Option for Placement Year
Option for Study Abroad
Option for Extended Degree
The MA Conservation of Fine Art programme (Works of Art on Paper) provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary for a career as a conservator of works of art on paper.
This postgraduate programme aims to provide you with advanced knowledge and skills in both practice and research in the conservation of works of art on paper. Northumbria University’s Conservation of Fine Art MA is the only Masters programme in the UK that offers specialisms in both the conservation of Easel Painting and Works of Art on Paper.
The programme aims to develop your skills in critical awareness, research, ethics and philosophy, art history, conservation science and the care of collections, in addition to honing the meticulous practical skills that are necessary in becoming a professional conservator.
The combination of meticulous practical skill, a sound knowledge of science, and passion for art and art history will make this Masters programme of interest to those from both a science and arts background.
Integrating a combination of studio practice, science and art history, the programme covers a range of inter-related subjects. During the course, you will study conservation practice, conservation history, the history of materials and techniques, conservation theory and ethics, conservation science, art history, technical photography, technical art history, preventive conservation and research skills. Additionally, you will be introduced to studio management, the use of methodologies and materials in conservation and good health and safety practice.
Conservation is a multidisciplinary field, continuously informed by developments in cultural heritage, visual arts practice, sustainability, ethics, cultural policy, and materials science. The spirit and day to day practice within the course reflects the professional codes of practice established by the International Institute for Conservation (IIC), the International Council of Museums (ICOM) and United Kingdom Institute for Conservation (ICON). The Conservation of Fine Art MA is a multidisciplinary based programme and on graduation you will leave with the highly specialised knowledge and skills required to formally enter the conservation profession.
In order to broaden your cultural perspective and enhance your practical learning experience, you will also have the opportunity to carry out a placement in the summer recess. Past students have carried out placements in studios in the UK and globally and have included the British Museum, the Royal Ontario Museum, the National Museum of Australia the Tate and a number of world renowned independent conservation studios.
We welcome applications from students from a wide range of academic backgrounds. Typically, but not exclusively, students will have a first degree in Fine Art, Art History or one of the Sciences. Students with a science background should be able to demonstrate skill in practical subject area (eg. painting, drawing, printmaking). Students from an art practice background should demonstrate a sound knowledge of science.
Why study Conservation of Fine Art at Northumbria?
Cultural partnership access: Students benefit from Northumbria's education partnership with North East Museums, which may include gallery and venue tours around the city as part of your learning experience.
Research Powerhouse: Art and Design at Northumbria is ranked 4th in the UK for research power (REF 2021).
You may also be interested in Conservation of Fine Art (Easel Paintings).
If you’d like to browse what other postgraduate programmes we offer or have any queries, please get in touch.
The field of fine art paper conservation involves the care, protection, cleaning, repair and mounting of a wide range of objects on paper. These include prints, drawings, watercolours, posters, portrait miniatures, historic wallpapers and three dimensional objects, such as paper costumes and architectural models. As a support for writing, drawing and printing, paper has been in use for more than two thousand years across many world cultures. Thus, objects treated by paper conservators are not limited to western works of art, but also include Persian and Indian miniature paintings, Buddhist Thang-ka paintings, Japanese wood block prints and painted scrolls and screens from China, Japan and Korea.
Paper objects are particularly vulnerable to physical damage, light, humidity and air pollution, as well as contact with harmful materials such as poor quality backing boards and mounts, pressure-sensitive adhesive tapes and ill-fitting frames. Deterioration of paper can also occur through improper handling and from the action of mould and insects. Conservation seeks primarily to stabilise the condition of a work on paper, preserve its physical and aesthetic integrity, and ultimately promote its long-term preservation to facilitate access, study and research.
Works on paper often represent the most numerous objects in a given collection and therefore, a paper conservator must not only possess the meticulous skill to carry out complex treatment techniques on a wide range of individual items, but also be responsible for the preservation and conservation needs of an entire collection.
