The diploma programme
of
Conservation and Restoration prepares students for an academic conservator’s field of activity. The five-year
programme offers four specialist areas: paintings, textile, object and stone.
More
information on the programme here.ADMISSION REQUIREMENTS
Registration for the academic
year 2020/2021 is already closed.
The next admission process is projected for February 2021.
Further information
regarding registration and admission exam will follow.
We suggest getting details of the admission exam
and the diploma degree programme in good time from the secretary of the Institute during their office hours (kons-rest@uni-ak.ac.at)!The following skills and
abilities are required in the study programme: The future restorer should possess artistic aptitude
and enjoy practical-manual, craft-based work, but also show an interest in the humanities (art and cultural history,
archaeology …) and natural sciences (biology, chemistry, physics). We recommend undertaking a pre-study internship of several
weeks at a restoration studio. First and foremost, all those interested should gather information about a restorer‘s everyday
work beforehand. Also, they should carefully consider which area of specialisation to choose. A higher school-leaving certificate
is not a legal requirement, but Matura certificate (or equivalent) has proven to be a good foundation for our study programme.
Sufficient German language skills (both spoken and written) are a necessity from the start. Also, basic
knowledge of English is a prerequisite, as some courses are held in English. We would like to point out that due to the extent
of compulsory practical work and courses with compulsory attendance during the first semesters of the programme there will
be hardly any opportunity for part-time work or the pursuit of a second study.
The head and assistants of the Institute
would be happy to answer any questions in a face to face meeting regarding the study programme, the entrance exam and the
portfolio. We recommend making an appointment at least six months prior to the entrance exam for a critical discussion of
the portfolio and to deal with questions regarding the studies.
Admission to the diploma degree programme is
based on a two-tier process (submitting portfolio, exam):a) REGISTRATION & PORTFOLIO SUBMISSIONPrerequisite for admission to the entrance exam is the positive assessment of the application portfolio.
The
portfolio should be of generous proportions (sheet size A3 to A2) and contain approx. 20 current works. The Institute asks
for precise freehand drawings and studies of nature in pencil (e.g. life drawing, still life, landscape, etc., preferably
a series). The second part of the portfolio can/should contain works in colour (e.g. watercolours, pastels) and may be more
freely designed.
In addition, the following is required:
- completed 17th year of age
- educational
certificate (e.g. Matura certificate, BHS vocational higher school leaving certificate, certificate of apprenticeship, and
similar)
- artistic aptitude and crafting skills
- overview knowledge in art history
- basic knowledge in
natural sciences (chemistry)
- computer knowledge (Microsoft Office programmes, Adobe Photoshop)
Recommendations
on how to prepare (PDF)b) EXAMINATIONWithin the framework of the entrance
exam, applicants‘ artistic-creative skills are tested, plus their manual skills such as moulding, object construction, drawing,
and colour mixing. Also, their basic knowledge in art history and chemistry (at secondary school level) is tested.
In addition, written papers are to be produced, such as an art-historical description of a painting. A personal interview
takes place to test knowledge in art and cultural history and to address expectations towards the occupational profile and
the applicant‘s motivation to train and work in the area of conservation-restoration.
