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Conservation: Interior Conservation

Code: KXA25S2

Degree title
Bachelor of Culture and Arts
Credits
240 ects
Duration
4 years (240 cr)
Start semester
Autumn 2025
Teaching language
Finnish

Descriptions

The conservator’s task is to ensure the preservation and sustainable use of cultural heritage. Conservation encompasses all the activities with which the decay of cultural heritage is slowed down or prevented. If necessary, conservation can be supplemented with restoration.

Conservators work as specialists responsible for conservation and preservation of cultural heritage in cooperation with other specialists of the cultural heritage field. Conservators often work in teams, and therefore cooperation skills and flexibility are an integral part of the professional skills of a conservator. Conservators work in museums, conservation centers, archives, libraries, foundations, conservation projects and universities, or as independent conservation entrepreneurs.

The degree program in Conservation is phenomena based and consists of supportive studies, material studies and studies in conservation. Compulsory to all students common studies consist of the basic studying and learning skills, language studies, entrepreneurship studies and theoretical and methodological studies. The structure of learning path is based on the professional competencies.
The professional studies in conservation include project studies with emphasis on the cooperation with the working life.

The skills are based on the general competences related to conservation/restoration, including the pan-European requirements for the profession (see European Network for Conservation-Restoration Education and ICOM).
As the Metropolia UAS is the only university in Finland offering conservation education, the international cooperation is an essential part of the studies in conservation. In practice, this means long-term student exchange, work placement periods and short-term study trips abroad.

The bachelor´s thesis is an independent study project during the final year of studies made usually for the working life and consists of an advanced professional project and theoretical thesis on it.

In addition to manual skills, conservators possess good theoretical, technical and scientific competences and good problem-solving skills. A conservator can analyze the properties and behavior of different materials related to her/his work. A conservator knows the characteristics of different materials related to cultural heritage and conservation and is able creatively solve problems and develop methods concerning conservation.

A conservator knows the global issues and trends in the field of cultural heritage and recognizes the effect of technological development on his/her work, tasks and goals. A conservator is able to apply the principles of sustainability taking into consideration the global responsibility of her/his actions.

Development

The contents of the studies are reviewed on a yearly basis and the professional development in each subject area is followed. Also suggestions and requirements coming from the working life are incorporated into studies as much as possible. Curriculum is presented to the conservation working life advisory committee.
Professional studies include working life projects from museums, parishes, etc. Cooperation with National Board of Antiquities and conservation companies is continual. Final theses are linked to the working life.

Further information

Responsibility: Kirsi Perkiömäki, Head of the Degree Program
Contents: Kirsi Perkiömäki
Administrator: Mika Rintala

Objective

Documentation, collection management, conservation skills and theory, contextual knowledge, material science, sustainable development and ethics.

Show study timings by semester, study year or period

Code Name Credits (cr) 2025-2026 2026-2027 2027-2028 2028-2029 Autumn 2025 Spring 2026 Autumn 2026 Spring 2027 Autumn 2027 Spring 2028 Autumn 2028 Spring 2029 1. / 2025 2. / 2025 3. / 2026 4. / 2026 1. / 2026 2. / 2026 3. / 2027 4. / 2027 1. / 2027 2. / 2027 3. / 2028 4. / 2028 1. / 2028 2. / 2028 3. / 2029 4. / 2029
KXA25S2-1001
Core Curriculum

(Choose all )

25
KX00FU55 Orientation 5
KX00FU63 Professional Swedish 5
KX00FU61 Professional English 5
KX00GD45 Professional Communication 5
KX00FU67 Research methodology and Communication 5
KXA25S2-1002
Common Studies in the Field of Culture

(Choose ects: 5)

5
KX00GB51 Entrepreneurship in Creative Fields 3
KX00GG67 Authors’ Rights, Agreements and Ethics in Cultural Industries 2
KXA25S2-1003
Basics of Professional Studies

