Graduate Diploma
Conservation Studies Graduate Diploma
Conservation Studies

Postgraduate EventsApply Now
Postgraduate EventsApply Now

Key Information

Campus

Brayford Pool

Typical Offer

See More

Duration

1 year

Part-time

2 years

Campus

Brayford Pool

Typical Offer

See More

Duration

1 year

Part-time

2 years

Academic Years

Course Overview

The Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies is an intensive one-year conversion course which aims to enable graduates from a non-conservation background to advance their knowledge and skills.

Students have the opportunity to access a range of analytical equipment and learn from practitioners with extensive experience. They can also benefit from the team's strong links with museums, professional bodies, and heritage agencies.

During this course, students will be expected to produce their own portfolios of specialist drawings and photographs, and have the chance to develop technical skills for the treatment of historic objects. Students will be encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to involve themselves in live projects.

Course Overview

The Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies is an intensive one-year conversion course which aims to enable graduates from a non-conservation background to advance their knowledge and skills.

Students have the opportunity to access a range of analytical equipment and learn from practitioners with extensive experience. They can also benefit from the team's strong links with museums, professional bodies, and heritage agencies.

During this course, students will be expected to produce their own portfolios of specialist drawings and photographs, and have the chance to develop technical skills for the treatment of historic objects. Students will be encouraged to take advantage of opportunities to involve themselves in live projects.

Why Choose Lincoln

Learn from practitioners with extensive experience

Develop a portfolio of specialist drawings and photographs

Take part in live projects

Advance your knowledge and skills in conservation

Access a range of specialist equipment

Benefit from this intensive conversion course

A student working on preserving a book

How You Study

You are able to access a wide variety of historic materials and can focus on your remedial treatment and preventive conservation. You will also receive a free tool kit and personal protection equipment for use during your studies.

The composition and delivery of the course is different for each module and may include lectures, seminars, workshops, independent study, practical work in conservation labs, research, and one-to-one learning.

Weekly contact hours on this programme may vary depending on the individual modules and the stage of study. Postgraduate-level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour in class, students are expected to spend at least two - three hours in independent study. For more detailed information, please contact the programme leader.

How You Study

You are able to access a wide variety of historic materials and can focus on your remedial treatment and preventive conservation. You will also receive a free tool kit and personal protection equipment for use during your studies.

The composition and delivery of the course is different for each module and may include lectures, seminars, workshops, independent study, practical work in conservation labs, research, and one-to-one learning.

Weekly contact hours on this programme may vary depending on the individual modules and the stage of study. Postgraduate-level study involves a significant proportion of independent study, exploring the material covered in lectures and seminars. As a general guide, for every hour in class, students are expected to spend at least two - three hours in independent study. For more detailed information, please contact the programme leader.

Modules

              † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

              Applied Practical Skills 2025-26CON3061MLevel 62025-26This module introduces generic practical skills used in the treatment of a range of historic objects. Beginning with simple objects, students have the opportunity to progress to more complex challenges as their skills and knowledge increase. Students can develops awareness of the practices and procedures common to areas of conservation treatment including laboratory and bench skills, documentation skills and basic decision-making skills.CoreConservation Processes 2025-26CON3062MLevel 62025-26In semester A of this module students will have the opportunity to study the theory and application of basic conservation principles related to observation, documentation, condition assessment and cleaning of historic objects. In semester B, students have the opportunity to learn the theory and application of basic conservation principles related to the repair of historic objects with a focus on adhesives, consolidants and gap filling.CoreConservation Science 2025-26CON3063MLevel 62025-26The module introduces students to basic chemistry concepts, and the scientific study of materials commonly found in cultural heritage. Students can develop a systematic approach to scientific investigation and examination of historic objects and an understanding to the nature of different materials, technological factors and the processes of deterioration. Laboratory skills will be reinforced and an understanding of the application of regulations related to laboratory health and safety procedures.CoreConservation Theory 2025-26CON3064MLevel 62025-26This module aims to provide the underpinning basic theoretical knowledge related to historic materials, on which the discipline of conservation is based. Students are introduced to a range of conservation techniques, through lectures discussing a range of different material types and their potential deterioration.CoreDocumentation Techniques 2025-26CON3065MLevel 62025-26This module provides an introduction to the recording skills necessary for a practicing conservator. Various forms of documentation encountered in the practice of conservation will be introduced, and drawing and photography recordings skills developed. Students are introduced to the basic principles of photography, lighting techniques and their application in conservation. The conventions and standard representations used in record drawing are also introduced.CorePreventive Conservation 2025-26CON3066MLevel 62025-26This module provides an introduction to the preventive conservation skills needed to undertake basic care of collections. Students are introduced to practical preventive conservation and collections management procedures, and have the opportunity to gain experience in environmental monitoring and surveying. Topics such as integrated pest management and emergency planning are also discussed.Core

