Conservation of Objects in Museums and Archaeology (BSc)

Program Overview

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The Conservation of Objects in Museums and Archaeology BSc program at Cardiff University equips students with the skills to become practicing conservators, specializing in preserving historical and archaeological museum objects. Through a combination of theory, practical work, and museum placements, students develop expertise in evidence-based conservation strategies, using state-of-the-art facilities and working on genuine museum pieces. The program emphasizes transferable skills in communication, problem-solving, and project management, preparing graduates for diverse career opportunities in conservation and related fields.

Program Outline

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Degree Overview

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Conservation of Objects in Museums and Archaeology (BSc):

• Equips you with the skillset to become a practicing conservator.
• Develops your ability to design, execute, report, and record evidence-based strategies for preserving historical and archaeological objects.
• Specialization in conserving historic and archaeological museum objects using preventive and interventive conservation procedures.
• You will work on genuine museum pieces, considering the needs of both owners and end-users when designing your treatments.
• Access to state-of-the-art conservation and scientific facilities.

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Outline:

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Year One:

• Develops a foundational knowledge of conservation theory and practice.
• Focus on academic and practical skills development in investigative practices like x-radiography, microscopy, photography, and instrumental analysis.
• Introduction to archaeology through optional modules.

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Year Two:

• Builds on the platform established in year one through theory modules, practical laboratory work, and museum vacation placements in conservation.

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Year Three:

• Theory modules to complement years one and two, covering a wide range of materials including metals, organics, inorganics, and wet and dry conditions.
• Advanced practical project work on complex challenges.
• Participation in the research module to design, deliver, and evaluate a conservation-related research project.

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Assessment:

• Variety of assessment methods, including practical work, written reports, critical reviews, class tests, oral presentations, coursework, essays, and examinations.
• Develop essential skill sets valued by employers.
• Assessment formats and difficulty progressively increase with program progression to match your advancing skillset and knowledge.
• Coursework and modular data are provided electronically, and assessments are submitted electronically.

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Teaching:

• Lectures, seminars, practicals, field trips, and one-to-one tutorials.
• Independent study and research guided by tutors.
• High student-staff ratio ensures close support and one-on-one interaction.

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Careers:

• Strong vocational focus: recognized within the conservation profession, providing graduates with good job opportunities.
• Postgraduate study: some graduates pursue research degrees at the MSc or higher levels.
• Transferable Skills: extensive transferable skills in communication, problem-solving, project management, independent thinking, and scientific theory/practice allow graduates to compete in diverse fields.

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Other:

• Entry requirements include A-level or equivalent qualifications.
• International Baccalaureate or Baccalaureate Wales accepted.
• English language requirement: GCSE Grade C or grade 4 in English Language.
• Tuition fees vary based on fee status (home, island, or overseas).
• Cardiff University is one of the UK's most affordable cities.

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Fees for home status

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. The University reserves the right to increase tuition fees in the second and subsequent years of a course as permitted by law or Welsh Government policy. Where applicable we will notify you of any change in tuition fee by the end of June in the academic year before the one in which the fee will increase.

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Students from the EU, EEA and Switzerland

We are currently awaiting confirmation on tuition fees for the 2025/26 academic year. Learn more about the undergraduate fees for students from the Channel Islands or the Isle of Man. You may also want to buy copies of other books, either because they are particularly important for your course or because you find them particularly interesting. Staff can advise you on this. Software is provided on all networked PC’s and there are additional education discounts available to students purchasing software. Specialist software will be made accessible to students.

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Accommodation

We have a range of residences to suit your needs and budget.

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Living costs

We're based in one of the UK's most affordable cities. Find out more about living costs in Cardiff.