(Choose all )

45
KX00FU71 Museology I 5
KX00FU73 Museology II 5
KX00FU75 Presentation Techniques and Photography 5
KX00GD30 Introduction to Conservation 5
KX00GD31 Documentation 5
KX00GD32 Materials for interiors 5
KX00GD33 Art and Cultural History 5
KX00GD36 History, Methodology and Ethics in Conservation 5
KX00GD37 History and materials of Architecture 5
KXA25S2-1004
Professional Studies

(Choose all )

100
KX00FU79 Chemistry I 5
KX00FU81 Chemistry I, Continuation 5
KX00FU83 Chemistry II 5
KX00FV11 Advanced Professional Project 10
KX00GD34 Papermaterials in Interiors 5
KX00GD35 Wood Material and Woodworking 5
KX00GD38 Painted and Lacquered Surfaces 5
KX00GD39 Conservation of Painted and Varnished Surfaces 5
KX00GD40 Gilding 5
KX00GD42 Conservation of Painted and Surface Treated Wood 10
KX00GD43 Metals and Conservation of Metals 5
KX00GD44 Conservation of Glass 5
KX00GD46 Conservation Project 1 5
KX00GD47 Modern Materials and the Conservation 10
KX00GD48 Conservation of Surface Materials of Buildings 5
KX00GD49 Analytical Research Methods 5
KX00GD50 Conservation Project 2 5
KXA25S2-1005
Profile Studies in Working Life Skills

(Choose ects: 5)

5
KXA25S2-1006
Elective Studies

(Choose ects: 5)

5
KXA25S2-1007
Multidisciplinary Innovation Project

(Choose ects: 10)

10
XX00FV31 Metropolia Minno 1 2
XX00FV32 Metropolia Minno 2 3
XX00FV33 Metropolia Minno 3 5
KXA25S2-1008
Internships

(Choose all )

30
KX00FV19 Internship I 15
KX00FV21 Internship II 15
KXA25S2-1009
Bachelor´s Thesis

(Choose all )

15
XX00EL75 Planning of the Thesis Work 5
XX00EL76 Implementation of the Thesis Work 5
XX00EL77 Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test 5
Total 240 60 60 55 55 30 30 30 30 25 30 30 25 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 15 12.5 12.5 15 15 15 15 12.5 12.5

Due to the timing of optional and elective courses, credit accumulation per semester / academic year may vary.

