Book & Paper Conservation

This two-year Masters brings together skills training, research, professional practice and applied science. The programme has core common courses and courses tailored to your elected specialism in either Book and Archival Materials Conservation or Paper Conservation. You will have hands-on access to our world-class collections and be based in the Kelvin Centre for Conservation and Cultural Heritage Research, a unique professional, collections-based teaching environment with state-of-the-art scientific equipment and conservation facilities.

2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in a relevant subject.

• You will also require GCSE/Higher/international equivalent Chemistry qualification. A pass in the International Academic Projects distance-learning course Chemistry for Conservators is an acceptable alternative, as is a pass in a college/university course such as Chemistry 101.
• A portfolio of examples which demonstrate attention to detail and quality of finish should be made available electronically in PDF format 3 days ahead of the interview. If you are applying for the Book & Archival Materials Conservation specialism the portfolio should include at least one example related to book production or book conservation. If you are applying for the Paper Conservation specialism the portfolio should include at least one example using paper or related to paper conservation.
• Personal Statement (information about skills, experience and motivations for applying for this programme). You should indicate on your personal statement which specialism you are applying for: Book & Archival Materials Conservation or Paper Conservation.
• A sample of academic writing (extract from a dissertation, an essay or equivalent) 300-500 words.
• Previous conservation or museum experience is not an essential requirement, although it is necessary to demonstrate an interest and awareness of the conservation profession. It is recommended that candidates visit local conservation studios to gain insight into the type of work which is conducted.
• Applicants meeting these requirements will be invited to interview.
• Interviews for entry in 2025 will take place in the week commencing 17th February 2025.

For applicants whose first language is not English, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training)

• 7.0 overall with no subtest less than 6.5
• IELTS One Skill Retake Accepted
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Common equivalent English language qualifications accepted for entry to this programme

TOEFL (ibt, my best or athome)

• 96 overall with Reading 23; Listening 23; Speaking 23; Writing 24
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements, this includes TOEFL mybest.

Pearsons PTE Academic

• 66 overall with no subtest less than Reading 60; Listening 59; Speaking 59; Writing 74
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE)

• 185 overall, no subtest less than 176
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Oxford English Test

• 8 overall with Reading and Listening no less than 7 and Writing and Speaking no less than 8
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

LanguageCert Academic SELT

• 75 overall with two subtests at 75 and no subtest less than 70
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Password Skills Plus

• 7.0 overall with no subtest less than 6.5
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

Trinity College Tests

• Integrated Skills in English II & III & IV: ISEIII Pass with Pass in all sub-tests
• Tests must have been taken within 2 years 5 months of start date. Applicants must meet the overall and subtest requirements using a single test.

University of Glasgow Pre-sessional courses

Tests are accepted for 2 years following date of successful completion.

Alternatives to English Language qualification

• Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
  
  • students must have studied for a minimum of 2 years at Undergraduate level, or 9 months at Master's level, and must have completed their degree in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.
• Undergraduate 2+2 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
  
  • students must have completed their final two years study in that majority-English speaking country within the last 6 years.

For international students, the Home Office has confirmed that the University can choose to use these tests to make its own assessment of English language ability for visa applications to degree level programmes. The University is also able to accept UKVI approved Secure English Language Tests (SELT) but we do not require a specific UKVI SELT for degree level programmes. We therefore still accept any of the English tests listed for admission to this programme.

Pre-sessional courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses. We would strongly encourage you to consider the pre-sessional courses at the University of Glasgow's English for Academic Study (EAS) Unit. Our Pre-sessional courses are the best way to bring your English up to entry level for University study. Our courses give you:

• direct entry to your University programme for successful students (no need to take IELTS)
• essential academic skills to help you study effectively at University
• flexible entry dates so you can join the right course for your level.

For more detail on our pre-sessional courses please see:

• Pre-sessional courses

We can also consider the pre-sessional courses accredited by the below BALEAP approved institutions to meet the language requirements for admission to our postgraduate taught degrees:

• Heriot Watt
• Kingston Upon Thames
• Middlesex University
• Manchester University
• Reading University
• Edinburgh University
• ST Andrews University
• UCL
• Durham

For further information about English language requirements, please contact the Recruitment and International Office using our enquiry form

A practising subject specialist conservator and/or cultural heritage researcher.  Roles within collections management, archives and arts administration.