The course aims to: provide high-calibre students with training in practical skills and to offer excellent specialist supervision of studio work and applied research; educate painting conservators to the highest standard and to provide them with the means to contribute to research in the field of easel paintings conservation and preventive conservation; provide a stimulating environment in which students can reach their full intellectual potential; and help students develop a wide range of intellectual abilities and skills which will enable them to make a significant contribution to research and communication of their work in conservation. On completion of the course, the University expects students to have acquired the following skills. Practical skills: to be competent to assess the condition of a work of art; to undertake the conservation and restoration of easel paintings; to assess and suggest means to provide suitable environmental conditions for paintings; to carry out the technical examination of paintings using a range of techniques and/or interpret analytical results (eg infrared reflectography, UV photography, X-radiography, analysis of cross-sections); to undertake in-situ work on paintings in various collections; to be able to communicate with internal and external colleagues, experts in related fields and clients. Intellectual skills: to make ethical and empathetic decisions regarding a painting; intellectual mastery of the conservation theory; the ability to carry out research independently; knowledge of the primary and secondary sources; the ability to assess/interpret scientific data; the ability to make measured critical judgments; the ability to organise material and present a coherent argument.