Preventive Conservation MA
2 Years Part-Time by Distance Learning | September Start

The purpose of this module is to develop the participant’s ability in study skills and English language skills for academic purposes.

The module is designed to develop the participants as independent learners. The module is supported by a teaching and learning plan which outlines the formal sessions, together with the tutor-directed study and independent reading. An interactive approach to seminars will draw upon the directed learning undertaken and participants’ own experience of study skills. Directed learning will centre upon a range of activities including pre-reading, preparation for interactive activities and use of the discussion board on the e-learning platform.
Independent learning will focus upon the participants identifying those skills which they need to develop and understand through a range of learning activities that might include extended reading, and reflection. The sessions will attempt to follow the principles set out by the CEM model (Sloan and Porter, 2008)

During this module you will have an invaluable work placed learning experience in professional practice in which you can apply and further develop the theory that you have learnt in previous modules with regard to the care and preventive conservation of collections of moveable cultural heritage. The placement is for four days a week over a six week period during which you undertake the roles and responsibilities of a member of staff. As a result you will learn about the day-to-day operation of the institution, its administration and management, the respective roles and responsibilities of staff members and the scope and pace of the work involved. You will be involved with whatever is happening during that period whether it is installing or de-installing an exhibition, condition reporting and packing for transit, housekeeping, conservation cleaning, documentation, surveys, risk assessment, integrated pest management, writing reports, developing an emergency preparedness plan or attending staff training sessions or meetings. The learning materials from the previous modules will be available throughout the placement should you wish to consult them. It is your responsibility to secure the placement in advance of semester two and negotiate the placement assignment topic with the institution of your choice, both of which need to be approved by the programme leader to ensure that we are able to support your learning appropriately. Past students have often chosen an institution and placement topic that can contribute to the development of their personal research from which the dissertation may develop.

The Preventive Conservation Dissertation allows you to demonstrate original research with the potential to contribute to professional practice, prepare for publication and enhance employability. You will learn how to define your broad research area, which should be engaging and meaningful to you since it will be your strong, personal engagements through research projects that will drive your professional practice forward and help you to deliver dynamic and relevant outcomes. You will learn how to conduct and manage a literature search in order to identify what is already in the public domain in your area of interest. This will help develop the critical focus for your research and identify research questions. You will learn how to conduct quantitative and qualitative research in order to generate the primary date that will make your research unique. You will learn about ethical standards within professional practice and across the University. Where appropriate you will learn how to draw upon your experience of professional practice alongside academic citations. You will learn to frame and present your research in a powerful and persuasive dialogue that underpins your findings and outcomes. You will present your work within a 15,000 word dissertation in a clear, logical manner with appropriate referencing that also enables you to demonstrate project and time management skills in terms of completing a major project to deadline. The Dissertation will further refine your skills as a critical thinker, reflective practitioner and independent learner and provide you with a framework for continuing personal and professional development.

As a Preventive Conservator you will be responsible for minimising the deterioration of artefacts in your care. In order to do so with confidence and competence you need to understand the physical and chemical characteristics of the materials from which the artefacts have been made as well as the factors that can impact on their condition.
You will be introduced to the changes that can occur over time in different materials found in museum collections. These will include paper, paintings, metals, wood, leather, ceramics, natural history specimens, wood and textiles. You will be shown images of the material in good condition followed by images of the characteristic types of degradation that can occur. A description of the physical changes that have taken place will be provided alongside the factors that have contributed to the change. The science will be used to explain the chemical changes that have taken place resulting in the degradation characteristics.
The factors that contribute to changes in materials will be considered including: those inherent to the materials, the impact of ancillary materials, relative humidity and temperature, the quality and quantity of light, insects, atmospheric pollutants, climate change, seismic activity and fire. In addition, you will be introduced to approaches to environmental management, mitigation and monitoring that can reduce the impact of environmental factors on materials including: risk assessment, museum design, display, storage, transit, integrated pest management and emergency preparedness, response and recovery as well as approaches to data collection and interpretation,
What you will learn during this module will be challenging, exciting and fundamental to your future professional practice.