Care of Collections - MSc

This vocational programme offers exceptional training in preventive conservation and the management of cultural and heritage collections, regardless of humanities or science background.

Overview

We are highly regarded within the sector nationally and internationally for this vocational MSc Care of Collections programme, which offers exceptional training in preventive conservation and the management of cultural and heritage collections regardless of humanities or science background. 

You will become adept in the skills essential for a heritage career including project design and report writing, and gain valuable museum or heritage experience.

Twinned with a heritage organisation in the UK, you will experience collection management and operation in the working environment. You are not expected to have a high level of scientific knowledge for this programme, but a strong interest in the subject is anticipated.

Designed with entry to the heritage profession in mind, our stimulating programme embodies elements of art and science and includes a wide range of transferable skills.

Distinctive features

• Our range of programmes is designed for all entry levels, from experienced practitioner to graduate wishing to enter the sector.
• Taught by internationally-recognised experts in the field.
• The degree offers specialist skills for building a portfolio of qualifications for entry to the museum sector. 
• You will be ‘twinned’ with a real heritage organisation and have the opportunity to study the operation of this organisation and how it relates to the care of collections.
• Committed to opening up the profession regardless of discipline background, we do not presume a significant level of scientific knowledge.
• High proportion of transferable skills (particularly in research, project design and report writing).

Learning and assessment

How will I be taught?

We teach via seminars, lectures and assessed work to combine theoretical knowledge with realistic practical applications, including in partner museum and related heritage organisations. 

Teaching usually takes place on Thursdays and Fridays, with additional tutorials and field trips on Wednesdays.

How will I be supported?

On enrolment, you are assigned your own Personal Tutor and provided with teaching and learning resources, including Postgraduate Handbook. Additional specific module resources are made available during the programme.

We offer one-to-one time in set office hours during teaching weeks, and also welcome email contact. Additionally, you can make appointments to see your personal tutor on a one-to-one basis about any issue. Our Professional Services team is also available for advice and support.

Your personal tutor is your contact point to discuss any problems arising from the course. Further queries should be addressed to the School.

Many students choose discursive dissertations but for those preferring laboratory-based projects focused on care of collections there are a wide range of analytical facilities in-house. These include:

• Analytical SEM
• Climatic chambers
• Digital microscopy
• Photographic facilities (featuring dedicated image processing laboratory)
• Computer suite
• Feedback

Discussion of assignments is offered and written feedback is provided on summative assessment. You are encouraged to discuss your ideas with module tutors both in seminars and one-to-one in office hours.

Career prospects

Graduates of this and similar degree programmes have embarked on careers in a range of professions from academia, the heritage sector, journalism and law to media research (media, commercial, academic), teaching and publishing. A significant number choose to continue studies at PhD level.

Recent graduate destinations include CADW, Church in Wales, Council for British Archaeology, Glamorgan Archives, Heritage Lottery Fund, National Trust, Tate Gallery, Welsh Assembly Government and a range of universities in the UK and overseas.

Visit the Care of Collections - MSc page on the Cardiff University website for more details!