Conservation with Specialisation in Conservation of Cultural Heritage Objects, Master's Program

Preserving works of art is necessary for the appreciation of our tangible heritage by future generations. Materials used to produce works of art are often intrinsically susceptible to chemical degradation; conservation aims to stabilise and understand how we can preserve cultural heritage and works of art. Climate change and the increased demand for access to works of art in exhibitions are challenges that conservators address.

The International Master's Programme in Conservation of Cultural Heritage Objects incorporates professional codes of ethics and scientific methods of analysis in assessing the condition of artefacts and implementing preventive and remedial methods for conservation. At the programme, you will develop methodological and technical skills while incorporating critical thinking in conservation, reflecting on how your decisions influence context and treatment.

The master’s programme is given in accordance with the European professional standard for conservation developed by the European Confederation of Conservators-Restorers Organisations (E.C.C.O.) and the European Network for Conservation/Restoration Education (ENCoRE). This allows you to work both in Sweden and internationally.

The programme offers practical in-depth studies in:

• Documentation Photography and Video Production;
• 3D Modelling;
• Technical Photography;
• X-Ray fluorescence spectroscopy (XRF);
• Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR);
• Raman Spectroscopy, and
• Scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive x-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS).

A unique opportunity to specialise

The programme offers a new specialisation at each start of the programme. In the academic year 2024/2025, we offer archaeological materials as a specialisation.

Archaeological materials are a group of cultural heritage objects that were discovered from archaeological excavations from terrestrial and seawater environments. Due to long-term burial in soil or water and changes in the environment during excavation, some special considerations should be applied before, during and after excavation. The aim of this specialisation is to teach you all aspects of field conservation activities, the methods of study and analysis of archaeological materials as well as post-excavation conservation operations in the lab.

In the following academic year, 2025/2026, the specialisation is stone. Specialisations for the upcoming years are metals, monumental art, glass and ceramics, paper, and conservation science.

A firm grounding in research and collaboration

The Department of Conservation has a strong historical position in Sweden and has been operating for over four decades. Internships and student research are based on a strong network of collaborations with national and international organisations including the Swedish National Heritage Board (RAA).

Safeguarding cultural heritage

Working as a conservator, you contribute to the Global Goals by keeping the cultural heritage accessible and alive for future generations. By preserving objects, interiors, and building elements, you continuously work towards target 11.4, which is about strengthening efforts to protect and safeguard the world's cultural and natural heritage.

Environmental work at the programme

In the master’s programme, you use different types of solvents, chemicals, and single-use items to preserve cultural heritage objects. The University has agreements with enterprises that recycle chemicals and waste, and we use green solvents or the most environmentally friendly option in our courses. We have a policy for dealing with single-use items and during your studies, you are introduced to sustainable practices within the field of conservation.