Modern and contemporary art on paper also presents its own unique problems, particularly in regards to the widespread use of modern synthetic paints from the mid-twentieth century onward. This has led to the development of a number of innovative and cross-disciplinary treatment procedures and collaborative research projects. The scope of the paper conservator’s work has therefore significantly widened in recent years and the remit of the paper conservator also covers development of collection care strategies, management of exhibition and preservation storage standards as well as engaging in research, advocacy, public outreach and training. The profession therefore attracts highly proficient and academic individuals who not only possess significant practical skills but also strong research and interdisciplinary skills, .
The programme can lead to a wide range of opportunities for employment in the heritage sector.
Cultural partnerships are when institutions work together to promote art, traditions, or values. At Northumbria, this includes museums, charities, and other education partners teaming up to create an enhanced curriculum designed to support your learning experience and employability. These partnerships help you:
Students studying Conservation of Fine Art can benefit directly from our education partnership with North East Museums. This may involve gallery and venue tours around the city.
Level of Study
Postgraduate
Mode of Study
2 years Full Time
School
Design, Arts and Creative Industries
Location
City Campus, Northumbria University
City
Newcastle
Start
September 2027
Fees
Fee Information
Modules
Module Information
Discover the funding options available to you.
Hear from our students Julia (Easel Painting) and Carla (Works of Art on Paper) as they share their experiences studying Conservation of Fine Art at Northumbria.
Get an introduction to Conservation of Fine Art and hear from a MA student.
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
Dr Charis Theodorakopoulos
Programme Leader
Nicola Grimaldi
Assistant Professor, Easel Paintings
Dr Richard Mulholland
Assistant Professor, Works on Paper
Penelope Banou
Lecturer, Works on Paper
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
Real-World Learning
Discover the opportunities for learning beyond lectures
Careers and Employment Services
More about the support available during your studies and beyond
Take a look at what Northumbria has to offer and discover what studying with us can do for you.
The School of Design, Arts and Creative Industries is a leading centre for supporting and energising creative practice and academic study. Our inter-disciplinary research and experiential education is committed to the betterment of people, place, cultures, and societies. Our programmes are defined by the way we collaborate with communities, industry, and external partners to inform curriculum, your learning and contribute to wider society. Discover more.
Applicants should normally have:
A minimum of a 2:1 honours degree in a related subject such Fine Art, Art History, Conservation, or Applied Sciences, including Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Forensic Science, Polymer Science or Chemical Engineering. although applicants from other related fields will also be considered.
Applicants with science backgrounds must have interest in learning about practical art, and arts graduates should have minimum grade 7 or higher in GCSE Chemistry or 65% or above in the Chemistry for Conservators’ Certificate from the International Academic Projects correspondence course.
Applicants are required to have sound colour vision, manual dexterity, logical thought and the ability to apply theoretical knowledge to changing practical situations. Applicants should also appreciate the integrity of works of art and have a sensitivity of approach, along with a calm temperament and infinite patience.
International qualifications:
If you have studied a non UK qualification, you can see how your qualifications compare to the standard entry criteria, by selecting the country that you received the qualification in, from our country pages. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/yourcountry
English language requirements:
International applicants are required to have a minimum overall IELTS (Academic) score of 6.5 with 5.5 in each component (or approved equivalent*).
*The university accepts a large number of UK and International Qualifications in place of IELTS. You can find details of acceptable tests and the required grades you will need in our English Language section. Visit www.northumbria.ac.uk/englishqualifications
Full UK Fee: TBC
Fees are set in line with the UK Government's tuition fee cap. The University may increase fees in subsequent years in line with any changes to the tuition fee cap. Increases will be linked to inflation. For example, increases may be linked to RPIX (Retail Price Index excluding mortgage interest payments) Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect. Student fee loans rise in line with the tuition fees cap.
*if your course is longer than one year
Full International Fee: TBC
This is the tuition fee for your first year of study. You should expect to pay tuition fees for every year of study. The University may increase fees in the second and subsequent years of your course at our discretion in line with any inflationary or other uplift. Students will be notified of any increase ahead of it taking effect.
