First-year

First semester

• Plant biology and conservation for cultural heritage
• Applied geosciences and conservation laboratory
• At the student's choice

Second semester

English-Italian for Cultural Heritage

Second year

First semester

• Stage
• At the student's choice

Second semester

Final exam

Learning outcomes

The program is aimed at training researchers and experts in the field of cultural heritage conservation and archaeometry. They will be able to analyze conservation problems and detect deterioration processes thanks to their knowledge of the physical, chemical, and structural properties of materials, as well as to identify any possible remedies.

Such experts shall be able to make interventions in observance of the historical, artistic, and architectural framework of artifacts, by contributing thus to their enhancement and protection. The learning outcomes of the Master’s Degree in Science and Technology for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage are consistent with the qualifying outcomes of the LM-11 class (Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage). More precisely, masters graduates in Science and Technology for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage are deemed to have attained the following learning outcomes:

• A mastery of the scientific research method and the techniques for data analysis and interpretation aimed at the recovery, conservation, and restoration of cultural heritage also in complex environments
• Good historical and artistic knowledge, especially about the artifacts’ production technologies
• Ability to merge multidisciplinary skills to cope with complex scientific problems concerning the recovery, conservation, enhancement, and enjoyment of cultural heritage
• Advanced analysis skills of the problems concerning the interactions between cultural heritage and its biological and chemical-physical environment
• Advanced skills in archaeometric applications to the various fields of interest.

Masters graduates in Science and Technology for the Conservation of Cultural Heritage will work in scientific research and the management and maintenance of cultural heritage, both in public bodies and in private practices operating in the field of conservative restoration and environmental recovery.

Such specialists will be able to perform in full autonomy, with the utmost responsibility and with the help of technical, scientific, financial and human resources, the following activities:

• Detection and critical analysis of methods, materials, measurements, and techniques for the recovery, conservation, restoration, and enhancement of cultural heritage
• Leading roles in science museums, science cities, science parks, and science exhibitions
• Collaboration to the planning and implementation of IT systems for cultural heritage data treatment
• Diagnosis before and during the conservation intervention and performance of the required checks and tests
• Detection of the causes and mechanisms of deterioration and evaluation of the scientific results
• Participation in cultural heritage educational activities.

The multidisciplinary nature of the cultural heritage field calls for a variety of programs aimed at the acquisition of specific skills. The Study Programme Council provides for courses which allow to meet the scientific and professional requirements of the field and at the same time for a group of courses to complete the humanities education and to offer specialization in general disciplines. Courses dealing with the Science and Technology for Conservation are aimed at training students in the field of materials, measurements, and techniques for the recovery, conservation, restoration, and enhancement of cultural heritage. The Earth and Natural Sciences subjects train students for leading roles in science museums and to perform diagnoses before and during the conservation intervention. The cross-curricular subjects provide students with historical and artistic culture, in particular about the production technologies of artifacts; the related or additional activities consist of in-depth studies on specific issues of interest for cultural heritage. Most of the courses are concentrated in the first year, while the second year is especially devoted to thesis work for the achievement of the master’s degree.

Continuation of studies in advanced training (PhD schools). Employment opportunities may be in:

• Universities and public and private research institutes
• Bodies of the Ministry of Cultural Heritage and Activities and Tourism (MiBACT) in charge of the protection of cultural heritage (Monuments and Fine Arts Offices, museums, libraries, archives and so on)
• Restoration laboratories
• Companies and professional organizations carrying out their activity in the field of diagnostics, conservation, and restoration of cultural heritage.