The specialisations that start in the academic year 2024-2025, are:
In 2025-2026 the other five specialisations are open for application:
The practical component for the nine conservation and restoration specialisations focuses on the understanding and preservation of artworks of cultural value, and related research. In the Technical Art History programme, you develop your insight into the composition and making of historical objects in their art historical context, and you develop technical skills in scientific analysis to support your research. Interdisciplinary projects are part of the programme in all specialisations. All students participate in presentations, lectures and symposia. The Master’s programme concludes with an individual thesis research.
The programme has a workload of 120 ECTS. For conservation specialisations the programme consist of: 36 ECTS of theory courses, 24 ECTS of courses in the development of conservation skills (lectures/workshops), 30 ECTS of object-based conservation practice training courses, and 18 ECTS thesis. The Technical Art History specialisation has a setup that differs from the schedule below.
To choose a career in conservation means to embark upon a lifetime journey of discovery and learning.Prof Ella Hendriks
In this Dutch video UvA students of the Master’s in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage talk about their restoration work in the Westerkerk in Enkhuizen.
The entire programme for becoming a conservator consists of two parts, the two-year Master’s programme and the two-year Advanced Professional Programme. The programme for a technical art historian consists of the two-year Master’s programme only.
With the exception of graduates from the Technical Art History specialisation, students who have completed the Master’s degree in Conservation and Restoration can apply for the Advanced Professional Programme (APP). APP-admitted students receive a modest grant to cover the tuition fees and living costs.
Completion of the Master’s degree qualifies you as an academic scholar in the field of Technical Art History or in Conservation and Restoration. It does not qualify you to be a conservator. You qualify as a conservator by successfully completing the subsequent Advanced Professional Programme.