Scholarships and Discounts
ADDITIONAL COSTS
"Students are required to supply one framed black and white print and one watercolour (unframed preferably) for their studies. These will be used for practical activities and exploration of selected conservation techniques. Please choose artworks that are sufficiently deteriorated, so it offers various treatment challenges. We suggest a maximum value of £100.It is essential that you acquire your own set of tools to avoid sharing and contamination. The list below are the basics required to perform practical activities in commencing Year 1. TOOLS SUGGESTED SUPPLIER COMMENTS Toolbox/ Easy to find from many DIY or hardware stores. Tape measure/ Easy to find from many DIY or hardware stores. Scissors (Large & Small)/ Easy to find from many DIY or hardware stores. Small ruler/Preservation Equipment Scalpel handles (Size 3 for small blades & Size 4 for large blades)/Preservation Equipment Spatulas (Small metal)/Preservation Equipment Fine pointed tweezers x 2/Preservation Equipment Brushes (Sable or equivalent brush type No 000, 00, 0, 1, 2)/Jackson Art/Kremer Pigmente/ Preservation Equipment Brush (Large Synthetic soft flat edge )/ Kremer Pigmente Brush (x 2 Hake brushes - Chinese made from sheep hair)/Preservation Equipment/Jackson Art Bone folder (152mm (6"""") - one end pointed)/Preservation Equipment Basic artist grade watercolour set (Chinese white must be included) A range of: - Blacks - Earth colours - Paynes grey - Prussian blue, - Cerulean Blue - Cobalt blue - French - Ultramarine - Gamboge - Rose madder - Jackson Art Set of watercolour pans, not tubes If the set does not include a pan of Chinese white, this can be bought separately."
* At Northumbria we are strongly committed to protecting the privacy of personal data. To view the University’s Privacy Notice please click here
Module information is indicative and is reviewed annually therefore may be subject to change. Applicants will be informed if there are any changes.
SC7000 -
Skills for Academic Success in a UK University (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
You will develop your understanding of academic conventions in UK higher education aligned to your level of study, including expectations around critical analysis, structure, argumentation, evidencing, and referencing. The module focuses on developing communication strategies that will help you express your ideas clearly and coherently in written assignments and spoken activities. You will also reflect on your current academic and language skills and develop strategies for development ahead of your assessments.
More informationVA7049 -
Conservation Theory and Practice I: Works of Art on Paper (Core,30 Credits)
You will learn via lectures, demonstrations, practical workshops, set readings and critical discussion groups. This 30-credit module provides a professional approach to core practical skills relevant to your chosen conservation specialism (Works of Art on Paper or Easel Paintings) and the related historic, scientific, preventive, technical and tacit knowledge of materials encountered within professional practice. You will also develop reflective, ethical and critical awareness and a broad range of additional skills relevant to conservation practice including analytical, problem solving, evaluative and written communication skills alongside Health & Safety best practice.
Using real artworks and authentically constructed artefacts, the conservation practical workshops are logically arranged in a sequence that parallels professional practice. This framework also continues throughout the Programme albeit with a new set of interrelated topics.
In support of conservation practice, of the Module is supported by Conservation Science and Art History lectures, which help to contextualise approaches to treatment. Study in Preventive Conservation and Collection Care is also provided through a self-guided series of online lectures.
VA7050 -
Conservation Theory and Practice II: Works of Art on Paper (Core,30 Credits)
You will learn via lectures, demonstrations and activity workshops, set readings and critical discussion groups. This 30-credit module provides a professional approach to core practical skills relevant to your chosen conservation specialism (Works of Art on Paper or Easel Paintings) and the related historic, scientific, technical and tacit knowledge of materials encountered within professional practice. You will also develop ethical and critical awareness and a broad range of additional skills relevant to conservation practice including analytical skills, problem solving, evaluative skills and written and oral communication skills together with an indepth understanding of best practice in Studio Health & Safety.
Using real artworks and authentically constructed facsimiles, the conservation practical workshops are logically arranged in a sequence that parallels professional practice. This framework also continues throughout the Programme albeit with a new set of interrelated topics.
In support of conservation practice of the module includes sessions on Conservation Science and Art History, which help to contextualise conservation approaches and decision making. Study in Preventive Conservation and Collection Care is also provided through a self-guided series of online lectures and an formative interactive test.
