Degree course in textile conservation/restoration

This five-year full-time study course consists of two cycles: a three-year Bachelor-programme and a two-year Master-programme. The Bachelor-programme is attached to the Bern University of Applied Sciences, Department of Conservation and Restoration at the Bern University of the Arts (BUA) The students attend the introductory theoretical courses in preventive conservation, in technology and materials of artefacts as well as the conservation modules in Bern. The specialized textile-related modules are taught at the Abegg-Stiftung. The practice modules in the textile conservation workshop and in the museum of the Abegg-Stiftung form an essential part of the course.

The subsequent Master-programme provides the students with a specifically practical training. Courses are offered at the Abegg-Stiftung, in coordination with the Master-programme at the BUA in Bern. Specialised, textile-related theoretical courses complement the graduate studies. Students will complete the degree course in textile conservation/restoration with a final diploma project taking up several months. The degree will be a Master of Arts in Conservation and Restoration of Textiles. This degree course at the Abegg-Stiftung offers the qualification required by European professional associations in conservation-restoration for independent professional activities in textile conservation/restoration.