This course provides a broad programme of practical and theoretical work. Through hands-on working experience of organic objects from real collections, students develop and understand conservation decisions and techniques. Studio work is supported by science, museology and technical studies, allowing you to expand knowledge and skills and respond confidently to a wide variety of professional opportunities. The high standing of our undergraduate course has generated links with institutions internationally, enabling you to gain invaluable opportunities for work placements and employment. This course is ideally suited to those interested in both art and science who care about the survival of worldwide cultural heritage.   
                
This course has links with major cultural and heritage institutions which help support student placements with organisations such as Windsor Castle, the London Fire Brigade Museum, the Cumming Museum  and Liberty. There are also opportunities for students to work with museum curators in the preparation of exhibitions.

Year 1

You will establish a knowledge and skills base, and undertake a professional visits programme. This begins a process of reflecting on the nature and role of your discipline and its importance for contemporary and future culture. The structure and condition of a variety of materials are explored, followed by extensive treatment of paper-based material. You will also engage with group projects exploring the meaning of cultural artefacts and be encouraged to take on work experience.

Year 2

Your knowledge will widen to encompass textiles, photographs, archival material and ethnography, including a period of off-site work experience. You will continue to reflect on the values embedded in material culture. Your group project will explore the meanings and uses of a particular object and advising on its future care. You will take an elective unit, selected from a broad range of options to enhance your core subject of study.

Electives - This programme is undertaken by all 2nd year BA students and offers a menu of complementary studies that allows you to broaden your enquiry both in practical terms and in relation to critical and professional contexts. There is the opportunity to strengthen your practice, deepen a particular seam of critical enquiry and expand technical skills in specific media or processes.

Year 3

Work is more independent and studio-based, with an emphasis on project management, personal planning and complex problem-solving in the treatment of objects in your specialist area. This year culminates in a public exhibition of work, attended by practicing conservators and heritage professionals. Our links with museums, institutions and individuals offer the chance for you to work with material sources from significant collections.

*Students holding a Foundation degree (FdA) in a related subject may be considered for the 3rd year bridging unit, which enables students to apply to the 3rd Year BA (Hons) degree courses in Conservation *

Recent graduates are working in the field of textiles, ethnography, book, paper and photographic conservation at major heritage institutions such as St Paul's Cathedral, the British Library, Tate Britain and the Wellcome Trust and many overseas institutions. A high percentage of graduates go on to work in conservation departments in leading cultural and heritage institutions.
 

Entry Requirements for BA Conservation

• 2 GCE Advanced 'A' level in relevant subjects for example English, History, Art History, Philosophy or a science, OR equivalent BTEC National Diploma/Access courses in Conservation/Foundaiton, supported by 3 GCSE Grade C or above.
• Supporting portfolio of work demonstrating manual/craft skills (art and craft based)
• EU/International students must show proof of equivalent qualification and IELTS 6.0 in English on enrolment
• Applications are welcome from students who are returning to education after a break and have evidence of related experience/prior learning

Entry Requirements for students wishing to apply to Bridging unit to join 3rd Year BA Conservation

FdA graduates must be experienced in Conservation and demonstrate competence to an appropriate level to enter the Honours-level year, and demonstrate their willingness and readiness to undertake extended academic writing.

FdA graduates must have achieved or be expected to achieve a Merit or above on completion of the FdA course and must show proof of an IELTS score of 6.0, if English is not their first language

A candidate's suitability will be explored at interview and through the submission of a portfolio of their work. The following selection criteria will apply for the 3rd year bridging unit.

Candidates/port folios must show evidence of:

1. The understanding and application of subject knowledge and underlying principles.
2. Management of learning through reflection, planning, self-direction, subject engagement and commitment.
3. Clarity of purpose; skills in book and archive materials; awareness and adoption of appropriate professional ethics and procedures
4. Systematic identification and investigation of appropriate sources.

You need to apply through the UCAS online application system. You can complete your UCAS application from anywhere that has internet access.

All Camberwell College of Arts UCAS Course Codes can be found on the course 'At a Glance' tab or on the UCAS website.

Our University code is UAL.

Our College Code is U65.

There is no 'Campus Code' for Camberwell College of Arts.

For further information about UCAS, or their application procedure, please contact them directly.

T: +44 (0)870 1122211
E: enq@ucas.ac.uk

For any other information please contact Camberwell College of Arts.

T: 020 7514 6302
E: enquiries@camberwell.arts.ac.uk

How to apply to the Bridging Programme for entry to 3rd Year Conservation

Students that meet the selection criteria (detailed on the Entry Requirements tab) can apply for the Bridging Unit which enables entry to the 3rd Year of the BA Conservation course.

To apply download an Application form, AND a Reference form complete and return both to the address on the application form.

Applications should be received no later than 5 March 2010

Interviews are expected to take place w/c 15 March 2010

For the interview you should bring your portfolio of work and any other art and design work that may be appropriate. At interview the tutors will discuss your personal statement, portfolio of work and your motivation and career aspirations with you.