MSc Conservation of Contemporary Art and Media

The MSc in Conservation of Contemporary Art and Media based at UCL East is an interdisciplinary, object-based, problem-led, and sector-facing programme training the next generation of contemporary art conservators. Launched in 2023, the programme is the first of its kind in the UK to focus on the conservation of contemporary sculpture, installation art, time-based media artworks, and other contemporary creative and artistic expressions involving conceptual and social practices, performance, and technology. Established and led by experts in the field of contemporary art conservation, the programme ensures students are engaged with the current theoretical and ethical debates around the conservation and stewardship of contemporary art, design, and cultural heritage, alongside their hands-on training for real-world situations in varied professional settings and contexts.  

The MSc is a vocational programme designed for the future leaders of contemporary art conservation, and those with a strong ethical compass who will advocate for the art and culture of our time. Sustainability, racial and social equity, and the ethics and politics of conservation are issues that demand a rigorous grounding in both scientific and humanities-based thinking. This programme blends technical, object-based studio and lab work with critical thinking, amplified by close mentorship from specialist practitioners, scholars, and scientists working within the sector, and unique learning and training opportunities through institutional partnerships.