heritage sector (this experience is often gained in a voluntary capacity)

The English language level for this programme is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree

This MA will give you knowledge and skills to work in several conservation contexts and cross-disciplines. Our object-based approaches are grounded in real problems that generate both practical and theoretical responses. Students will gain extensive experience using UCL collections throughout their studies.

On this programme you will learn about:

  • Approaches to collection care and conservation strategies.
  • Understanding of raw materials and manufacturing technologies.
  • Care and management of collections.
  • Ethics of conservation and cultural heritage.
  • Professional practice and research processes.

Who this course is for

The programme is designed for students with experience in:

  • Heritage.
  • Anthropology.
  • Archaeology. 
  • Culture and/or fine arts. 

Ideally, you should have some experience in the heritage/museum sector either paid or voluntary.

Although the programme does not provide practical training in interventive conservation treatments, it is an excellent preparation for scientists wishing to undertake research in conservation science. It is also suitable for those considering a career in collection care, preventive conservation and management.

The programme is a prerequisite for the two-year MSc in Conservation for Archaeology and Museums.

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

UCL Institute of Archaeology is one of the largest centres for archaeology and heritage in Britain and ranked 3rd in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2024. It brings archaeology, cultural heritage, and museum studies together under one roof, making it a special and exciting place to study.

This programme offers you many benefits and opportunities:

  • Learn from leading experts in their fields.
  • Benefit from teaching methods at the cutting edge of international conservation training.
  • Use of the Institute’s exceptional  archives and teaching collections.
  • Proximity to British Museum and British Library, as well as UCL’s Petrie Museum of Egyptian Archaeology..

This MA will not give you practical training in conservation treatments. It is ideal for those wishing to start research in conservation science or a career in collection care, preventative conservation and management.
 

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme

The foundation of your career

The UCL Institute of Archaeology has a long history of training in conservation, and many of its graduates are now employed in key posts around the world. 

Upon completing this degree, you will also have skills well suited for jobs in sectors such as:

  • Museums, galleries and private conservation companies.
  • Sustainable heritage
  • Heritage journalism.
  • Tourism and heritage management.

“My time at the Institute of Archaeology was invaluable. Being global in focus and nature truly refined my thinking and prepared me well to overcome the challenges that I encountered as part of my professional career.” - Laurence Maidment- Blundell (PhD Student)
 

Employability

The programme is designed to enhance career prospects by giving students transferable skills attractive to employers in a wide range of businesses and sectors, such as:

  • Preventative conservation skills.
  • Ability to design and carry out original research.
  • Practical management skills.
  • Public outreach experience.
  • Theoretical and critical analysis.
  • Understanding of conservation in heritage management.

You will also learn to solve problems and issues and to build positive working relationships. This means you will be a good team player, who can manage and delegate to others and take on responsibility.
 

Networking

The Institute organises an annual "Careers in Ruins" event. Here students can get career advice from professionals in the Heritage and Archaeology sectors. They can also network with professionals from other sectors such as Business, Law and the Civil Service. 

Many of our alumni also return as guest lecturers on core modules and seminars.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of seminars, lectures, small-group tutorials, workshops and practical projects. Some modules include visits to conservation workshops and museums, including the British Museum, the British Library, Natural History Museum, and Tate galleries.

Assessment is through coursework, essays, poster, portfolio, project reports and the dissertation.

Contact time takes various forms:

  • Lectures.
  • Seminars.
  • Project supervisions.
  • Visits and placements.
  • Assessment feedback sessions.

The credit value of the module indicates the total learning hours you will spend to achieve its learning outcomes. One credit is often equated to 10 hours of notional learning, which includes all contact time, self-directed study, and assessment.

Many courses on this programme are seminar-based and involve two hours of teaching with additional self-directed study time. You will also have ongoing contact with teaching staff throughout the academic year.

Your research project/dissertation module is 60 credits. The learning hours will mainly be spent researching your and writing your final dissertation. You will also have regular contact with your supervisor(s). They will guide and support you throughout your work.

Modules

The programme will provide you with an introduction to the principles, theory and ethics of conservation of different kinds of collections. You will consider issues relating to material fabric, preventive conservation, managerial skills, ethics, values and interest groups associated with objects, collaborative  approaches to conservation decision-making, communication, and public outreach. There is a strong focus on object-based learning through the use of UCL collections.  

You will attend the taught modules in Terms 1 and 2. These comprise compulsory modules covering the theory and practice of conservation, and two further modules chosen in consultation with your supervisor.  In Term 2  you will identify a topic for your dissertation and a supervisor will be appointed. You will write your dissertation during Term 3 and over the summer.

