The Master’s Degree in Conservation of Modern and Contemporary Art is part of the 2nd cycle study programmes offered by the Department of Art and Heritage Sciences, Faculty of Fine Arts, University of Lisbon (FBA ULisboa). The programme is developed in collaboration with the Heritage Lab, the research laboratory of the Centre for Studies and Research in Fine Arts (CIEBA), the Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry at the Faculty of Sciences, University of Lisbon (FC ULisboa), and the Faculty of Science and Technology, New University of Lisbon (FCT UNL).

The programme integrates preventive, curative and interventive conservation practices in the field of heritage preservation, always focusing on the integrity, authenticity, and enhancement of modern and contemporary artworks.

Generic objectives

learning outcomes

Throughout the programme, students will be able to:

• Understand and apply the technical terminology, theoretical principles, and ethical and deontological standards of conservation of modern and contemporary art;
• Critically analyse modern and contemporary artworks, considering their materiality, production techniques, historical, conceptual, and artistic context;
• Identify, diagnose, and evaluate simple and complex conservation problems, using appropriate methodologies;
• Design and test preventive conservation and interventive strategies in accordance with internationally recognised decision-making models;
• Select and apply suitable techniques and materials for the treatment of different types of artworks;
• Justify and document conservation decisions in a critical, well-founded, and ethical manner;
• Work autonomously and in an interdisciplinary context, collaborating with artists, curators, and other cultural heritage professionals;
• Develop applied research in the field of conservation of modern and contemporary art.

Scientific coordination

Check here for the course coordinator.

Study Programme

Conservation of Modern and Contemporary Art

Course organization
This Master program consists of four semesters. In the first two semesters from the first year, 60 ECTS divided into five subjects must be achieved. Four of these will be compulsory and specifically related to the general Master subject. The fourth will be optional and may be chosen from among various options in the curricula of the Master Programs from the Faculty of Fine Arts. In the latter case it is intended that students take advantage of this Faculty feature for their practical training of contemporary artistic production, accompanied by professors with extensive experience in these areas, adjusting the choice of their own purposes to the definition of a future area.

In the second year, and in accordance with the Postgraduate Studies Regulations, a dissertation, project work or internship report must be produced, completing the number of ECTS required to obtain the degree. The generic characteristics of each of the modalities are:

The student who carries out work of scientific nature on a theme or topic of the master’s knowledge domain must deliver a dissertation. It must have a component of framework and critical discussion of the relevant literature and a component of theoretical exercise and reflection that promotes an innovative approach to the chosen theme or topic. It must also present a concluding summary and suggestions for future work.

The student who carries out a work of applied scope that integrates knowledge and skills acquired throughout the course, with a view to presenting solutions to practical problems in the area of knowledge of the course must deliver project work. The multidisciplinary and experimental dimensions should be valued, without forgetting the need for a theoretical framework and methodological justification. The project work may include a public presentation of the practical component.

The student who conducts a detailed description and reflection about the activities developed within a professional internship carried out at an institution approved for that purpose by the master’s coordinator must submit an internship report. The internship, in accordance with international policies, should take place during one academic year.
It must describe the functions performed and the tasks carried out, in the light of a duly characterised theoretical and methodological framework. It must also explain the articulation between the curricular training process and the application of the knowledge acquired.

All classes are addressed in portuguese. Therefore, it is recommended an independent knowledge of portuguese language (at least B1 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Schedule

You can consult the course’s present schedule in the following here.

 Who can apply

Candidates eligible to apply for the Master’s Degree in Conservation of Modern and Contemporary Art include:

• Holders of a bachelor’s degree or legally equivalent qualification in the field of conservation and restoration;
• Holders of a bachelor’s degree or equivalent qualification in the sciences or arts, with an academic, scientific, or professional curriculum accepted by the programme coordinator;
• Holders of a foreign higher education degree awarded following a 1st cycle study programme organised according to the Bologna Process by a participating state, in the areas indicated above;
• Holders of a foreign higher education degree in the areas mentioned above, recognised as meeting the objectives of a bachelor’s degree by the Academic Council.

HOW TO APPLY

The presentation of the application is carried out exclusively online, through the Fenix platform. All the information regarding the application process (dates, vacancies, necessary documents and form of submission of the application) can be consulted here.
For the presentation of the application, a non-refundable application fee is due.

Evaluation criteria and selection 

See here the evaluation criteria and selection for applications to this Master program.

TUITION FEES

See here the tuition fees currently set for the courses frequency.

The tuition fee for full-time students is set annually by the General Council of the Universidade de Lisboa, which may, under the International Student Statute, set differentiated values for international students.

Tuition fees can be paid in instalments, to be defined by the Management Council of the Faculdade de Belas-Artes.