Master’s in Conservation and Restoration

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Master’s in Conservation and Restoration

Your future is your Heritage.

The Master’s in Conservation and Restoration combines practical Conservation and Restoration work with Conservation Science and the Social and Human Sciences, ensuring the preservation and fruition of cultural heritage for present and future generations.

This program has a predominantly hands-on approach, based on a multi, inter, and transdisciplinary training model that fosters dialogue with a wide range of knowledge areas.

The goal is to train professionals with the necessary tools to contribute to the understanding, appreciation, and knowledge of Cultural Heritage, considering its context, significance, and both tangible and intangible properties.

The ability to carry out Conservation and Restoration interventions independently requires a critical mindset and an in-depth diagnosis. This allows professionals not only to assess the state of deterioration and pathologies affecting heritage but also to propose the most appropriate preventive or curative intervention measures.

"Impulso Mestre 2026" Scholarship

These scholarships, worth 450 euros, are available to all students who:
a) Are applying, for the first time to the first year of a Master’s degree at NOVA FCT;
b) Have completed their Bachelor’s degree with a final grade equal to or higher than 15 (out of 20);
c) Have completed their Bachelor’s degree at a higher education institution in Portugal or in another Member State of the European Union.

Note: Only candidates whose course edition takes place at NOVA FCT are eligible.

The results will be announced in November 2026.

Check the regulations (in Portuguese only)!

Why this Master's?

  • Accredited training by ENCoRE (European Network for Conservation-Restoration Education);
  • Integration of practical Conservation and Restoration work with Conservation Science and the Social and Human Sciences;
  • Option to choose between two specializations: Conservation and Restoration or Conservation Science;
  • Development of transversal skills, particularly fostering a critical mindset essential for professional practice;
  • A multidisciplinary and complementary teaching staff, making this Master’s highly competitive both nationally and internationally.

Applications 2026/27

1st Phase: February 4 to March 27, 2026

2nd Phase: June 1 to July 17, 2026

3rd Phase: August 19 to September 4, 2026

Single application phase for international students: February 4 to May 10, 2026

Vacancies: 20

Duration: 2 years (120 ECTS)

Format: In-Person, Daytime

Language: Portuguese and/or English

DO YOU HAVE QUESTIONS?

Course Coordinator: Joana Lia Ferreira, mcr.coordenador@fct.unl.pt

Academic division: mestrados@fct.unl.pt

I want to apply:
NATIONAL APPLICATIONS
INTERNATIONAL APPLICATIONS

Program

Throughout their training, particularly during the Internship or final Dissertation, Master’s students in Conservation and Restoration will develop the ability to work in dialogue with a wide range of knowledge areas. These professionals will be equipped to innovate, continuously update their skills, and compete at an international level.

Curriculum

For whom

  • Holders of a Bachelor's degree with a minimum of 80 credits in the areas of Conservation (CONS) and Conservation Science (CCONS) (CONS + CCONS = 80 ECTS) and training in Art History (20 ECTS).
  • Holders of a foreign academic degree recognized as meeting the objectives of a Bachelor's degree in Conservation by the Department of Conservation and Restoration Council and the Scientific Council of NOVA FCT.
  • Individuals with an academic, scientific, or professional background recognized by the Department of Conservation and Restoration Council and the Scientific Council of NOVA FCT as demonstrating the ability to undertake this study program.

Career opportunities

  • Culture: National, regional, and municipal museums; palaces and monuments; libraries and archives; private collectors; foundations and associations.
  • Service companies – Cultural Heritage sector: Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Assets; analysis and authentication of artworks; consultancy.
  • Central, regional, and local administration: Municipalities; Conservation and Restoration of public artworks; municipal collections; state organizations in the cultural sector.
  • Construction and public works: Conservation and Restoration of heritage integrated into the built environment.
  • Entrepreneurship: Establishing small or medium-sized businesses dedicated to activities related to the Conservation and Valorization of Cultural Heritage.
  • Research and development; technological innovation: Contributing to advancements in the field of Conservation and Restoration of Cultural Heritage.

Testimonials

Maria Simas

Maria Simas

Division of Museums and Cultural Heritage of Almada Municipality

"I chose the Master’s in Conservation and Restoration at NOVA FCT to gain a deeper understanding of cultural heritage materials, how they deteriorate, and the different perspectives on Conservation and Restoration interventions. This program provides a solid foundation for developing critical thinking, essential for heritage preservation. The training and experience acquired enable integration both in Conservation and Restoration companies and in cultural institutions."

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About the Department of Conservation and Restoration

The Department of Conservation and Restoration of NOVA School of Science and Technology has the mission of teaching and research in the area of Heritage, promoting its knowledge, conservation and enjoyment. The teaching staff with interdisciplinary skills and the properly equipped laboratories contribute to the creation of learning and research environments in the different areas of knowledge linked to conservation, considered in its relationship between theory and practice.

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