The programme will provide you with an introduction to the principles, theory and ethics of conservation of different kinds of collections. You will consider issues relating to material fabric, preventive conservation, managerial skills, ethics, values and interest groups associated with objects, collaborative  approaches to conservation decision-making, communication, and public outreach. There is a strong focus on object-based learning through the use of UCL collections. 

Teaching takes place during terms one and two. Those who undertake part-time study will discuss their pathway through the degree with the degree co-ordinator. Typically, students will take the compulsory core modules in the first year and select their optional modules in order to spread these out to year two. The dissertation is discussed in year 1 and completed at the end of year two. We endeavour to be flexible to the needs of part-time students in designing their pathway through the degree over two years.

Compulsory modules







Optional modules









Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MA in Principles of Conservation.

Accessibility

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information can also be obtained from the UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services team.

Visit us

All open days and events

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Institute of Archaeology (morning)

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The UCL Institute of Archaeology is one of the largest centres for archaeology, cultural heritage and museum studies in Britain. Join us for a Virtual Graduate Open Event to find out more about our wide range of Master’s programmes, how our programmes are taught, what it’s like to study at the Institute of Archaeology and have the opportunity to speak to a relevant degree co-ordinator. Please contact Lisa Daniel, Graduate Admissions Administrator (l.daniel@ucl.ac.uk) if you have any questions.

Online - Open day

Graduate Open Events: Institute of Archaeology (afternoon)

—

The UCL Institute of Archaeology is one of the largest centres for archaeology, cultural heritage and museum studies in Britain. Join us for a Virtual Graduate Open Event to find out more about our wide range of Master’s programmes, how our programmes are taught, what it’s like to study at the Institute of Archaeology and have the opportunity to speak to a relevant degree co-ordinator. Please contact Lisa Daniel, Graduate Admissions Administrator (l.daniel@ucl.ac.uk) if you have any questions.

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2025/26) £16,000 £8,000
Tuition fees (2025/26) £33,000 £16,500

The tuition fees shown are for the year indicated above. Fees for subsequent years may increase or otherwise vary. Where the programme is offered on a flexible/modular basis, fees are charged pro-rata to the appropriate full-time Master's fee taken in an academic session. Further information on fee status, fee increases and the fee schedule can be viewed on the UCL Students website: ucl.ac.uk/students/fees.

Additional costs

For Full-time and Part-time offer holders a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Students will need to make their own way to the technical visits within London. A Day off-peak travelcard for zones 1-9 costs around £17.00, but most visits will be within zones 1-3. 

Students may need to cover entrance fees to exhibitions or museums at their own expense. Cost for an exhibition typically cost between £15-£20.

UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £114.50. This price was published by TfL in 2024. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

Heritage and Museums Diversity Scholarship: The UCL Institute of Archaeology is funding a scholarship for a candidate from Black British, British Pakistani or British Bangladeshi backgrounds as these groups are currently under-represented within the heritage sector. The scholarship covers course fees only for a Home student. 

For further details and an application form please see here. 

Institute of Archaeology Master's Awards: The UCL Institute of Archaeology has one studentship of £10,000 available to support a graduate student who is an ordinarily resident in the UK or Ireland and eligible to pay home fee rate. The deadline for applications is 1st March 2025. For further information and to download an application see here.

UK students may also apply to the Anna Plowden Trust.

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Institute of Archaeology International Masters Student Award

Deadline: 21 March 2025
Value: Up to £26,000 (1yr)
Criteria Based on academic merit
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Institute of Archaeology Masters Award

Deadline: 21 March 2025
Value: £10,000 (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

Students are advised to apply as early as possible due to competition for places. Those applying for scholarship funding (particularly overseas applicants) should take note of application deadlines.

There is an application processing fee for this programme of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn:

  • why you want to study Principles of Conservation at graduate level
  • why you want to study Principles of Conservation at UCL
  • what particularly attracts you to this programme
  • how your personal, academic and professional background meets the demands of a challenging academic environment
  • whether you have any previous experience of work in the general museum or heritage field (e.g. as a volunteer)
  • where you would like to go professionally with the MA in Principles of Conservation
  • whether you intend to take this programme as a prerequisite for the MSc in Conservation for Archaeology in Museums
  • how you envisage your career if you take both the MA and MSc degrees

We look for experience of working in a museum or heritage field, either paid or voluntary.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate programmes (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2025-2026

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Institute of Archaeology
Institute of Archaeology

l.daniel@ucl.ac.uk

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