The Department

The Department of Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art, established in 1983, has since had a successful presence in higher education, pioneering the development of Cultural Heritage Conservation in Greece. It is currently the only department in Greek higher education specializing in this demanding field. The Department has played a vital role in shaping the profession of Conservator of Antiquities and Works of Art, both nationally and internationally.

The Department offers the following degrees:

– Bachelor’s degree in “Conservation of Antiquities and Works of Art” (240 ECTS)
– Master’s degree (MSc) in “Conservation of Cultural Heritage” (90 ECTS)
– Master’s degree (MA) in “Museum Studies” (90 ECTS)
– Doctoral degree (PhD)

Additionally, the Department provides postdoctoral research opportunities for young researchers and scholars.

 Professional development of graduates 

Graduates of the Department are recognized professionals who practice as conservators after obtaining a professional license from the Ministry of Culture. They work in the public sector (Ministry of Culture and Ministry of Education), in private conservation studios, and for private cultural institutions and collections. Their work involves technical examination, conservation and restoration studies, and conservation applications for archaeological finds, architectural remains, historical objects and monuments, and works of art.

 Admission to the Department 

Admission to Higher Education Institutions in Greece is based on entrance examinations, conducted once a year by the Ministry of Education. The Department accepts students from:

• General High Schools – Field 2: Science and Technology
• Vocational High Schools – Field 16: Applied Arts

Admission to the Department also requires exams in specialized subjects, specifically free-hand drawing and architectural drawing.

 Curriculum 

The curriculum is structured to provide a comprehensive foundation in scientific, artistic, and technological principles. It includes both theoretical and practical training in areas related to the documentation, conservation, and protection of heritage assets, including archaeological finds (movable and immovable), historical monuments and objects, and works of art. Graduates are equipped to apply their scientific, technological, and artistic skills effectively and directly. This approach ensures that conservation work not only preserves artifacts but also fosters a deeper understanding of the historical, social, and artistic contexts they represent.

 Structure of the Undergraduate Programme of Studies 

The interdisciplinary nature of the Department is reflected in the contents of the courses of the Undergraduate Programme, which covers four years of study.  Courses belong to one of the following groups:

Conservation of Archaeological and Historical Monuments (movable and immovable)  

Conservation of Paintings and Archival Materials

Natural Sciences, Digital Applications and Humanities

Art Courses

At the first 4 semesters background courses are offered (e.g. Archaeology, Art History, Elements of Biology, Inorganic & Organic Chemistry, Drawing, Photography etc.) and introductory specialisation courses (e.g. General Principles and Theory of Conservation, Conservation of Excavated Objects, Conservation of Building and Decorative Elements in Architectural Monuments, Archival material conservation etc.).

Conservation Courses are taught during the last two academic years. Attendance and participation in conservation practicals is compulsory. The curriculum also includes Optional Courses such as Health and Safety, Professional Management in Conservation, Computer basics and other.

The courses are grouped according to thematic areas as follows:

Conservation of Archaeological & Historical Documents

Conservation of Paintings & Archival Material

Natural Sciences, Digital Applications and Humanities 

Physics

Basics of Biology & Principles of biodeterioration 

General & Inorganic Chemistry

Applications of Photography in Conservation

Organic Chemistry of Conservation

Analog and Digital Imaging Techniques

Non-Destructive Diagnostic Methods

Science of Inorganic Materials

Documentation and Digital Applications in Conservation

Inorganic Chemical Analysis

Organic Materials Science

Prehistoric Archaeology of the Aegean

Classical Archaeology

Byzantine Archaeology & Art

History of European Art from the Middle Ages to the 18th century

History of 19th and 20th century Art

Greek Art

Theory & Methodology of Artwork Analysis

Arts Courses

Drawing and sketching 

Sculpture with clay

Painting: materials & techniques

Reproduction of Painting

Colour and Morphological Restoration

Internship

Internship is compulsory, its duration is three months and is carried out in museums, private conservation ateliers and the ministry of culture.

 Erasmus+ Programme 

The Department has developed a special mobility of students through the Erasmus+ Programme. The programme offers students the opportunity either to study or to do their internship abroad. Among the European countries with which there is a frequent exchange of students are Spain, Italy, Hungary, Poland, Sweden, Netherlands, Belgium, France and Germany. For further information on the application procedure and the courses that are available to Erasmus students please follow the link: https://cons.uniwa.gr/en/studies/erasmus-studies/

 Postgraduate Studies 

Since 2003 the Department has been participating in collaboration with the Departments of History & Archaeology and Geology & Geoenvironment of the National Kapodistrian University of Athens, in the Postgraduate Programme “MA in Museum Studies”. The curriculum focuses in museums collections and their management, organisation of museums, museum exhibitions, museum administration, museum environment, protection and promotion of museum material, legislation governing museums, economic management of museums and museum collections, museum education.

In 2017 the Postgraduate Programme ” MSc in Conservation of Cultural Heritage” was founded by the Department. The Programme offers specialisation and in-depth understanding in the conservation of cultural heritage. Students focus on diagnosis, design of conservation treatments, advanced materials and techniques.

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