MA in Buddhist Art History and Conservation

The MA, affiliated with Robert H. N. Ho Foundation Centre for Buddhist Art and Conservation at the Courtauld, provides a comprehensive grounding in Buddhist art history and theoretical aspects of conservation.You will obtain widely transferrable research and practical skills, and sensitivity to world cultures and religions. The objective of the MA is to address the issue of the preservation --- through appreciation, continuing use and conservation --- of the vast heritage of Buddhist art worldwide, drawing on key sites where The Courtauld has been involved in conservation. The preservation of Buddhist art requires an appreciation of Buddhism as a religion, and the ways in which Buddhist belief, practice, patronage and social role have influenced artistic expression. You will receive essential grounding in conservation and art history reflecting diverse traditions of Buddhism, in objects of all kinds, in collections and in sites. Visits to collections and sites are central to the degree.The degree is taught by leading specialists in Conservation and Buddhist Art. Teaching focuses on theoretical and ethical frameworks for the conservation of Buddhist art, and methods for assessing risk and implementing preventive measures that underpin sustainable conservation. Following formal teaching in semester 1 and 2, you will undertake an independent research project on an aspect of conservation or art history in the summer term. The 12-month MA is enriched through courses with graduate students majoring in Conservation and Art History.