Master in Conservation

Course will be launched soon. 

Course Information

The programmes offered are vocational in nature and entail both theoretical lectures delivered in classes as well as practical elements that are delivered in laboratories and workshops, as the module requirements dictate. Each module or unit entails a number of in person and/or online contact learning hours that are delivered by the lecturer or tutor. Access to all resources is provided to all registered students. These include study resources in paper or electronic format through the Library and Resource Centre. Students may however be required to provide consumable material for use during practical sessions and projects unless these are explicitly provided by the College.

Assessment modes:

All units of study are assessed throughout the academic year through continuous assessment using a variety of tools.  Coursework tasks are exclusively based on the Learning Outcomes and Grading Criteria as prescribed in the course specification. The Learning Outcomes and Grading Criteria are communicated to the student via the coursework documentation.

The method of assessment shall reflect the Level, credit points (ECTS) and the schedule of time-tabled/non-timetabled hours of learning of each study unit. A variety of assessment instruments, not solely Time Constrained Assignments/Exams, are used to gather and interpret evidence of Student competence toward pre-established grading criteria that are aligned to the learning outcomes of each unit of the programme of study.

Grading criteria are assessed through a number of tasks, each task being assigned a number of marks. The number of grading criteria is included in the respective Programme Specification.

The distribution of marks and assessment mode depends on the nature and objectives of the unit in question. Coursework shall normally be completed during the semester in which the Unit is delivered. Time-constrained assignments (exams) may be held between 8 am and 8 pm during the delivery period of a Unit, or at the end of the semester in which the Unit is completed. The dates are notified and published on the Institute notice boards or through other means of communication.

Course Details:

This part-time postgraduate course in conservation-restoration studies provides a former graduate in conservation-restoration studies with the opportunity to obtain specialist knowledge, skills and competences in conservation-restoration in a particular area of studies on offer. While the programme offers some units which are common to all participants, other units focus on a specific area. During the five semesters, which include practice-led projects of the complexity commensurate to such a level of professional formation, the learner will complete formal education in conservation-restoration according to national and international standards. Moreover, through the dissertation project of choice the learner will engage in specialist research that contributes to the sector in a particular area of conservation-restoration. For this reason, the specialisation selected at this level shall be related to that selected at undergraduate level.

Career Paths:

The course prepares candidates to become professional conservators-restorers. A warrant to practice independently is mandatory according to Maltese Law.  This is awarded by the Restorer’s Warrant Board, Superintendence of Cultural Heritage, Valletta, following a case-by-case evaluation according to the requirements specified by Chapter 445 of the Maltese law.

Structure and Assessment:

The this is a part-time course spread over 5 semesters.  Four semesters are dedicated to theoretical and practical units.  A work-based learning component is an essential part of the course where candidates carry out practical work under the supervision of an expert, warranted conservator.  During Semester 5, candidates will work on their dissertation/thesis projects.  Assessments are ongoing; the format varies according to units and tasks assigned.

Learning Outcomes:

Determine Conservation-Restoration actions based on the careful examination and diagnosis of the cultural heritage and a thorough assessment of its needs.
Plan the necessary Conservation-Restoration actions according to the required legal, logistical and operational standards.
Apply the established Conservation-Restoration actions as per plan with vigilance and with attention to possible adjustments as necessary.
Evaluate the result of the Conservation-Restoration actions and communicate advice and recommendations for care and possible future actions.