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Textile Conservation MPhil
Textile Conservation is a multidisciplinary subject which combines academic knowledge with cultural awareness, aesthetic sensitivity and technical skill. This MPhil is both an academic programme and professional training; it will give you a framework of theoretical knowledge and a range of practical experience which will enable you to contribute to the understanding and preservation of culturally significant textile artefacts.
- If you are looking to enter a career in textile conservation practice in a museum or other institution, or to pursue doctoral-level research in this field, this programme is designed for you.
- In the most recent independent review of research quality (RAE 2008), History of Art at Glasgow was rated the highest of all universities in the UK.
- You will be based in our newly refurbished conservation laboratories. The facilities include workrooms, a wet lab, dye lab, chemistry lab and well-equipped analytical lab.
- You will benefit from our close links with Glasgow Museums, as well as the University’s own Hunterian Museum. Glasgow’s civic and university collections are some of the richest and most diverse in Europe and are of international standing. You will have the opportunity to draw on the museums’ rich and varied textile collections.
- You will take part in a project-based work placement, where you can explore a possible future career while meeting professional practitioners and developing your skills and experience.
Programme overview
- MPhil: 24 months full-time; 48 months part-time
You will take core courses over two semesters in each year, with a work placement in the summer between the first and second years. You will write up your dissertation over the second summer and submit it at the end of August.
The core courses will develop an understanding of
- the practical skills used in textile conservation
- related practical skills including dyeing and photography
- the science underpinning textile deterioration and conservation treatments
- preventive conservation techniques
- the technological, cultural, historic and aesthetic contexts of textile artefacts
- the place of conservation in the wider cultural sector.
Core courses
- Research methods
- Principles and practice: core skills and ethics
- Material cultures
- Principles and practice: developing skills
- Preventive conservation
- Understanding textiles: technology
- Principles and practice: advanced skills
- Conservation in practice
- Deconstructing the artefact
- Principles and practice: conservation projects
- Professional practice
- Project management.
Career prospects
Career opportunities include positions working in museums and historic houses in the UK and around the world. The programme also provides an excellent platform for you to move onto PhD studies and an academic career.
Further information: Ms Frances Lennard
email: Frances.Lennard@glasgow.ac.uk
- An Honours degree, at 2.1 or above, or international equivalent.
- GCSE /Higher/international equivalent Chemistry qualification. A pass in the International Academic Projects distance-learning course Chemistry for Conservators is an acceptable alternative. See http://www.academicprojects.co.uk/ .
- Good manual skills – demonstrated by examples, preferably of stitching – examples are brought to interview.
- Previous conservation or museum experience is not an essential requirement, although it is necessary to demonstrate an interest in this work. It is recommended that candidates visit local conservation laboratories to gain a good insight into the type of work that goes on. Contact details can be provided.
English language
If your first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level. For this programme you will need to meet the general English Language requirement. See English Language Requirements.
Further information regarding entry requirements: student.recruitment@glasgow.ac.uk
We ask that you apply online for a postgraduate taught degree. Our system allows you to fill out the standard application form online and submit this to the University within 42 days of starting your application.
You need to read the guide to applying online before starting your application. It will ensure you are ready to proceed, as well as answer many common questions about the process.
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