Masters in Heritage Materials

Diploma and Certificate in Heritage Materials Science

Science preserving our heritage and taonga

Dominion Post

Our programme is about identifying and understanding the materials that make up objects which are part of our cultural heritage; the way they deteriorate and the means to preserve them. We do this through our knowledge of materials science and applications of the latest technologies to heritage materials.

The power of modern scientific methods in preserving and authenticating works of art, documents and antiquities for forensic scientific examination is increasingly being recognised. Graduates of this programme will be well qualified to be at the head of this global trend in museums, the art world and forensics related to heritage materials.

Careers: Flexible and Diverse

The programme will cater for students with a range of career aspirations.
• Conservation scientists working with museums, art galleries and archives
• Forensic scientists working in the area of authentication of art and antiquities
• Archaeology; the interpretation of archaeological evidence and objects
• Heritage sites and buildings
• Applied scientists and technologists working in the primary products and processing sectors
• Analytical chemists

Programme Structure

M.Sc. – 2 years.

• first year is coursework with assessment by examination, assignments and a practicum report. It consists of two core modules on
o the principles of heritage materials science
o modern analytical techniques and instruments
plus
o elective courses to complement your academic background
• second year is a full-time heritage materials science research thesis.

Postgraduate Certificate – 1 semester (principles heritage materials science + elective)

Postgraduate Diploma – 2 semesters (both core courses + electives)

Research

• Stabilisation of Maori weaving and other textiles.
• Biodeterioration of cellulosic fibres and biocidal agents.
• Identification of textile fibres and dyes/pigments.
• Light/UV induced degradation of materials.

Enquires

Assoc. Professor Gerald Smith,
Director of the postgraduate programme in Heritage Materials Science,
School of Chemical and Physical Sciences,
Victoria University of Wellington,
P.O. Box 600,
Wellington,
New Zealand

Email: gerald.smith@vuw.ac.nz