The Master of Art Conservation program trains students for careers in conservation laboratories and research facilities at art galleries, museums, libraries, archives, and independent conservation studios. The program offers two streams: in the Art Conservation Treatment Stream, students specialize in the conservation of paintings, artifacts, or paper objects, complete a research project, and undertake two 12-week summer internships; in the Art Conservation Research Stream, students complete original research and a thesis with no treatment component, through either a Mid-Career Research Stream or a Conservation Science Research Stream. Coursework draws on chemistry, art history, and studio practice, and eligible students may take classes in the Department of Art History. Graduates go on to positions in museums, galleries, and archives worldwide, as well as to doctoral programs in North America, Europe, and Australia. Applications are due January 15 each year, with interviews held in March; applicants offered an interview present a portfolio of their work.
Requirements
Admission Requirements: Admission requires a four-year honours bachelor's degree in the humanities, sciences, or engineering with a minimum B+ average, at least three terms of university-level chemistry including one term of organic chemistry, and one full year (or two single-term courses) of post-secondary fine art studio or workshop practice. Applicants with a humanities degree need a minimum of five full-year (or ten single-term) courses in art history, ethnology, archaeology, or an equivalent field; applicants with a science or engineering degree need at least two full-year (or four single-term) courses in the same areas. The Conservation Science Research Stream requires a science or engineering background rather than the studio-practice course. The Mid-Career Research Stream additionally requires a minimum of five years of work experience as a conservator. Good visual sensitivity and manual skills are recommended, and prior experience in conservation or conservation science is highly recommended. Applicants must submit a statement of interest, curriculum vitae, two letters of recommendation, and an official transcript; those offered an interview must present a portfolio of their work. International applicants may need to submit TOEFL scores.
