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Develop the skills and competences to work towards becoming a professional ceramics conservator on one of our conservation courses focussing on ceramics. Conservation is a complex and exciting discipline and the College has a reputation for equipping students with the practical craft skills, science and theoretical knowledge required by employers in the sector.   

Perhaps you have previously studied archaeology, history of art or classics but would like to pursue a course with a more applied approach such as in museum studies courses. Our courses offer the chance to gain practical experience on live conservation and restoration projects. 

Take a Virtual Tour of the studios and college.

There are two levels of study on our ceramics conservation courses.

Level 6: Graduate Diploma in Conservation Studies
This full time conservation course allows you to further your interest in ceramics and porcelain repair and progress to the MA Conservation Studies.

Level 7: MA Conservation Studies
The global industry standard for conservation.

Graduate Diploma Conservation Studies which is for you if you are interested in studying our MA Conservation Studies but your undergraduate degree was not in a related field. The MA Conservation Studies is the global industry standard for studies in conservation. Our 46 week MA programme with seven day access to the studios and workshops gives you the opportunity to develop the high level specialist skills in ceramics sought by the sector. 

Challenges and strategies in object and collections care are introduced, including considerations of usage, exhibitions, environmental monitoring, and protective systems. Reflective practice is continuously developed to integrate practical, theoretical, conceptual and professional skills.

Icon accredited (PACR) teaching staff ensure all work is consistent with Professional Standards, thereby ensuring you start your career on a trajectory consistent with your own career goals.

You are provided with ceramic objects from museums and private collections to work on (from archaeological finds to decorative arts objects), to acquire and practise both established and developing techniques. Students have also been involved with preparing items from our own unique Collection for exhibition loans, including performing condition reports on The Lobster Phone by Salvador Dalí.     

Students work with different ceramic body types to develop and apply appropriate conservation treatments for objects, such as preventive care through to reconstruction and visual integration. You will use appropriate methods to document objects and assess their condition, discuss treatment strategies, and take part in decision-making. Outcomes are recorded, discussed and communicated as part of learning through practice. The work will increase in complexity and throughout your time you will work with increasing autonomy.

See specific examples of ceramics conservation projects and porcelain repair in our student blogs.

Level 7: MFA Craft Practices
A two-year full-time masters course designed to support you to further advance your practical, theoretical and professional skills, through an emphasis on specialist studio practice.