conservator::competences

Lähettäjä: Tuula Auer 4.2.2009

Dokumentation competence
Professional Communication
Research methodology and Communication
Authors’ Rights, Agreements and Ethics in Cultural Industries
Presentation Techniques and Photography
Documentation
Advanced Professional Project
Papermaterials in Interiors
Wood Material and Woodworking
Painted and Lacquered Surfaces
Conservation of Painted and Varnished Surfaces
Gilding
Conservation of Painted and Surface Treated Wood
Metals and Conservation of Metals
Conservation of Glass
Conservation Project 1
Modern Materials and the Conservation
Conservation of Surface Materials of Buildings
Analytical Research Methods
Conservation Project 2
Internship I
Internship II
Planning of the Thesis Work
Implementation of the Thesis Work
Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test
Competence relating to collections
Professional Swedish
Entrepreneurship in Creative Fields
Authors’ Rights, Agreements and Ethics in Cultural Industries
Museology I
Museology II
Presentation Techniques and Photography
History, Methodology and Ethics in Conservation
Chemistry II
Advanced Professional Project
Conservation of Painted and Varnished Surfaces
Conservation of Painted and Surface Treated Wood
Metals and Conservation of Metals
Conservation of Glass
Conservation Project 1
Modern Materials and the Conservation
Conservation Project 2
Internship I
Internship II
Planning of the Thesis Work
Implementation of the Thesis Work
Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test
Conservation competence
Orientation
Professional Swedish
Professional English
Professional Communication
Entrepreneurship in Creative Fields
Authors’ Rights, Agreements and Ethics in Cultural Industries
Introduction to Conservation
Advanced Professional Project
Painted and Lacquered Surfaces
Conservation of Painted and Varnished Surfaces
Gilding
Conservation of Painted and Surface Treated Wood
Metals and Conservation of Metals
Conservation of Glass
Conservation Project 1
Modern Materials and the Conservation
Conservation of Surface Materials of Buildings
Conservation Project 2
Internship I
Internship II
Planning of the Thesis Work
Implementation of the Thesis Work
Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test
Contextualisation competence
Orientation
Professional Swedish
Professional English
Professional Communication
Research methodology and Communication
Entrepreneurship in Creative Fields
Authors’ Rights, Agreements and Ethics in Cultural Industries
Museology I
Museology II
Presentation Techniques and Photography
Introduction to Conservation
Art and Cultural History
History, Methodology and Ethics in Conservation
History and materials of Architecture
Chemistry I
Chemistry I, Continuation
Chemistry II
Advanced Professional Project
Papermaterials in Interiors
Wood Material and Woodworking
Conservation of Painted and Varnished Surfaces
Gilding
Conservation of Painted and Surface Treated Wood
Metals and Conservation of Metals
Conservation of Glass
Conservation Project 1
Modern Materials and the Conservation
Analytical Research Methods
Conservation Project 2
Metropolia Minno 1
Metropolia Minno 2
Metropolia Minno 3
Internship I
Internship II
Planning of the Thesis Work
Implementation of the Thesis Work
Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test
Competence in material analysis
Authors’ Rights, Agreements and Ethics in Cultural Industries
Introduction to Conservation
Materials for interiors
Chemistry I
Advanced Professional Project
Papermaterials in Interiors
Wood Material and Woodworking
Painted and Lacquered Surfaces
Conservation of Painted and Varnished Surfaces
Gilding
Conservation of Painted and Surface Treated Wood
Metals and Conservation of Metals
Conservation of Glass
Conservation Project 1
Modern Materials and the Conservation
Conservation of Surface Materials of Buildings
Analytical Research Methods
Conservation Project 2
Internship I
Internship II
Planning of the Thesis Work
Implementation of the Thesis Work
Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test
Not grouped

amk::amk-tutkintojen kieliopinnot

AMK-tutkintoon johtavien opintojen tavoitteena on, että tutkinnon suorittaneella on riittävä viestintä- ja kielitaito oman alansa tehtäviin sekä kansainväliseen toimintaan ja yhteistyöhön. (Valtioneuvoston asetus ammattikorkeakoulusta 1129/2014, 4 §).

Professional English

Vieraan kielen kirjallinen ja suullinen taito, joka ammatin harjoittamisen ja ammatillisen kehityksen kannalta on tarpeellinen.

Professional English
Second language (Finnish)

No attached course units

Second domestic language (Swedish)

Ruotsin kielen taito, joka julkisyhteisöjen henkilöstöltä vaadittavasta kielitaidosta annetun lain (424/2003) mukaan vaaditaan korkeakoulututkintoa edellyttävään virkaan kaksikielisellä virka-alueella ja joka ammatin harjoittamisen ja ammatillisen kehityksen kannalta on tarpeellinen.

Professional Swedish
Not grouped
Orientation
Professional Communication
Research methodology and Communication
Entrepreneurship in Creative Fields
Authors’ Rights, Agreements and Ethics in Cultural Industries
Museology I
Museology II
Presentation Techniques and Photography
Introduction to Conservation
Documentation
Materials for interiors
Art and Cultural History
History, Methodology and Ethics in Conservation
History and materials of Architecture
Chemistry I
Chemistry I, Continuation
Chemistry II
Advanced Professional Project
Papermaterials in Interiors
Wood Material and Woodworking
Painted and Lacquered Surfaces
Conservation of Painted and Varnished Surfaces
Gilding
Conservation of Painted and Surface Treated Wood
Metals and Conservation of Metals
Conservation of Glass
Conservation Project 1
Modern Materials and the Conservation
Conservation of Surface Materials of Buildings
Analytical Research Methods
Conservation Project 2
Metropolia Minno 1
Metropolia Minno 2
Metropolia Minno 3
Internship I
Internship II
Planning of the Thesis Work
Implementation of the Thesis Work
Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test

