MA Conservation of Wall Paintings

Program Overview

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The Courtauld Institute of Art's Wall Painting Conservation program prepares students for careers in wall painting conservation through a comprehensive curriculum that emphasizes inclusivity, interdisciplinarity, and international focus. The program offers a high employment rate upon graduation, with graduates working in prestigious institutions such as Historic Royal Palaces and the National Trust. Students benefit from extensive fieldwork opportunities, access to state-of-the-art facilities, and support from a dedicated team of experts.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview

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Status:

Applications open in late November.

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Location:

Somerset House (Studios) and Vernon Square campus (Teaching)

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Duration:

3 years, full-time

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Awarding body:

University of London

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Intake:

6 students every two years

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Objectives:

• Prepare students for a career in wall painting conservation.
• Develop skills in passive, preventative, and remedial conservation.
• Design, evaluate, and carry out conservation treatments.
• Manage ambitious projects, both independently and collaboratively.
• Equip students with critical evaluation and communication skills.

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Emphasis:

• Inclusivity, interdisciplinarity, and international focus.
• High employment rate upon graduation.
• Impactful alumni in conservation and cultural heritage.

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Outline

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Year 1:

• Focus on principles, ethics, and practice of wall painting conservation.
• Technology and history of wall paintings.
• Understanding and identifying deterioration phenomena.
• Recording and documenting wall paintings.
• Scientific methods and materials science.
• Foundations lectures in History of Art from across the globe.
• Fieldwork introducing methodologies and developing practical skills.
• Site visits to see important wall paintings.

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Year 2:

• Diagnosis and preventative conservation.
• Technical examination of wall paintings and support structures.
• Advanced remedial conservation techniques.
• Materials science integration.
• Research skills development.
• Project management and professional practice.
• Substantial fieldwork period.

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Year 3:

• Fieldwork
• Research project in wall painting conservation (dissertation)
• Dissertation topics: materials, techniques, methods, or materials used in conservation.

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Assessment

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Formal Assessment:

• Assessed coursework
• Practical work
• Written examinations
• Practical oral examinations

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Informal, Continuous Assessment:

• Didactic exercises (essays, seminars, revision questions)
• Supervision of practical work

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Progression to Year 2:

• Demonstrated competence in each subject area

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Final Degree Mark:

• Calculated from second and third year marks

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Teaching

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Continuity:

• Instruction and supervision by Department of Conservation members.
• Additional supervision and teaching from established practitioners and international specialists.

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Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars with student presentations
• Essays
• Reports
• Practical work in labs and on site
• Regular meetings with personal tutors

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Careers

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Preparation:

• Professional career in wall painting conservation.
• Transferable skills for diverse employment opportunities or further academic study.

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Skills gained:

• Detailed knowledge of wall painting conservation.
• Effective oral and written communication.
• Intellectual independence and self-direction.
• Project management skills.
• Teamwork and collaboration.

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Examples of graduate employers:

• Historic Royal Palaces
• National Trust
• Historic England

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Other

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Fieldwork Projects:

• Longthorpe Tower, Peterborough (UK)
• Villa Imperiale, Pesaro (Italy)
• Nagaur Fort, Rajasthan (India)
• Tamzhing Monastery, Bumthang (Bhutan)
• Church of the Dormition of the Virgin, Vardzia (Georgia)
• Mogao Grottoes, Dunhuang (China)
• Monastery of Agios Ioannis Lampadistis, Kalopanayiotis (Cyprus)
• Crypt of the Grand Masters, St John's Co-Cathedral, Valletta (Malta)

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Resources:

• Extensive scientific labs and facilities for analysis of paintings and wall paintings.
• Collections of easel painting samples, X-radiographs, wall painting fragments, and samples from around the world.
• National Wall Paintings Survey archive (currently being digitized).
• Collaboration with scientists and conservators in museums and heritage organizations.
• Conferences and public lectures.

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Support:

• Wellbeing team with counselors and advisors.
• Consistent access to personal tutor and academic staff.
• Small student group for a supportive environment.

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Funding:

• Courtauld Institute of Art Scholarships: awarded on merit and financial need (average scholarship in 2022/23 was £6,000).
• Alumni Loyalty Scheme: 10% loyalty discount on tuition fees for graduates admitted to a taught postgraduate program of study.

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Fees

• All travel and accommodation costs for fieldwork are paid by the Department.