Portugal, Lisbon

Conservation Science

and Conservation and Restoration

Department of Conservation and Restoration (NDCR), Faculty of Sciences and Technology, New University of Lisbon, Campus Caparica,

Portugal

The master degree in Conservation and Restoration is a two-year diploma (120 ECTS), organized in 4 academic semesters and in two

specialism’s: Conservation Science (CCONS) and Conservation and Restoration (CONS). The second year consists of a full year internship,

during which the student will carry out the work necessary to present the master thesis. The master thesis is carried out in a manner that is

largely self directed and autonomous, with tutorial supervision. With the exception of the Art Theory, all courses are organized in both theoretical

and laboratory/studio classes. The development of laboratory and research projects is encouraged. Research in Modern and Contemporary

Art has been carried out since 2003: this has resulted in several master theses embracing the conservation of contemporary artworks.

Projects are developed within interdisciplinary teams and in close collaboration with museums. Examples from master theses, discussed

in 2008/2009, range from the restoration of complex assemblage works like, Aluminium Box (Glasses) made by Lourdes Castro with daily

use objects (of metal, plastic, wood, glass, cardboard, ceramic); to the production of documentation and rematerialization of an installation by

Alberto Carneiro, including the development of digital dossiers; another example is the restoration of a soap sculpture by João Pedro Vale,

Can I Wash You? that has been conceived to be recreated for every exhibition.

Two-year diploma (120 ECTS), organized in 4 academic semesters and two specialisms: Conservation Science (CCONS) and Conservation

& Restoration (CONS). First year with 10 curricular units in the Conservation Science (32 ECTS), Conservation and Restoration (22 ECTS)

and Art History (6 ECTS). Second year, full year internship (60 ECTS) in Conservation and Restoration in a specific area, such as paintings,

textiles, stone, etc. In this case, the focus will be the application of conservation and restoration methods and techniques for non-trivial

problems and/or the development of new methodologies and treatments for the cultural heritage.

The conservation of contemporary art requires a new attitude, arising from the use of modern materials as well as the need to understand

different concepts. In that context, the Master program developed at the Department of Conservation and Restoration (DCR-UNL) has greatly

contributed to the training of a new generation of conservation professionals, able to fill a gap on the Portuguese scene. Hence, the special

interest of the Museums in the work and research developed by the NDCR, which has lead to a close collaboration, if not to say a symbiotic

relationship where both parties feed on.

NDCR believes that the experience of research is essential for the conservation of contemporary art and a continuous stimulus to advance

our understanding of it. Interdisciplinary research, crossing the borders of human, natural and engineering sciences is actively promoted

with fruitful and rewarding results. Conservation staff is directly involved in research and in its application, bring their research results into

the classroom and in turn invite students to become involved in their labs/studios and projects.

The expertise of the NDCR in the analyses and characterization of works of art and cultural artefacts, namely contemporary art, is unique in

Portugal. The network that exists now with national museums and international experts was created along several years. At the same

time there is access to sophisticated equipment all around the campus. Several students have already completed their PhDs in the

Department. They were the first PhDs in Conservation and Restoration and Conservation Sciences to come from any University or

School in the country.

First degree in Conservation-Restoration or relevant experience. Submit application form online.

For faculty staff and guest teachers, please go to http://www.dcr.fct.unl.pt/

Both during the first year, in the framework of the curricular units Project, and in the second full year internship students work in either Museums,

in the conservation laboratories of IMC (Institute for the Museums and Conservation), or in historic houses and other institutions responsible

for the preservation of cultural heritage. A network of national and international collaborations sets up a fruitful ground for students' choices and

carrier opportunities.

Portuguese and English

Maria João Melo, mjm@dq.fct.unl.pt