Objective

European countries are characterized by a huge concentration of Cultural Heritage (from the smallest objects to the architectural monuments, from ancient paintings to modern art) where the roots of modern civilizations have their origin. The activities involved in this joint degree aim to form specialists with the highest sensitivity to the CH materials to preserve their existence from degradation and enhance their readability.

CH are the shrine of unmaterial culture and knowledge which is as precious as the CH objects but is more delicate and more prone to be lost than the materials themselves. CH has to be safely exhibited and moved and this means to form experts skilled in management and control of the interaction between the CH and the environment. The cross-cutting application of human and natural sciences is therefore needed to form the Conservation scientist who is an eclectic professional figure of the highest importance for the correct maintenance of such a delicate matter as Cultural Heritage.

The teaching activities are both theoretical and practical during the two years of the Joint Master Degree. The final Master Thesis is the result of at least 6 months of activities when the student applies and refines the learned skills. The student becomes independent and self-sufficient aware of where to find support (in both scientific, cultural, and conservation fields) when needed. In this way the professional figure issued by the joint degree might be defined as a Conservation Scientist: A figure of particular interest for museums (e.g., archaeology, ethnographics, history of art, natural history, and so on), for the CH authority, for research centers.

The Joint Master Degree will offer the opportunity to face and solve the issues related to the different local awarding policies within the three institutions having this role, and will consolidate the network to create an educational and professional offer suitable to form top Conservation Scientists.