SC7000 -
Skills for Academic Success in a UK University (Core – for International and EU students only,0 Credits)
You will develop your understanding of academic conventions in UK higher education aligned to your level of study, including expectations around critical analysis, structure, argumentation, evidencing, and referencing. The module focuses on developing communication strategies that will help you express your ideas clearly and coherently in written assignments and spoken activities. You will also reflect on your current academic and language skills and develop strategies for development ahead of your assessments.
More informationVA7044 -
Conservation Project-Dissertation (Core,60 Credits)
You will have the opportunity to demonstrate your abilities as reflective practitioners and critical scholars by examining and engaging with a topic broadly of relevance to the field. The module is designed to allow you flexibility of approach and outcome, reflecting the multi-disciplinary context of conservation and diversity of subject backgrounds with which each of you enters the programme. You will have access to a series of presentations on research skills which will enrich your methodological training for the undertaking of this module (see ‘How will I learn on this module’ for further details).
You will select the form of dissertation that best suits your own individual research and practice interests, choosing from:
1. A literature-based research project-dissertation, requiring a synthesis, critical review, exploration and further development of an academic issue or professional topic - using existing academic and scholarly literature and, if relevant, the interpretation of primary or historic sources. You may also conduct qualitative or quantitative research enquiries within this format.
2. An applied research project-dissertation, requiring a technical or practice-led exploration of a problem centred enquiry, combined with scholarly review of relevant knowledge. The applied dissertation normally involves you in developing an evidence base and interpreting primary data, you may undertake practical experimentation or scientific analysis, or may use secondary analysis of existing data. You must apply to do the applied project dissertation, which must be pre-approved via Learning contract by the module tutor and supervision teams. All students may complete a project-dissertation based on secondary literature or on qualitative or qualitative analysis.
The project-dissertation enables you to show originality in researching a question which has to date been little explored. It also enables you to demonstrate project and time management skills in terms of completing a major project to deadline.
VA7051 -
Conservation Theory and Practice III: Works of Art on Paper (Core,30 Credits)
This immersive and challenging 30-credit module continues to provide a professional approach to core practical skills relevant to your chosen conservation specialism (Works of Art on Paper or Easel Paintings) and the related historic, scientific, historic, technical and tacit knowledge of materials encountered within professional practice. With increasing complexity you will further develop ethical and critical awareness and a broad range of additional skills relevant to conservation practice including analytical, problem solving, evaluative, oral and written communication skills alongside Health & Safety best practice. Science, an integral part in understanding the deterioration and behaviour of artist and conservation materials is supported throughout this module through labs and workshops, seminars or group tutorials. Students will have an opportunity to explore materials using a range of analytical methods commonly used in the assessment of historic artefacts.
A greater emphasis is also placed in this module on independent research, professional advocacy, project management skills and situating conservation in relation to current and emerging international/global practices and debates. Following on from the framework adopted in Year 1, the conservation practical workshops are logically arranged in a sequence that mirrors actual practice.
VA7052 -
Conservation Theory and Practice IV: Works of Art on Paper (Core,30 Credits)
This immersive and challenging 30-credit module continues to provide a professional approach to core practical skills relevant to your chosen conservation specialism (Works of Art on Paper or Easel Paintings) and the related historic, scientific, historic, technical and tacit knowledge of materials encountered within professional practice. With increasing complexity you will further develop ethical and critical awareness and a broad range of additional skills relevant to conservation practice including analytical, problem solving, evaluative, oral and written communication skills alongside Health & Safety best practice. Science, an integral part in understanding the deterioration and behaviour of artist and conservation materials is supported throughout this module through labs and workshops, seminars or group tutorials. Students will have an opportunity to explore materials using a range of analytical methods commonly used in the assessment of historic artefacts.
A greater emphasis is also placed in this module on independent research, professional advocacy, project management skills and situating conservation in relation to current and emerging international/global practices and debates. Following on from the framework adopted in Year 1 and in Semester 1 Year 2, the conservation practical workshops are logically arranged in a sequence that mirrors actual practice.
Our Applicant Services team will be happy to help. They can be contacted on 0191 406 0901 or by using our Contact Form.
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