Course description
Introduction
If you have a passion for historic material and a desire to use practical as well as intellectual skills this programme could be your route into conservation and work in the heritage industry. The Graduate Diploma is an intensive one-year conversion course for graduates from a non-conservative background, which enables you to progress on to the Masters in Conservation. Alternatively it will give you a platform from which you can pursue a career in other aspects of the Heritage industry.
Lincoln now has the largest centre in the UK for teaching conservation and restoration skills with over 25 years experience. The unit has strong links with local, regional and national museums, professional bodies and agencies in the heritage field. Growing international links enhance students' opportunities for placement and study abroad
Units
Conservation and Restoration Theory I
You are introduced to the principles and process that govern the deterioration of materials and the treatments available to conserve them. You will also study the terminology, approaches and ethical codes involved in conservation.
Applied Art History
You will study concepts and methodologies in Art History through the study of the development of art and its historical context throughout the last millennium. Emphasis is given to the study of artefacts and their ethnic, archaeological and historic origins and the nature of styles, technology social and religious factors.
Applied Conservation Science
You are introduced to material science and basic chemistry. This is applied to the practical examination of materials found in historic objects and materials used in conservation. A thorough grounding in health and safety is given.
Conservation Skills
You are taught a wide range of basic skills used in practical conservation. You will be taken through a series of structured practical exercises investigating such skills as cleaning, using adhesives, gap filling and packing fragile objects. You are also introduced to drawing and photography.
Introduction to Conservation Practice
This is your first introduction to the treatment of historic objects. You will be taken through the processes of recording, decision-making and treatments working on a range of objects from museums and historic houses. Conservation and Restoration Theory II You will build on the range of materials and treatments introduced in the first semester including mosaics, wall paintings, natural history and plastics.
Recording Conservation
You will be taught a wide range of photographic and drawing skills and their application to conservation. This will include the rendering of form and surfaces, reconstruction drawings, lighting techniques, microphotography, film and digital media.
Applied Conservation Science II
Building on the work done in the first semester you will develop your understanding of organic and other materials, practical methods of analysis and investigation. By the end of the unit you will be able to produce an accurate, professional conservation science report.
Practical Conservation
This is a double unit where you will work on a wide range of historic materials and complex objects. You will be able to select and apply treatments and work as a practical conservator.
Key Features
Unique programme offering a gateway into conservation and the heritage industry for graduates, or equivalent, from any background
Working on objects of historic and cultural importance from museums, historic houses and ecclesiastical sources
Fully supported study skills for mature students
Working in purpose designed, well equipped, light airy workshops in beautiful historic surroundings in the cathedral quarter
Students have worked on vacation placements in museums in the UK and abroad including, National Museum of Scotland, National Museums and Galleries Merseyside, Lincoln Cathedral, Restoration Sans Frontiers Istanbul University of Florence
Entry into the MA Conservation programme which has an excellent employment record with students working in: National Museums Cyprus, National Trust, Leather Conservation Centre, Asmolean Museum Oxford, National Museums Scotland, St Louis Museum, Brunei Museum
Platform for other fields within the Heritage Sector - All Conservation tutors are accredited conservators with a wide range of professional experience in museum and the heritage industry
