Conservation with Specialisation in Conservation of Cultural Heritage Objects, Master's Program

The master's program in Conservation with Specialisation in Conservation of Cultural Heritage Objects provides in-depth knowledge and skills in current science-based methods and approaches in the field of heritage conservation. The program is conducted in the subject of Conservation and rests on both scientific and humanistic foundations. It addresses sustainability aspects in relation to heritage conservation activities and how conservation can contribute to sustainability goals.

It maintains a holistic, interdisciplinary approach across professional boundaries which is of extreme importance for a conservator. The program aims to develop the student's critical thinking and ability to perform conservation measures of high methodological and technical quality, based on in-depth knowledge and a profound understanding of the social, economic, ecological and cultural conditions of the object.

The program provides competence for employment and professional practice as a conservator in various functions in the public and private sector. The education is also carried out in close cooperation with ongoing research and offers a basis for research studies in the field of heritage conservation.

The pedagogy of the program puts the student's learning in focus and is based on current conservation knowledge, best practices and case studies. It encourages reflection and critical thinking in relation to the student's knowledge and skills development.

The master's program offers each new entry a focus area within the heritage conservation field. The focus area is decided and announced in time before the admissions open.

A Bachelor's degree in Conservation. Students with equivalent education may, after examination, be admitted to the program.

Applicants must prove their knowledge of English: English 6/English B from Swedish Upper Secondary School or the equivalent level of an internationally recognized test, for example TOEFL, IELTS. For more information, see English language requirements on Universityadmissions.se

Knowledge in chemistry equivalent of 15 credits first cycle courses is strongly recommended.

The program comprises 120 credits and leads to a master's degree. Most courses include practical skills training in conservation methods and techniques. Courses that constitute the main field of study are indicated by (H) below.

Year 1
Compulsory courses:
Advanced Analytical Methods for Conservation, 7,5 credits (H)
Documentation of Cultural Heritage Objects, 7,5 credits (H)
Research Methods in Cultural Heritage Conservation, 7,5 credits (H)
Current Issues in Conservation, 7,5 credits (H)
Compulsory specialisation courses (two courses within the same specialisation), within the alernating specialisations listed below:
Paintings, Modern Materials, Textiles, Archeological Materials, Stone and Mural Painting, Metal, Paper, Monumental Art, Glass and Ceramics, and Conservation Science.

Year 2
Compulsory courses:
Degree Project for Master's Degree in Conservation with Specialization in Conservation of Cultural Heritage Objects, 60 credits (H)
or
Degree Project for Master's Degree in Conservation with Specialization in Conservation of Cultural Heritage Objects, 30 credits (H) and
Conservation internship in the area of specialization, 30 credits (elective) (H)
Exemptions from the internship course might be made on an individual basis. The course should be replaced by other courses comprising 30 credits. Exemption and replacement courses must be approved by the Head of Programme.

General outcomes for Degree of Master (120 credits)

Knowledge and understanding
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate knowledge and understanding in the main field of study, including both broad knowledge of the field and a considerable degree of specialised knowledge in certain areas of the field as well as insight into current research and development work, and
• demonstrate specialised methodological knowledge in the main field of study.

Competence and skills
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to critically and systematically integrate knowledge and analyse, assess and deal with complex phenomena, issues and situations even with limited information,
• demonstrate the ability to identify and formulate issues critically, autonomously and creatively as well as to plan and, using appropriate methods, undertake advanced tasks within predetermined time frames and so contribute to the formation of knowledge as well as the ability to evaluate this work,
• demonstrate the ability in speech and writing both nationally and internationally to clearly report and discuss his or her conclusions and the knowledge and arguments on which they are based in dialogue with different audiences, and
• demonstrate the skills required for participation in research and development work or autonomous employment in some other qualified capacity.

Judgement and approach
For a Degree of Master (120 credits) the student shall

• demonstrate the ability to make assessments in the main field of study informed by relevant disciplinary, social and ethical issues and also to demonstrate awareness of ethical aspects of research and development work,
• demonstrate insight into the possibilities and limitations of research, its role in society and the responsibility of the individual for how it is used, and
• demonstrate the ability to identify the personal need for further knowledge and take responsibility for his or her ongoing learning.

Local outcomes
On completion the student is expected to be able to:

Knowledge and understanding
• demonstrate both broad knowledge about the field of heritage conservation and in-depth knowledge about problems related to the preservation of cultural heritage objects,
• interpret and discuss scientific data relevant to the focus area in the light of current research findings,
• account for materials, techniques and methods in the focus area.

Competence and skills
• identify degradation mechanisms that affect objects of significance in different environments,
• propose measures to prevent the degradation of objects of significance in context,
• perform preventive and remedial measures on objects made of various materials, exposed in different environments,
• design and independently implement complex projects that systematically integrate knowledge and analysis, evaluate and report results in a scientific way,
• communicate scientific results to different groups, and
• collaborate with other professional groups and stakeholders for the implementation of conservation measures.

Judgement and approach
• choose suitable approaches for the conservation of objects and environments based on their social, economic, ecological and cultural context,
• critically discuss the socio-economic and cultural processes that lead to objects being defined as cultural heritage,
• discuss ethical considerations in relation to the possibilities and limitations of science, its role in society and people's responsibility for how it is used,
• critically relate to existing methods and develop new approaches,
• follow research developments and adapt conservation measures to new scientific findings, and
• reflect on implemented measures and develop critical thinking in relation to one's own knowledge and skills development.

For students who enrolled on the programme prior to Autumn semster 2026, the course KKV705 Materials Science for Conservation, 7.5 credits, is compulsory for the degree. As the course has been discontinued, it may be replaced by KKV707 Advanced Analytical Methods in Cultural Heritage Conservation, 7.5 credits.

The costs of study visits, excursions, consumables, etc. are payed for by the student. Students are responsible for providing their own equipment suitable for the course.

Knowledge in chemistry equivalent of 15 credits first cycle courses or equivalent is strongly recommended.

The study programme will be followed up and evaluated in accordance with the applicable Policy för kvalitetssäkring och kvalitetsutveckling av utbildning vid Göteborgs universitet (Policy for the Quality assurance and Quality Development of Education at the University of Gothenburg).

Students who follow the program at the prescribed pace are guaranteed a place.