University of Montenegro

The University of Montenegro, founded on 29 April 1974, is the country’s leading institution of higher education for scientific and artistic research. With a total of 19 faculties and four research institutes located in Podgorica, Cetinje, Nikšić and Kotor, the University enrolls some 17,000 students across undergraduate, master’s and doctoral programmes, and counts over 1,000 professors, researchers and support staff. Since 2004, all study programmes have been fully aligned with the principles of the Bologna Declaration, enabling the University’s active participation in the ERASMUS+ programme and numerous bilateral partnerships with more than 200 institutions across Europe. This network has created fertile ground for the development of new scientific disciplines and interdisciplinary curricula.

Although still in its early stages, the principles of conservation science are being developed within the multidisciplinary Study Programme of Conservation and Restoration, established through a joint collaboration of the Faculty of Fine Arts with the Faculty of Natural Sciences and Mathematics, the Metallurgical–Technological Faculty, and the Faculty of Architecture of the University of Montenegro. The Faculty of Fine Arts—relocated in 2019 to the adapted premises of the former “Obod” factory in Cetinje—provides students and staff with over 5,000 m² of dedicated space for four study programmes: Painting, Sculpture, Graphic Design, and Conservation and Restoration.

Launched in 2021, the Conservation and Restoration programme is divided into two modules: (1) conservation and restoration of easel paintings and polychrome decorative works, and (2) conservation and restoration of sculpture and applied art objects. Theoretical courses in art history and heritage conservation theory, natural sciences, and conservation-restoration methodology form the foundation for understanding the broad field of cultural heritage protection research, while practical conservation work takes place at the National Museum of Montenegro and the Centre for Conservation and Archaeology of Montenegro. There, students apply their acquired knowledge to original artworks and culturally significant objects under the supervision of expert staff from these institutions.

As an interdisciplinary field bridging the natural, social and human sciences, conservation science principles are integrated into the curriculum through both practical and theoretical instruction in chemical and structural material analyses, proper sampling techniques, non-invasive diagnostic methods and digital technologies. Through this approach, conservation and restoration students gain expertise in documentation methodologies and the use of instrumental analytical techniques to deepen their understanding of conservation problems, and learn how to apply these data in the interpretation and treatment of cultural heritage. This integrated model fosters the development of both research capabilities and hands-on skills, laying a solid foundation for innovative conservation and restoration methods.

From the very inception of the programme, a framework has been established for the long-term development of scientific research in cultural heritage preservation. The programme prepares future specialists-conservators for work in museums, galleries and conservation centres, as well as for continued academic study and involvement in international projects, while encouraging students to cultivate critical thinking and an ethical approach to heritage protection. The emphasis on cutting-edge technologies, interdisciplinarity and collaboration with other institutions makes this programme unique in Montenegro and crucial to the safeguarding of the nation’s cultural legacy.