The Preparatory Programme in Conservation is designed to provide you with a solid foundation for progression to the two-year, full-time Master of Conservation, structured around three conservation streams: Decorative Architectural Surfaces, Easel Paintings, and Stone. The programme welcomes students with a first degree from a range of disciplines, who undertake a set of common core subjects alongside additional specialised subjects determined by their entry qualifications.
You will be introduced to the significance of paintings and stone artefacts, as well as to the fundamental principles that underpin conservation practice. Particular emphasis is placed on the study of artists’ materials and techniques, and on the physical history of works of art. This essential knowledge forms the basis for understanding artworks and planning their conservation treatment, preparing you for entry into the Master of Conservation.
Practical work is a fundamental and integral component throughout the programme. This includes material testing and replica making, as well as the examination and documentation of real case studies undertaken in the atelier and/or through fieldwork.
The Course shall be open to applicants in possession of:
a Bachelor’s degree in Conservation Studies from this University obtained with at least Second Class (Honours) or
a Bachelor's degree comprising not less than 180 ECTS credits and obtained with at least Second Class (Honours) or Category II in a discipline related to Archaeology, Architecture, Biology, Chemistry, Conservation and Restoration, Engineering, Fine Arts, History of Art or Physics or
qualifications deemed by Senate, on the recommendation of the Board, to be comparable to the qualification listed in paragraph (a).
Prior to their acceptance on the Course applicants must also obtain a mark of at least 60% in a test or tests as established by the Board. The test/s shall be held not later than one month before the start of the Course.
You can submit your application online. The deadlines for submission of applications vary according to the intake and courses. We encourage all international applicants to submit their applications as soon as possible. This is especially important if you require a visa to travel and eventually stay in Malta.
The University of Malta has student accommodation on campus called Campus Hub. Campus Hub is just a 2-minute walk from the main campus. For more information, visit the accommodation website.
Our dedicated team at the student recruitment office is here to support you every step of the way. From the moment you start your application to the moment when you receive your decision letter, we're here to assist you. If you have any questions or need further information, don't hesitate to reach out to us. You can contact us at info@um.edu.mt, and our team will be more than happy to help.
After you receive an offer from us, our International Office will assist you with visas, accommodation and other related issues.
In addition to the compulsory study-units, students are required to follow other compulsory study-units according to their qualifications and area of specialisation (Decorative Architectural Surfaces/Stone/Easel Paintings).
Semester 1
General Compulsory Units (All students must register for this/these unit/s)
Requirement for the successful completion of the Master in Conservation (Preparatory Programme): 60 ECTS credits.
By the end of the programme, you will be able to:
Demonstrate a working knowledge of scientific methods and their use to solve conservation related problems.
Identify the relationship between material structure, composition, characteristics and behaviour for wall paintings/ easel paintings/ stone and their various components.
Explain how the values of a building/ artwork/ archaeological site influence conservation decisions.
Determine the importance of value and ethics in conservation interventions and wider discussions.
Describe the processes used in the manufacture of a given decorative surface/ easel painting/ stone artifact, including materials and methods, using appropriate terminology.
Identify the most suitable documentation techniques for a specific situation, including non-invasive imaging techniques and graphic representations.
Understand original materials constituting the work of art (including minerals, pigments, binders) from a physico-chemical point of view, and how these materials interact one with the other and with the environment;
Understand the work of art they will work on from a historical, architectural, archaeological and art historical point of view;
Document and comprehend the work of art from a material point of view, including original materials and techniques, layers, causes and processes of deterioration;
Grasp principles and ethics of conservation and research methods which are going to be fundamental in their professional career to work ethically and responsibly.
Specifically, the Learning Outcomes for the Preparatory Programme are as follows:
Subject knowledge and understanding
Upon successfully completing the Preparatory Programme, you will be able to:
Demonstrate a working knowledge of scientific methods and their use to solve conservation related problems;
Identify the relationship between material structure, composition, characteristics and behaviour for wall paintings / easel paintings / stone and their various components;
Explain how the values of a building/artwork/archaeological site influence conservation decisions;
Determine the importance of value and ethics in conservation interventions and wider discussion;
Describe the processes used in the manufacture of a given decorative surface / easel painting / stone artifact, including materials and methods, using appropriate terminology;
Identify the most suitable documentation techniques for a specific situation, including noninvasive imaging techniques and graphic representations.
Intellectual development
Upon successfully completing the Preparatory Programme, you will be able to:
Reflect critically on conservation practice both of published case studies and case studies analysed in person (experienced first-hand with site work/atelier work and/or through site/museum visits when the decorative surface/artwork is the object of conservation;
Formulate ethical and values-based courses of action regarding the conservation of cultural heritage;
Engage in and adopt a multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary approach, in constant conversation with different expertise in the field;
Apply in all conservation decisions a knowledge based criticism, ethical and values-based.
Key/transferable skills
Upon successfully completing the Preparatory Programme, you will be able to:
Conduct simple laboratory tests to solve conservation-related problems, taking care of health and safety considerations and predict the behaviour of materials depending on their characteristics and their environment;
Determine the principal stages of development of a historic building or artwork and critically assess its key values;
Demonstrate how conservation ethics influence the decision-making process, in conservation and beyond;
Assess and systematically describe an architectural decorative surface / easel painting / stone artifact, identifying key stages and events in the history of the object through the examination of its materials and workmanship;
Exhibit the ability to handle traditional tools correctly and to choose and use traditional materials in a suitable manner to produce a replica of an architectural decorative surface / easel painting / stone artifact;
Generate a suitable record (documentation) of simple conservation interventions, making correct use of common procedures and conventions;
Produce professionally written reports on laboratory work and site work activities and research;
Develop good practical and manual skills and carry them out independently, and develop reflective learning, with the production of a journal/reflective diary throughout their practical sessions.
Other skills relevant to employability and personal development
Upon successfully completing the Preparatory Programme, you will be able to:
Demonstrate the ability to work in a multidisciplinary team, and to deal and discuss with other professionals working in related fields (architects, engineers, conservation scientists, curators, art historians) common issues;
Exhibit the ability to effectively communicate their findings and thoughts to their peers, supervisors, professionals working in related fields, and also people working in other unrelated fields;
Develop good time management and organisationalskills, delivering reports, assignments and concluding practical work according to given and negotiated deadlines;
Generate written documents which are explicative, clear, synthetic, according to negotiated deadlines.
Non EU Applicants:
Fee per academic year: Eur 10,800
You are viewing the fees for non EU nationals. Switch to EU nationals if you are a national of any country from within the EU/EEA.
The transferable skills gained from this preparatory programme will suitably prepare you to enter an Master of Conservation (Decorative Architectural Surfaces/Easel Paintings/Stone), both in terms of knowledge and practical skills, and can also serve as a platform for you to either join other MSc or take up an occupation in a related heritage or other sector.
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