Textile Conservation MPhil
Deconstructing the Artefact HISTART5097
- Academic Session: 2026-27
- School: School of Culture and Creative Arts
- Credits: 20
- Level: Level 5 (SCQF level 11)
- Typically Offered: Semester 1
- Available to Visiting Students: Yes
- Collaborative Online International Learning: No
- Curriculum For Life: No
Short Description
The course provides information on instrumental analysis to support conservation (including interpretation and contextualisation of data) and the properties of additional materials encountered in multi-media specialism-specific objects (such as leather, paint and metals). These aspects are explored through study and assessment of an individually assigned multi-media object from the Hunterian collection.
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Timetable
2 hours per week plus visits to conservation studios and scientific labs
Excluded Courses
None
Co-requisites
None
Assessment
The standard assessments for this course are:
■ Object record (3000 words) - 65%
■ Presentation: Public engagement - pitch and supporting proposal document (5 minute presentation & 1000 words) - 35%.
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 object record, but a flexible deadline and extra time can be offered as reasonable adjustments (students should follow the usual process for extensions)
■ In person, one-to-one presentation with follow-up questions as an alternative to the presentation
Further reasonable adjustments may be provided where necessary. Students are encouraged to consult with the course convenor.
Course Aims
This course aims to:
■ Broaden knowledge of the chemical and physical properties of materials encountered in multi-media artefacts within a historical and cultural context.
■ Introduce analytical methods to inform collection care and interventive and preventive conservation decisions for multi-media collections.
■ Introduce a range of analytical instruments used to identify materials and an appreciation of their application and limitations.
■ Communicate information in styles appropriate to specialist and non-specialist audiences.
Intended Learning Outcomes of Course
By the end of this course students will be able to:
■ Critically evaluate the material properties of mixed-media objects, considering their visual appearance, condition and context.
■ Formulate research questions relating to material aspects of historical objects.
■ Rationalise the choice of analytical techniques suitable for the investigation of mixed-media objects.
■ Articulate information effectively, adapting communication styles to both specialist and non-specialist audiences.