As a Collections Conservation and Management specialist, you will learn how to save the fragile reminders and markers of the past -- preserved for future generations to learn from.
Peterborough
Fall 2012
| Program Status: | Waitlisted |
| Program Code: | CCM |
| Location: | Peterborough |
| Co-ordinator: | Gayle McIntyre Email |
| Credential: | Ontario College Diploma |
| Start Dates: | September 04, 2012 |
| Tuition Fees: | $1,803.25 per semester* |
| * Tuition and fees subject to change. | |
Program Highlights
The fundamental role of the conservation professional is to preserve and restore, as appropriate, cultural property for present and future generations. We have a lot to learn from the experiences and events of people who have gone before us. However, we can't learn much from the past if we don't have records of it. Imagine how much history is lost to us when an ancient artifact is destroyed -- by perfectly well-meaning people who want to save it.
This is an intensive, fast-paced learning experience that you will undertake in four consecutive semesters. You'll start your classes in September and spend your first three semesters, during the fall, winter and summer, at the college. Following your introduction to the field of conservation, you will gain experience in the care and handling of most common museum materials, including ceramics, glass, stone, metals, wooden objects, leather and proteinaceous materials, textiles, works of art on paper, books, archival materials, and photographs. Once you've learned the theory and practical skills, you'll treat museum artifacts from local, regional, and national sites. Complementary courses, workshops, assignments, and community-based projects will offer off-campus opportunities to practice conservation methods. A full-time, unpaid, curriculum-based internship in your final semester (September to December) provides an invaluable learning and work experience.
Success Stories
"The program has highly skilled and friendly instructors, who gave me a thorough and comprehensive education in the care and conservation of key material types. I had great opportunities to network and work on projects in the field , and that proved to be a great asset once I was looking for employment."
Rachel Nordstrom, Program Graduate
Collections Cataloguer, The Fox Talbot Museum, The National Trust, England
Why Choose Fleming
Fleming College's Collections Conservation and Management program is the only college-level training in this field in Canada. It is widely recognized as providing the optimum synthesis of art and science; graduates are appreciated for their professional ethics and standards, and hands-on experience in the field.
Work Experience
There are many opportunities to get practical experience both at the college and off-campus. In your fourth semester, you will take on a challenging, full-time, curriculum-based internship at an approved site. Students should be prepared to relocate for the internship, to pay full tuition fees, and be self-supporting during this semester. You can negotiate your own internship with faculty assistance and several students have participated in internships abroad. The internship is an unpaid study experience. Every reasonable attempt will be made to fit students to appropriate sites. Students in this program have participated in interships at the following sites:
- Parks Canada - Conservation Laboratories
- Museum of Civilization
- Peterborough Museum & Archives
- Bata Shoe Museum
- Royal British Columbia Museum
- Royal Alberta Museum
- Historic Royal Palaces
Satisfactory completion of the internship is a prerequisite for graduation.
Is this You?
In this program you require:
- respect for tangible and intangible heritage
- a love of history
- good colour perception
- visual acuity
- manual dexterity
- ability to work in teams
- a sense of humour
- time management skills
- good communication skills
- team skills
Looking for an Advantage?
Experience or certification in the following are assets:
- Digital photography
- Photoshop, Adobe Suite
- Fall Arrest Training
- French language skills
- Fire Prevention Training
- Firearms Possession and Acquisition Licence (P.A.L.)
- Experience working with databases
Career Opportunities
Expect to find work in heritage, historical, or cultural organizations and centres, such as archives, museums, historic sites, cultural/heritage institutions, and conservation labs. The employment rate of graduates is very impressive, especially if you are willing to move for work, and take the initiative in developing a network of contacts in the field. Job titles include:
- conservation technician
- museum technician
- curatorial assistant
- conservator
- museum registrar
- heritage interpreter
- preservation officer
Minimum Admission Requirements
OSSD with the majority of credits at the College (C) and Open (O) level, including:
- 2 College (C) English courses (Grade 11 or Grade 12)
- 1 College (C) Grade 12 Chemistry course
When (C) is the minimum course level for admission, (U) or (U/C) courses are also accepted.
Recommended:
Strong Science background. (Although not required for admission, this will help to prepare you for the program.)
Mature Students
If you are 19 years of age or older before classes start, and you do not possess an OSSD, you can write the Canadian Adult Achievement Test to assess your eligibility for admission. Additional testing or academic upgrading may be necessary to meet specific course requirements for this program.
All applicants will be required to achieve course credit in the mandatory science course, through Secondary School or through Academic Upgrading programs.
Related Programs
Interested in exploring other history/heritage related programs for career options? Why not consider the post-graduate Museum Management and Curatorship program?
Health Requirements
If you have a complex medical history, we strongly advise you to discuss your concerns with the program co-ordinator, and to consult with your doctor. You must update Tetanus and all immunizations prior to the start of classes. In addition, students are required to pay certification fees and present current certification for Standard First Aid, CPR (C Level), WHMIS training and a current police records check.
Additional Costs
You should plan to spend approximately $1,900 on books, supplies, and miscellaneous costs. Students are also required to purchase a few tools, brushes, slide film, lab materials and appropriate health and safety equipment. Additional fees may be required for field trips or specialized workshops. A laptop and digital camera are assets.
Transfer Agreements
For more information see the Pathways to University page.
Every attempt is made to ensure the accuracy of the information on our website and in our publications. The College reserves the right to modify or cancel any course, program, fee, timetable, or campus location at any time.