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The degree programme in the Conservation and Restoration of Wall Paintings, Architectural Surfaces and Polychrome Stone focuses on the conservation of art and architectural heritage, as well as archaeological and museum artefacts.

The degree programme is designed, in the broadest sense, as a project-based programme. This means that methods, procedures and techniques can be developed, implemented and completed through specific projects within a holistic context – as in subsequent professional life – and through collaboration with other experts. The programme operates in close cooperation with other disciplines and higher education institutions, thereby fostering practical interdisciplinary collaboration.

The degree programme was established in 2003 and has, since then, built up an excellent network of national and international contacts through partnerships with heritage conservation organisations and museums. Of particular note is the close collaboration with the Landesamt für Denkmalpflege Baden-Württemberg (Baden-Württemberg State Office for the Preservation of Historical Monuments), which ensures that the programme is directly integrated into the local arts and cultural landscape and has access to fascinating case studies for research and practical work.

Outline of the profession

The field of work undertaken by conservators specialising in mural painting, architectural surfaces and polychrome stone is one of the most fascinating areas of art and historic building conservation. Art and cultural heritage, with their need for preservation, demand a constant dialogue with the object itself and the disciplines involved.

Career opportunities in the field of conservation and restoration are expanding steadily. This profession can be practised on a self-employed or freelance basis, with the option of working as part of a team, or as a salaried employee in museums, collections or research institutions, as well as in the field of heritage conservation, both nationally and internationally.

The work of conservators encompasses a wide range of conservation and restoration tasks, from planning through to practical implementation, including documentation. The conservation and restoration support for art exhibitions forms part of their remit, as do climate monitoring and providing advice on preventive conservation. The combination of theory and practice also opens up opportunities in research and teaching.

Further information on this career is available on the website of the Verband der Restauratoren VDR (Association of Conservators).

Bachelor’s degree

Duration and degree

Duration of study

Standard period of study 6 semesters

Degree

B.A. (Bachelor of Arts)

ECTS

180

Course content

The Bachelor’s programme provides students with the fundamental knowledge of the subject. Cross-disciplinary lectures and tutorials cover basic techniques for academic work, documentation and media literacy, whilst also laying the foundations in the natural sciences and the humanities. The interdisciplinary curriculum is supplemented by subject-specific lectures and seminars in materials science, art technology and conservation science.

Furthermore, students learn to assess the material composition of objects and their ageing processes in the context of their cultural significance. They gain an understanding of the professional evaluation of objects and materials, as well as methods for preserving them and repairing damage. This is accompanied by an in-depth understanding, from a materials science perspective, of historical, craft and artistic techniques, as well as modern conservation methods. Many interdisciplinary topics complement the subject-specific course of study, creating a varied and creative environment.

A large part of the Bachelor’s degree programme at the ABK Stuttgart is devoted to working on original objects, meaning that the practical component of the programme accounts for over 50 %.

Field trips both at home and abroad complement the curriculum and encourage students to engage with other disciplines.

Bachelor’s thesis and final examination
The Bachelor’s programme concludes with a four-month Bachelor’s dissertation and a final examination, leading to the award of a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.), and corresponds to Level 6 of the ‘Professional Guidelines’ of the European Confederation of Conservator-Restorers Organisations (E.C.C.O.). ecco-eu.org

Upon passing the Bachelor’s degree examination, graduates are eligible for a place on a Master’s programme. The B.A. degree does not yet qualify graduates to practise their profession independently, which is why the M.A. degree is recommended.

Regulations

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Master

Duration and degree

Duration of study

Standard period of study 4 semesters

Degree

M.A. (Master of Arts)

ECTS

120

Course content

The Master’s programme is characterised by a wide range of options and a high degree of academic freedom. The focus is on project work carried out on selected objects in the specialisms of mural painting, architectural surfaces and polychromy on stone, which gradually leads to students working independently and taking personal responsibility for their work. This means that conservation and restoration concepts are developed independently and put into practice.

Part of the MA programme is devoted to a short theoretical research project and corresponding practical experiments, which pave the way for the independent development of new conservation and restoration strategies.

Master’s students can choose from a wide range of block courses in the fields of materials science, archaeometry, art technology and conservation science, as well as modern objects and contemporary art, selecting those that interest them most and thus developing their own specialist profile (see the module handbook).

Master’s thesis
The Master’s programme culminates in a six-month Master’s thesis. Upon successful completion, students will have acquired skills in line with Level 7 of the E.C.C.O Professional Guidelines (ecco-eu.org). The M.A. degree qualifies you to practise the profession independently and to pursue a PhD.

Regulations

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Research

Research Projects

Doctoral programme

ABK Stuttgart has been offering doctoral programmes since 2002. It provides graduates of ABK Stuttgart and other universities with the opportunity, following completion of their Master’s thesis, to devote themselves to a multi-year research project and to make original contributions to the still nascent but dynamically developing field of conservation science.

Anyone wishing to pursue an academic career following their Master’s degree has the opportunity to undertake a doctorate at the ABK in the programme on the conservation and restoration of archaeological, ethnological or craft objects. If you are interested in such a doctoral programme, please contact the programme director.

The PhD regulations and further information on the PhD process, funding opportunities and current and completed PhD projects can be found under ‘Doctoral programme’.

Further Information

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Staff

Professors

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