Preventive Conservation MA
2 Years Part-Time by Distance Learning | September Start

This module explores how museums integrate scientific techniques, environmental monitoring, and instrumental methods in the preservation of cultural heritage. With a particular focus on the museum environment and how it is monitored and controlled, students will examine the intersection of chemistry, physics, materials science, and the biological sciences in collections care, covering environmental factors affecting deterioration, preventive conservation strategies, and scientific documentation methods.

In this module, you will learn:

Scientific Deterioration Principles: Building on first-year studies, you'll explore the ten ‘agents of deterioration’ through an in-depth scientific lens, examining the underlying chemistry and physics of how light, temperature, humidity, pollutants, and biological agents damage heritage objects.

Environmental Chemistry and Physics: you will learn about the molecular mechanisms of material degradation and understand the complex interactions between objects and their environment, building your scientific literacy.

Monitoring Technology: you will learn the theoretical and practical aspects of environmental monitoring systems, including sensors, data collection, calibration, and interpretation. You'll study how historic and modern monitoring systems inform conservation policies and learn sustainable heritage management principles, including climate change impacts on environmental standards.

Real-World Application: Live online monitoring of actual storage and display environments at Northumbria University Collections will provide you with real world practical experience using professional instrumentation and real-time data analysis, connecting theory to professional practice.

Critical Assessment: Develop skills to evaluate environmental data, identify risks, and recommend scientifically informed interventions in collections care and management in both small and large heritage institutions

This professional placement module provides an immersive professional experience in preventive conservation within museums, galleries, or libraries. Through a four-day weekly placement over a period of four to six weeks, you will bridge the gap between academic theory and professional practice, developing essential skills for a career in heritage conservation:

Professional Practice & Operation: You will gain hands-on experience in the daily operations of heritage institutions, understanding administrative processes, management structures, and conservation and collections care staff responsibilities. You will participate in real-time activities that may include exhibition installation and de-installation, condition reporting and surveys, packing for transit, housekeeping, integrated pest management and environmental monitoring.

Technical & Strategic Skills: The placement will expose you to critical preventive conservation practices including risk assessment, emergency preparedness planning, and report and policy writing. You will learn to apply theoretical knowledge and frameworks from previous modules to real-world scenarios, developing practical problem-solving abilities.

Research & Impact: A key learning component involves co-developing a research project with your placement host that addresses genuine institutional needs and forms your assignment for the module. This collaborative approach ensures your academic work has tangible impact while developing research skills that often inform your dissertation. Risk assessment and guidance is provided for both you and your host by the university placement office that ensures you are fully insured for all placement activities and you are both fully briefed on the academic expectations for the module.

Professional Development: Through attending staff meetings, training sessions and working alongside experienced professionals, you will understand the scope and pace of preventive conservation work. This comprehensive exposure prepares you for the realities of professional practice while building valuable industry networks and potentially contributing to your personal research interests.

This module offers you the opportunity to undertake a significant piece of original research that demonstrates your ability to contribute meaningfully to the field of heritage preservation. The module will develop your expertise in academic research, writing, and project management, preparing you for potential publication, advanced study, or professional roles in conservation and collections care.

You will begin by identifying a broad area of interest within preventive conservation and refine this into a focused, researchable question. Through this process, you will learn how to conduct comprehensive literature reviews, evaluate existing research, and position your study within current professional and academic debates.

The module will train you in both qualitative and quantitative research methods, including case study design, participant research, and data analysis. You will also gain an in-depth understanding of research ethics, learning how to prepare and submit a successful ethics clearance application in line with professional standards.

Throughout the dissertation process, you will learn how to structure and write a master’s-level dissertation, including methodology, analysis, and discussion chapters. Supervision and formative feedback will support you in becoming a confident and independent researcher.

This module sharpens your critical thinking and reflective practice skills, while offering a structured pathway to enhance your writing, analysis, and professional communication. By the end, you will have produced a substantial and original piece of scholarship, demonstrating your capacity to lead research-driven practice in the field of preventive conservation and your readiness to contribute to heritage preservation at a professional level.