This postgraduate programme aims to provide you with advanced knowledge and skills in practice-based and research-led fine art conservation of easel paintings and works of art on paper. 

Our Conservation of Fine Art MA aims to develop a critical awareness of hands-on skills, ethics, art history, environmental and scientific considerations, as well as conservation theory, practice and techniques. Students are also given the opportunity to immerse themselves in research, supervised by a team of research active staff.  

It is the combination of manual skill, a sound knowledge of science, and passion for the arts that makes this unique MA perfect for those from both a science and arts background.

Integrating a mix of practical, historical  and scientific study and analytical techniques, you will cover a range of subjects including studio and work-based practice, conservation theory, science, technical examination, preventive conservation, and research training skills.

With excellent manual dexterity, science and analytical skills, you will study a range of subjects including studio and work-based practice, conservation theory, art history, science, technical examination, preventive conservation and research training skills

This Conservation of Fine Art MA is employment-specific and provides you with the highly specialised knowledge and techniques essential to a career in art conservation.

In order to broaden your cultural perspective and enhance your practical learning experience, you will also have the opportunity to carry out a placement in the UK or internationally.. In recent years students have taken up local, national, and international placements with high profile institutions including the British Museum, the National Museum of Australia, the Rijksmuseum, the Tate, as well as with private conservation studios throughout the world.

You will be among a unique cohort of students choosing to study for Northumbria University’s Conservation of Fine Art MA, as the only Master of Arts programme in the UK that specialises in both the conservation of Easel Painting and Works of Art on Paper.

We welcome applications from students with a wide range of academic scientific and artistic backgrounds. Potential students come from a range of backgrounds including Fine Art, Art History and the Sciences. If you’d like to browse what other postgraduate programmes we offer or have any queries, please get in touch.

Throughout the duration of the programme, you will develop employability skills, not only as a conservation practitioner in your chosen specialism, but through participation in seminars and class discussions you develop important ‘soft skills’, that will enable you to take the first step in your career as a Conservator. Northumbria University is committed to enhancing employability of its alumni by supporting students in their career journey. In addition to completing a placement to further enhance your development you may also have the opportunity to present your research at a Student Symposium. 

We have a strong supportive alumni network which is important in providing placement and job opportunities.  Students are actively encouraged to organize and participate in placements in order to gain valuable workplace experience that can be taken forward into the second year.

We actively encourage students to engage with professional bodies, such as the Institute of Conservation (ICON), the International Institute for Conservation of Historic and Artistic works (IIC) and the International Council of Museums Committee for Conservation (ICOM-CC ), all of which have vibrant student and emerging conservator networks. Students are also encouraged to attend conferences, particularly those that are student-led, allowing you to network with professionals and peers working within the profession. You may also benefit from our formal partnerships with the Northumbria University Gallery and with several local and regional museums, such as Tyne and Wear Archives and Museums, Bowes Museum, V&A, and Tate.  We also have a long-standing link with the National Trust, who have provided students with opportunities for study and project work in the past. On completion of the programme, students find employment in galleries, museums, and other heritage institutions, or continue to carry out research at PhD level. 

Northumbria University Conservation of Fine Art alumni, are found in significant positions throughout the world. Some notable alumni include such as Virginia Lladó-Buisán, Head of Conservation & Collection Care, Bodleian Libraries, Britta New, Paintings Conservator at the National Gallery in London, Anne Slettemoen, Head of Conservation at the National Museum of Sweden (Stockholm), Alan Derbyshire, former Head of Paper, Book and Paintings at the V&A.