Becoming a conservator

Conservation is a fascinating and rewarding career, combining elements of both the sciences and the arts.

You will need to have fine motor skills, an eye for detail, an instinct for the big picture, creative problem-solving skills and a lot of patience.

Some conservators spend most of their time at the bench, repairing and cleaning works of art or other cultural artefacts. Others manage preventive conservation programs or work on exhibitions.

You will need to study chemistry, conservation ethics, materials technology and deterioration, collection management principles, environmental issues and hands-on conservation skills.

Most people come to conservation after studying or working in a different field, such as art history, archaeology, fine arts, chemistry, physics or various trades.

It is a good idea to volunteer in a conservation lab or to gain some work experience before enrolling in a conservation course.

A professional qualification is offered by the University of Melbourne as a two-year Masters by Coursework. Students are able to specialise in paintings, objects or paper conservation. Contact the Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation for further information. 

From 2009 the University of Canberra will offer a Bachelor of Cultural Heritage Conservation degree, run through the Donald Horne Institute. The course structure will require students to undertake extended training sessions within heritage institutions, under the guidance of professional conservators.

See also our links page for other training courses available overseas.