STRUCTURE Bachelor (A18.12.2014/1129)

Asetuksen 18.12.2014/1129 mukainen rakenne. 2 § Opintojen rakenne Ammattikorkeakoulututkintoon johtaviin opintoihin kuuluu: 1) perus- ja ammattiopintoja; 2) vapaasti valittavia opintoja; 3) ammattitaitoa edistävää harjoittelua; 4) opinnäytetyö.

Professional Studies
Museology I
Museology II
Presentation Techniques and Photography
Documentation
Materials for interiors
History, Methodology and Ethics in Conservation
History and materials of Architecture
Chemistry I
Chemistry I, Continuation
Chemistry II
Advanced Professional Project
Papermaterials in Interiors
Wood Material and Woodworking
Painted and Lacquered Surfaces
Conservation of Painted and Varnished Surfaces
Gilding
Conservation of Painted and Surface Treated Wood
Metals and Conservation of Metals
Conservation of Glass
Conservation Project 1
Modern Materials and the Conservation
Conservation of Surface Materials of Buildings
Analytical Research Methods
Conservation Project 2
Metropolia Minno 1
Metropolia Minno 2
Metropolia Minno 3
Work Placement
Internship I
Internship II
Bachelor´s Thesis
Planning of the Thesis Work
Implementation of the Thesis Work
Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test
Core Requirement Studies
Orientation
Professional Swedish
Professional English
Professional Communication
Research methodology and Communication
Entrepreneurship in Creative Fields
Authors’ Rights, Agreements and Ethics in Cultural Industries
Introduction to Conservation
Art and Cultural History
Elective Studies

No attached course units

Not grouped

ARENE 2022::UAS shared competences::Bachelor’s degree

Replaces the Metropolia's Generic Competences::Bachelor's Degree, UAS” -matrix.. Heidi Rontu/31.8.2022

Ethics

The graduating student adheres to the ethical principles and values of their field of profession, taking the principles of equality and non-discrimination into account.
- Is able to take responsibility for their own actions and their consequences and reflects on them in accordance with the ethical principles and values of their field.
- Takes others into account and promotes equality and non-discrimination.
- Take into account the realisation of diversity and accessibility in their actions.
- Understands the principles of responsible conduct of research and adheres to them.
- Is able to influence society based on ethical values.

Research methodology and Communication
Entrepreneurship in Creative Fields
Authors’ Rights, Agreements and Ethics in Cultural Industries
Museology I
Museology II
Introduction to Conservation
Documentation
Art and Cultural History
History, Methodology and Ethics in Conservation
History and materials of Architecture
Advanced Professional Project
Conservation Project 1
Modern Materials and the Conservation
Analytical Research Methods
Conservation Project 2
Metropolia Minno 2
Metropolia Minno 3
Internship I
Internship II
Planning of the Thesis Work
Implementation of the Thesis Work
Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test
Proactive development

The graduating student is able to develop solutions that anticipate the future of their own field, applying existing knowledge and research and development methods.
- Solves problem situations creatively and reforms operating methods together with others.
- Is able to work in projects in cooperation with actors of different fields.
- Is able to apply existing knowledge in the field in development and utilises research and development methods.
- Is able to seek customer-oriented, sustainable and economically viable solutions, anticipating the future of their field.

