Heritage Conservation and Restoration is an emerging interdisciplinary field that bridges the humanities, sciences, engineering, and fine arts—integrating modern scientific and technological approaches with humanistic knowledge. The program cultivates advanced, versatile professionals with a solid grounding in the humanities and arts, foundational knowledge in fine arts, cultural heritage studies, museology, and archaeology, and a comprehensive command of the principles, procedures, and methodologies of conservation and restoration. Students acquire hands-on operational skills, develop research capabilities in conservation science, and are prepared for both research and professional practice in the field.
2. Curriculum Overview
Curriculum Structure
Year 1 | Foundations: Students complete a systematic arts foundation within the Department of Core Studies, covering plastic arts, design principles, Chinese calligraphy and painting practice, and art theory. This phase solidifies both technical competence and humanistic literacy, establishing a scientifically grounded framework for understanding cultural heritage preservation.
Year 2 | Core Advancement: Students enter the specialized core studies, systematically studying material culture, conservation science, and restoration techniques. The signature "one student, one artifact" pedagogical model assigns each learner an individual artefact for sustained inquiry, which bridges the traditional disciplinary divides among the humanities, sciences, and arts.
Year 3 | Studio Specialisation: Based on individual interests and academic goals, students stream into two dedicated studios: Studio I—Calligraphy, Painting and Literati Objects Conservation; Studio II—Sculptures and Artifacts Conservation. The curriculum integrates traditional craftsmanship with modern scientific analysis, constructing a tripartite "theory—practice—research" pedagogy that develops students' capacity to address complex real-world conservation challenges.
Year 4 | Capstone Research: Under a supervisor-led tutorial system, students synthesise three years of knowledge and skills. Through integration of project-based learning with off-campus practice and fieldwork, they complete a capstone project and dissertation that demonstrate both academic rigor and practical significance.
