VA7056 - Collections Care I: Theory and Practice

In keeping with the ethos of the programme, this module employs a comprehensive distance learning approach that offers significant advantages for students pursuing heritage conservation education. The module embraces tutor-supported independent and self-guided learning, allowing students to progress through online materials at their own pace rather than following traditional live lecture schedules.

The primary method of delivery is via Northumbria’s electronic learning platform, which provides seamless access to a structured series of recorded lectures and supplementary content. This flexible format enables students to revisit complex concepts, carry out a series of knowledge checks, pause for reflection, and accommodate diverse learning styles and schedules. Students engage with the material through integrated short exercises designed to assess knowledge acquisition and reinforce key concepts as learning progresses.

The distance learning approach offers distinct advantages, including accessibility for working professionals, international students, and those with varying personal commitments. Students can balance their studies with professional and family responsibilities while maintaining the quality and depth of their educational experience. The self-paced structure allows for deeper engagement with challenging material and personalized learning trajectories.

Interactive elements include live online seminars with tutors, providing opportunities for formative exercises and direct engagement with academic staff. These sessions bridge the gap between independent study and collaborative learning, fostering academic community despite geographical distances.

Assessment centres on a challenging assignment that synthesizes semester learning, building practical skills alongside theoretical knowledge. Comprehensive feedback on summative assignments serves as a foundation for subsequent modules, creating a progressive learning experience. This teaching approach prepares students for the independent thinking and self-directed professional development essential in heritage conservation careers.

Academic support is provided through multiple structured channels to ensure your success throughout the experience:

Support is centred around comprehensive guidance from your module tutor, ensuring you succeed in mastering the essential principles in professional practice in heritage preservation.

Module Tutor Guidance: Your module tutor serves as your primary academic mentor throughout the learning journey, providing expert knowledge in collections care and preventive conservation. They offer personalized support for understanding theoretical concepts, interpreting scholarly information, and developing your analytical skills. Regular communication channels ensure you can access guidance when navigating challenging topics or technical procedures.

Structured Learning Support: The sequential nature of weekly topics allows for progressive skill building, with your tutor monitoring your development through formative knowledge checks. These assessments provide early identification of any learning gaps, enabling targeted support before concepts become more complex.

Practical Guidance: Your tutor provides comprehensive guidance how to study at level 7 and use the electronic learning platform, ensuring you can effectively navigate the system, interpret and critically analyse what you read, and extract meaningful insights for your assignments.

Assignment Development Support: For written assignment, your tutor offers guidance on research methodology, writing standards, and data interpretation approaches. They help you connect theoretical knowledge with practical application, ensuring your work meets academic standards while demonstrating professional competency.

Feedback: Written feedback on formative assessments ensures continuous improvement and academic development, with your tutor providing constructive guidance to enhance your understanding and analytical capabilities.

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. The reading list for this module can be found at: http://readinglists.northumbria.ac.uk
(Reading List service online guide for academic staff this containing contact details for the Reading List team – http://library.northumbria.ac.uk/readinglists)

Knowledge & Understanding:
1. Understand the relevance of the history, materials, creation, deterioration, vulnerability as well as the physical and chemical characteristics of items/collections of movable cultural heritage to their care, preventive conservation and interpretation

2. Understand, develop and implement appropriate strategies, policies and procedures for the care and preventive conservation of items/collections of movable cultural heritage
Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:


Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
3. The ability to use critical thinking and reflective practice in an independent learning, self-directed learning environment that draws upon and synthesises a wide range of knowledge and understanding of Preventive Conservation in order to develop and implement appropriate strategies for the care and management of items/collections of movable cultural heritage

4. Demonstrate the ability to take responsibility for your own learning by: selecting the knowledge required to complete assignments from primary and secondary sources; identifying appropriate additional resources of knowledge; working on independent and group projects; considering the views of tutors and peers in the development or enhancement of your own work; making constructive use of feedback; determining the focus for the dissertation; shaping their assignments;


Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):

5. Demonstrate enthusiasm, curiosity, integrity, ethical and professional awareness in all aspects of work, communication and engagement with others

6. Demonstrate and awareness of ethical principles to conservation and preservation of cultural heritage objects while maintaining cultural awareness and sensitivity to the diverse origins, meanings, and preservation requirements of global cultural heritage collections.

Formative
Formative assessment will take place via your participation in several group seminars throughout the module. You will also be assessed on your contribution to online group discussions via the module discussion board. (1, 2, 3,4, 5, 6)

Summative Assessment

1. A 2000 word Reflective Journal: A critical, reflective summary of the module topics (30%of the module mark) (1,3,4,5,6)

2. A written assignment/report of 3000 words covering the themes of the module and submitted online via the Turnitin platform (70 % of the module mark). (1, 2,3,4, 5, 6)

Submission & Feedback

Written assignments are submitted via the online platform Turnitin. Your assignment is marked by a member of the programme staff and then a representative sample from the cohort is moderated internally and then by an external examiner to ensure fairness and transparency. Provisional marks and written feedback are provided to you typically within 20 working days of the submission in line with university guidelines. Final marks are then awarded at the University Programme Assessment Board and are posted to your student portal.

N/A

N/A

This exciting and dynamic module presents an opportunity to begin your journey into the fascinating world of heritage conservation. Transforming you from enthusiast to professional, you will master the theoretical and practical principles involved in the care of diverse materials, including paintings, books, textiles, furniture, ceramics, metals and more.

Research-rich learning is embedded in the module through real-world case studies from major museums and archives across the globe taught by active industry practitioners. The technology-enhanced approach features interactive video demonstrations and guided digital progression, bringing scholarly study and conservation techniques to life.

You will learn the theory behind the ‘ten agents of deterioration’, professional ethics, documentation systems, and the impact of transit, display and environment on collections together with strategies for emergency planning, all of which form the backbone of modern conservation practice. Students develop practical skills and theoretical knowledge through experiential learning approaches, with continuous assessment and feedback supporting individual development. The module emphasizes employability by aligning learning outcomes with current industry requirements and professional standards and on completion you will have a sophisticated understanding of the role of the Preventive Conservator in museums, archives, libraries, historic properties as qualified preventive conservators.