Orientation
Professional Communication
Research methodology and Communication
Entrepreneurship in Creative Fields
Museology II
History, Methodology and Ethics in Conservation
Advanced Professional Project
Conservation Project 1
Analytical Research Methods
Conservation Project 2
Metropolia Minno 1
Metropolia Minno 2
Metropolia Minno 3
Internship I
Internship II
Planning of the Thesis Work
Implementation of the Thesis Work
Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test
Internationality and multiculturalism

The graduating student is able to operate in multicultural and international operating environments and networks.
- Is familiar with the impacts of their cultural background on their activities and is able to develop operating methods that take multiculturalism into account in their work community.
- Is able to monitor and utilise the international development of their field in their work.
- Is able to communicate internationally in their work tasks.

Professional Swedish
Professional English
Entrepreneurship in Creative Fields
Introduction to Conservation
Art and Cultural History
History, Methodology and Ethics in Conservation
History and materials of Architecture
Advanced Professional Project
Modern Materials and the Conservation
Analytical Research Methods
Conservation Project 2
Metropolia Minno 2
Internship II
Planning of the Thesis Work
Implementation of the Thesis Work
Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test
Sustainable development

The graduating student is familiar with the principles of sustainable development, promotes their implementation and acts responsibly as a professional and a member of society.
- Is able to use information related to their field in finding, implementing and establishing sustainable solutions and operating models.
- Understands sustainability challenges, their interdependencies and the various aspects of issues and problem

Orientation
Professional English
Entrepreneurship in Creative Fields
Authors’ Rights, Agreements and Ethics in Cultural Industries
Museology I
Museology II
Introduction to Conservation
Materials for interiors
History, Methodology and Ethics in Conservation
Chemistry I
Chemistry I, Continuation
Chemistry II
Advanced Professional Project
Papermaterials in Interiors
Wood Material and Woodworking
Painted and Lacquered Surfaces
Conservation of Painted and Varnished Surfaces
Gilding
Conservation of Painted and Surface Treated Wood
Metals and Conservation of Metals
Conservation of Glass
Conservation Project 1
Modern Materials and the Conservation
Conservation of Surface Materials of Buildings
Analytical Research Methods
Conservation Project 2
Metropolia Minno 2
Metropolia Minno 3
Internship I
Internship II
Planning of the Thesis Work
Implementation of the Thesis Work
Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test
Learning to learn

The graduating student recognises the strengths and development areas of their competence and learning methods, and they utilise the opportunities communities and digitalisation provide in their learning.
- Assesses and develops their competence and learning methods in different learning environments.
- Is able to acquire, critically assess and appropriately apply the national and international knowledge base and practices of their field.
- Also takes responsibility for group learning and sharing what has been learned.

Orientation
Professional Swedish
Professional English
Professional Communication
Research methodology and Communication
Entrepreneurship in Creative Fields
Authors’ Rights, Agreements and Ethics in Cultural Industries
Museology I
Museology II
Presentation Techniques and Photography
Introduction to Conservation
Documentation
Materials for interiors
Art and Cultural History
History, Methodology and Ethics in Conservation
History and materials of Architecture
Chemistry I
Chemistry I, Continuation
Advanced Professional Project
Papermaterials in Interiors
Wood Material and Woodworking
Painted and Lacquered Surfaces
Conservation of Painted and Varnished Surfaces
Gilding
Conservation of Painted and Surface Treated Wood
Metals and Conservation of Metals
Conservation of Glass
Conservation Project 1
Modern Materials and the Conservation
Conservation of Surface Materials of Buildings
Analytical Research Methods
Conservation Project 2
Metropolia Minno 1
Metropolia Minno 2
Metropolia Minno 3
Internship I
Internship II
Planning of the Thesis Work
Implementation of the Thesis Work
Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test
Operating in a workplace

The graduating student has versatile working life skills and is able to operate in work communities of their field.
- Is able to work constructively in a work community and promotes their own and their work community’s well-being.
- Is able to act professionally in communication and interaction situations at a workplace.
- Utilises the opportunities offered by technology and digitalisation in their work.
- Understands the complexity of changing working life and their own resilience in changing working life situations
- Has capabilities for an entrepreneurial approach.