              Modules

                          † Some courses may offer optional modules. The availability of optional modules may vary from year to year and will be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed. Optional module selection may also be affected by staff availability.

                          Applied Practical Skills 2024-25CON3061MLevel 62024-25This module introduces generic practical skills used in the treatment of a range of historic objects. Beginning with simple objects, students have the opportunity to progress to more complex challenges as their skills and knowledge increase. Students can develops awareness of the practices and procedures common to areas of conservation treatment including laboratory and bench skills, documentation skills and basic decision-making skills.CoreConservation Processes 2024-25CON3062MLevel 62024-25In semester A of this module students will have the opportunity to study the theory and application of basic conservation principles related to observation, documentation, condition assessment and cleaning of historic objects. In semester B, students have the opportunity to learn the theory and application of basic conservation principles related to the repair of historic objects with a focus on adhesives, consolidants and gap filling.CoreConservation Science 2024-25CON3063MLevel 62024-25The module introduces students to basic chemistry concepts, and the scientific study of materials commonly found in cultural heritage. Students can develop a systematic approach to scientific investigation and examination of historic objects and an understanding to the nature of different materials, technological factors and the processes of deterioration. Laboratory skills will be reinforced and an understanding of the application of regulations related to laboratory health and safety procedures.CoreConservation Theory 2024-25CON3064MLevel 62024-25This module aims to provide the underpinning basic theoretical knowledge related to historic materials, on which the discipline of conservation is based. Students are introduced to a range of conservation techniques, through lectures discussing a range of different material types and their potential deterioration.CoreDocumentation Techniques 2024-25CON3065MLevel 62024-25This module provides an introduction to the recording skills necessary for a practicing conservator. Various forms of documentation encountered in the practice of conservation will be introduced, and drawing and photography recordings skills developed. Students are introduced to the basic principles of photography, lighting techniques and their application in conservation. The conventions and standard representations used in record drawing are also introduced.CorePreventive Conservation 2024-25CON3066MLevel 62024-25This module provides an introduction to the preventive conservation skills needed to undertake basic care of collections. Students are introduced to practical preventive conservation and collections management procedures, and have the opportunity to gain experience in environmental monitoring and surveying. Topics such as integrated pest management and emergency planning are also discussed.Core

                          How you are assessed

                          Students may be assessed through coursework comprised of a presentation, an essay, a progress test, reports, practical work, and portfolios of drawings and photographs.

                          The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to you promptly - usually within 15 working days after the submission date.

                          How you are assessed

                          Students may be assessed through coursework comprised of a presentation, an essay, a progress test, reports, practical work, and portfolios of drawings and photographs.

                          The University of Lincoln's policy on assessment feedback aims to ensure that academics will return in-course assessments to you promptly - usually within 15 working days after the submission date.

                          Lincoln Conservation

                          The University is home to Lincoln Conservation, a company that combines research, teaching, and commercial expertise. There may be opportunities within the year to apply to work on live projects, providing the chance to the fain professional experience and contextualise learning. The University’s reputation in the cultural heritage sector can also lead to opportunities for students to gain hands-on experience on historical materials from museums and private collections.

