Book & Paper Conservation MPhil
Book and Paper Conservation Placement HISTART5167
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Culture and Creative Arts
- Credits: 60
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Summer
- Available to Visiting Students: No
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
Students undertake a full-time 6-8 week work placement in the conservation department of their conservation discipline at a major institution at the end of the first year of study. It gives opportunities to develop practical skills through an intensive period of conservation practice and to experience the way books and archival materials fit into a cultural heritage institution.
Timetable
2 x 1hr lecture
3 hours total of project supervision to be arranged with a supervisor
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
The standard assessments for this course are:
■ ePortfolio (8000 words) - 80%
■ Presentation (10 minutes) - 20%
If required, for instance where a disability prevents a student from undertaking a specific method of assessment, the following alternatives are available:
■ There is no alternative to the ePortfolio, but a flexible deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)
■ There is no alternative to the presentation, but a flexible deadline can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)
Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.
Main Assessment In: August
Course Aims
This course aims to:
■ Provide the opportunity to gain an insight into the work environment through experiencing at first-hand conservation in professional practice
■ Provide the opportunity to understand differences in approach between institutions and to apply the learning on the programme in context
■ Consolidate and develop knowledge and understanding of the theory and practice of textile conservation through work-related learning
■ Offer opportunities to make contact with colleagues in the field, to explore potential future career paths and to begin to establish a profile within the profession
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ Critically reflect on development of skills in textile conservation practice and emerging professional attributes
■ Critically evaluate the role of conservators in a wider cultural heritage context
■ Apply conservation theory and practice sympathetic to the needs of the placement context
■ Communicate effectively with a range of specialist and general audiences