At the beginning the programme involves both theoretical and practical teaching after which the focus gradually shifts towards gaining more practical experience. This includes the careful study and assessment of cultural heritage objects in order to make responsible choices regarding their treatment. The choices made have to be critically tested prior treatment and adjusted when needed as part of the course of treatment. By gaining as much experience as possible in both research and treatment practice, the conservation trainee will learn to develop a flexible attitude and gain enough self-confidence to take responsibility for the whole conservation treatment process. 

Work Placement

The full academic training in Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage concludes with one or more internships during the last year of the Advanced Professional Programme. The conservation trainees start applying for possible work placements during the first months of the programme. This can be at museums, cultural heritage institutions, research institution and private conservation studios wordwide, as long as they work within the conservation code of ethics.

Host venues are expected to involve the trainees in all daily matters of working practice, for example:

• Participate in ongoing treatments;
• Participate in professional discussions;
• Become acquainted with studios of various specialisations if present at the host venue;
• Participate in assessing objects of cultural heritage;
• Be involved in loan procedures;
• Take part in meetings.

The interns are expected to conform to the house rules of the host venue. All documentation and other reports should be completed and handed-in to both the host venue supervisor and the UvA supervisor before the end of the internship.