                          Lincoln Cathedral and the Bailgate area

                          Research Areas and Topics

                          The University of Lincoln’s Centre for Conservation and Cultural Heritage was formed in 2011 to co-ordinate academic research activities in conservation, history, and science in relation to the heritage sector. Members share an interest in historic material culture and its conservation and analysis. They have access to science-based methodologies for materials analysis and the historical expertise needed to articulate the significance of this analysis. Members work with the museum sector as conservators, curators, and consultants.

                          Research themes of the group include architectural paint research, cultural history, and historic and ancient materials.

                          How to Apply

                          Postgraduate Application Support

                          Applying for a postgraduate programme at Lincoln is easy. Find out more about the application process and what you'll need to complete on our How to Apply page. Here, you'll also be able to find out more about the entry requirements we accept and how to contact us for dedicated support during the process.

                          How to Apply
                          A student listening in a seminar

                          Interview Support

                          Some of our postgraduate courses may require you to attend an interview before we can make you an offer to study with us. To support you with preparation, our expert Careers Service is delivering a Postgraduate Interview Advice Webinar on Wednesday 30 October 2024 which will provide you with an overview of our interview process, as well as helpful advice.

                          Book Your Place
                          A group of students working together on a project

                          Entry Requirements 2025-26

                          Entry Requirements

                          Honours degree in any discipline or equivalent professional experience.

                          If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages : https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

                          Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

                          If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

                          Entry Requirements 2024-25

                          Entry Requirements

                          Honours degree in any discipline or equivalent professional experience.

                          If you have studied outside of the UK, and are unsure whether your qualification meets the above requirements, please visit our country pages : https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/entryrequirementsandyourcountry/ for information on equivalent qualifications.

                          Overseas students will be required to demonstrate English language proficiency equivalent to IELTS 6.0 overall, with a minimum of 5.5 in each element. For information regarding other English language qualifications we accept, please visit the English Requirements page https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/englishlanguagerequirements/.

                          If you do not meet the above IELTS requirements, you may be able to take part in one of our Pre-session English and Academic Study Skills courses. https://www.lincoln.ac.uk/studywithus/internationalstudents/englishlanguagerequirementsandsupport/pre-sessionalenglishandacademicstudyskills/. These specialist courses are designed to help students meet the English language requirements for their intended programme of study.

                          Course Fees

                          The Graduate Diploma in Conservation Studies is not an eligible course for funding from the Student Loans Company or US Federal Student Aid. For more information, please contact fundingadvice@lincoln.ac.uk.

                          It is a level 6 qualification per the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications of Degree-awarding Bodies in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

                          For overseas students who wish to bring a dependant with them, this course would not generally qualify for a visa for your dependant. For further advice, please email internationaladvice@lincoln.ac.uk.

                          Course Fees

                          Course Fees

                          The Graduate Diploma in Conservation Studies is not an eligible course for funding from the Student Loans Company or US Federal Student Aid. For more information, please contact fundingadvice@lincoln.ac.uk.

                          It is a level 6 qualification per the Framework for Higher Education Qualifications of Degree-awarding Bodies in England, Wales, and Northern Ireland.

                          For overseas students who wish to bring a dependant with them, this course would not generally qualify for a visa for your dependant. For further advice, please email internationaladvice@lincoln.ac.uk.

                          Course Fees

                          The course has been a very rewarding experience, one that has pushed me to use and build on a wide range of skills. The encouragement and expertise of the teaching staff have been invaluable, helping me to develop my own abilities and explore my interests within the field of conservation

                          Mair Trueman

                          Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies

                          Career Development

                          This programme is designed to provide students from non-conservation backgrounds with the opportunity to develop the skills, knowledge, and understanding required to undertake the study of conservation at Master’s level. For others, it may provide a foundation for further training or work in fields allied to conservation.

                          Academic Contact

                          For more information about this course, please contact the Programme Leader.

                          Henning Schulze
                          hschulze@lincoln.ac.uk

                          Postgraduate Events

                          To get a real feel for what it is like to study at the University of Lincoln, we hold a number of dedicated postgraduate events and activities throughout the year for you to take part in.

                          Upcoming Postgraduate Events
                          A group of students sat around a table, working together on a project
                          The University intends to provide its courses as outlined in these pages, although the University may make changes in accordance with the Student Admissions Terms and Conditions.