Professional Swedish
Professional English
Professional Communication
Entrepreneurship in Creative Fields
Authors’ Rights, Agreements and Ethics in Cultural Industries
Museology I
Museology II
Presentation Techniques and Photography
Introduction to Conservation
Materials for interiors
Art and Cultural History
History, Methodology and Ethics in Conservation
History and materials of Architecture
Chemistry I
Chemistry I, Continuation
Chemistry II
Advanced Professional Project
Papermaterials in Interiors
Wood Material and Woodworking
Painted and Lacquered Surfaces
Conservation of Painted and Varnished Surfaces
Gilding
Conservation of Painted and Surface Treated Wood
Metals and Conservation of Metals
Conservation of Glass
Conservation Project 1
Modern Materials and the Conservation
Conservation of Surface Materials of Buildings
Analytical Research Methods
Conservation Project 2
Metropolia Minno 2
Metropolia Minno 3
Internship I
Internship II
Planning of the Thesis Work
Implementation of the Thesis Work
Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test
Not grouped

Code Name Credits (cr)
KXA25S2-1001
Core Curriculum

(Choose all )

25
KX00FU55 Orientation 5
KX00FU63 Professional Swedish 5
KX00FU61 Professional English 5
KX00GD45 Professional Communication 5
KX00FU67 Research methodology and Communication 5
KXA25S2-1002
Common Studies in the Field of Culture

(Choose ects: 5 )

5
KX00GB51 Entrepreneurship in Creative Fields 3
KX00GG67 Authors’ Rights, Agreements and Ethics in Cultural Industries 2
KXA25S2-1003
Basics of Professional Studies

(Choose all )

45
KX00FU71 Museology I 5
KX00FU73 Museology II 5
KX00FU75 Presentation Techniques and Photography 5
KX00GD30 Introduction to Conservation 5
KX00GD31 Documentation 5
KX00GD32 Materials for interiors 5
KX00GD33 Art and Cultural History 5
KX00GD36 History, Methodology and Ethics in Conservation 5
KX00GD37 History and materials of Architecture 5
KXA25S2-1004
Professional Studies

(Choose all )

100
KX00FU79 Chemistry I 5
KX00FU81 Chemistry I, Continuation 5
KX00FU83 Chemistry II 5
KX00FV11 Advanced Professional Project 10
KX00GD34 Papermaterials in Interiors 5
KX00GD35 Wood Material and Woodworking 5
KX00GD38 Painted and Lacquered Surfaces 5
KX00GD39 Conservation of Painted and Varnished Surfaces 5
KX00GD40 Gilding 5
KX00GD42 Conservation of Painted and Surface Treated Wood 10
KX00GD43 Metals and Conservation of Metals 5
KX00GD44 Conservation of Glass 5
KX00GD46 Conservation Project 1 5
KX00GD47 Modern Materials and the Conservation 10
KX00GD48 Conservation of Surface Materials of Buildings 5
KX00GD49 Analytical Research Methods 5
KX00GD50 Conservation Project 2 5
KXA25S2-1005
Profile Studies in Working Life Skills

(Choose ects: 5 )

5
KXA25S2-1006
Elective Studies

(Choose ects: 5 )

5
KXA25S2-1007
Multidisciplinary Innovation Project

(Choose ects: 10 )

10
XX00FV31 Metropolia Minno 1 2
XX00FV32 Metropolia Minno 2 3
XX00FV33 Metropolia Minno 3 5
KXA25S2-1008
Internships

(Choose all )

30
KX00FV19 Internship I 15
KX00FV21 Internship II 15
KXA25S2-1009
Bachelor´s Thesis

(Choose all )

15
XX00EL75 Planning of the Thesis Work 5
XX00EL76 Implementation of the Thesis Work 5
XX00EL77 Reporting of the Thesis and Maturity Test 5
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