Cultural Heritage Conservator (Degree)

The cultural heritage conservator (degree) was approved for delivery on 18/04/2019. This Higher apprenticeship standard awards you with a level 7, non-integrated degree qualification when completed. The usual duration of this apprenticeship is 54 months, but this does not include the End-Point Assessment Period.

Cultural heritage conservators are specialist practitioners that work to preserve, protect and care for objects and collections. Cultural heritage objects are typically housed in museums, galleries, libraries, historic and ancient sites, as well as private collections.

Conservators are required to combine practical skills with specialist knowledge of art, art history, architecture, fashion and more to understand the context of the object they are working with. Conservation should always be performed sensitively and respectfully.

There are two principles branches of cultural heritage conservation: treatment conservation and preventative conservation, and many conservators will work across both. Treatment conservation involves carrying out treatments to recover, restore and preserve objects. Treatment conservators often specialise in the treatment of a specific type of item or material, such as paper, stone or wooden objects. Preventative conservation aims to prevent object damage as well as managing deterioration risk caused by factors such as environmental conditions or handling.

Conservators work for public institutions, including national and regional museums, galleries and historic properties. Depending on the area of specialism, conservators may split their time between working in the studio and on-site.

• Museum conservator
• Gallery conservator
• Senior conservator 

If you would like to find out more about the cultural heritage conservator (degree) apprenticeship standard, skills, learnt, assessment methods and duties of the role, visit the Institute for Apprenticeships.