Presentation

Educational aims

Specific Objectives: The Bachelor’s Degree Programme in Technologies and Diagnostics for Cultural Heritage Conservation aims, in accordance with the requirements of Class L-43 (Diagnostics for Cultural Heritage Conservation), to train graduates capable of analysing and documenting the materials and degradation of cultural heritage objects; collaborating in the execution of diagnostic investigations for the study of ancient materials, artistic and production techniques, and conservation status; and contributing to monitoring, digitisation, inventory, and cataloguing activities. Graduates will have a sound understanding of the main diagnostic techniques used for the study and conservation of cultural heritage and will be able to perform investigations, monitoring, data management and communication, as well as correlate degradation phenomena with environmental conditions and assess the effectiveness and durability of conservation interventions. The programme offers a solid interdisciplinary education integrating chemistry, statistics, biology, and geology with methodological and foundational knowledge of archaeology, art history, construction science, and cultural heritage legislation. Particular attention is devoted to advanced scientific and technical knowledge concerning the material characteristics of cultural heritage and the properties of its constituent materials, the use of advanced analytical instruments and technologies, archaeometric methods, and the acquisition and processing of diagnostic data. Graduates will be able to perform diagnostic analyses before, during, and after conservation interventions. Each course combines lectures with laboratory work designed to strengthen students’ technical and practical skills. The numerous laboratory activities represent the practical application of theoretical knowledge, focusing on the diagnostics of materials, morphological and structural characteristics of artefacts, and the definition of appropriate conservation technologies, as well as on understanding and recognising cultural heritage objects in relation to their historical, social, and environmental context. Graduates will therefore possess a solid scientific background and a good command of the investigative methods and data interpretation techniques necessary to understand cultural heritage in its various dimensions. They will also acquire the skills required to identify degradation processes, collaborate in conservation interventions, and contextualise materials within historical and archaeological frameworks. Furthermore, they will be able to participate in inventory, digitisation, and heritage protection activities, working in collaboration with other professionals. Students gain further practical and operational experience through internships at cultural institutions, research bodies, or private companies in the field. Internships are carried out in prestigious institutions such as museums, superintendencies, restoration laboratories, universities, and specialised companies, allowing students to build professional networks and take part in research projects or conservation activities. A substantial number of internship hours is required to ensure familiarity with tools, techniques, and data interpretation. This is essential in a discipline that relies heavily on hands-on practice: the scientific and technological knowledge acquired must be tested in real contexts to develop concrete operational skills. During internships, students also learn to work in multidisciplinary teams—alongside diagnosticians, restorers, conservators, and archaeologists—and to propose innovative and sustainable solutions. The degree programme includes the following educational activities: Basic courses, aimed at acquiring the fundamental principles of Chemistry (including General Chemistry and Chemistry of Restoration), Physico-chemical Techniques for Material Characterisation, Classical Archaeology and Prehistory, and Elements of Statistics—essential for understanding and mastering specialised disciplines. Core and specialised courses, aimed at acquiring essential knowledge and skills for the professional profile, including biological sciences (botany, anthropology, geopalaeontology, microbiology), physical chemistry of materials, data processing and interpretation methods, ancient history, and construction science. These ensure competence in archaeological and conservation issues, technological and diagnostic methodologies, and administrative law relating to the legislation and ethics of cultural heritage activities. Related and supplementary courses, such as Archaeological Research Methods, Archival Studies, Restoration Techniques and Materials, Zoology, and interdisciplinary case studies involving multiple subjects through co-teaching and innovative teaching practices. The curriculum includes a Traineeship carried out between the second and third year, in public institutions, research bodies, or private companies. In addition to the required courses, students may choose elective subjects. The degree programme also ensures graduates achieve a B1 level of English proficiency. The Final Exam consists of the preparation and defence of a written dissertation based on a design project or experimental or bibliographic research, demonstrating the student’s ability to work independently, apply acquired competencies, and master the chosen topic. The final project may relate to the internship experience carried out with an external institution affiliated with the University. The final exam consists of the presentation of a written dissertation. The degree examination involves the oral discussion of the dissertation.

work perspectives

Profile: Expert in Cultural Heritage Diagnostics Functions: Graduates in Technologies and Diagnostics for Cultural Heritage Conservation, in accordance with Directive 2005/36/EC, possess the scientific foundations, technological knowledge, and theoretical and practical preparation required to work professionally as diagnosticians and to hold positions of responsibility in research and heritage protection. Their work includes: - Diagnosis of conservation status: The diagnostician analyses material degradation, identifies its causes, and determines the level of risk for the cultural asset. They contribute to defining priorities and intervention strategies based on collected scientific data. - Environmental monitoring: They assess environmental conditions (humidity, temperature, pollutants) that may affect heritage conservation. - Biodeterioration analysis: They identify living organisms—such as moulds, bacteria, or algae—that may damage materials. This European directive establishes the principles for recognising professional qualifications across EU Member States, including professions related to heritage conservation and restoration. The diagnostician’s role is essential for ensuring the preservation, restoration, and enhancement of cultural heritage. Positioned at the intersection of science and culture, the diagnostician applies scientific knowledge to safeguard and valorise heritage assets, working in close collaboration with other specialists to ensure effective and sustainable interventions. Collaboration with other professionals: - Support for restorers: Providing diagnostic data to plan precise and respectful conservation interventions. - Work with archaeologists and art historians: Integrating scientific analyses with historical knowledge to contextualise artefacts. - Support for designers and conservators: Advising on preventive measures for long-term preservation, including the selection of suitable protective materials. Skills: Graduates must acquire advanced knowledge of chemical and biological diagnostic methodologies applied to archaeological and artistic heritage, together with strong interpretative skills regarding conservation status, material and technical features, and relevant historical, social, and cultural contexts. They must also develop the ability to design and implement diagnostic plans tailored to specific cultural assets and to monitor their condition over time. Furthermore, graduates must demonstrate the ability to apply a multidisciplinary and methodological approach—critical and context-aware—mediating between different actors in the heritage conservation field. They should be able to use English appropriately (minimum level B1) for professional and scientific communication in international contexts related to archaeological and artistic heritage protection. Career Opportunities: The Cultural Heritage Diagnostician is a highly specialised and versatile professional with opportunities in both the public and private sectors, in Italy and abroad. Employment prospects span various areas of conservation, restoration, research, and heritage management. PUBLIC SECTOR - Superintendencies for Cultural Heritage: Work in public institutions responsible for protecting, conserving, and promoting cultural heritage (archaeological, artistic, or landscape). The diagnostician contributes technical analyses for heritage management. - Museums and cultural institutions: Employment in museums or art galleries to monitor collection conditions, identify degradation risks, and support restoration efforts. - Public diagnostic laboratories: Collaboration with state or university laboratories specialising in scientific analyses of cultural assets. PRIVATE SECTOR - Diagnostic consultant: Providing diagnostic services for institutions, restorers, and private clients to support the conservation of artworks and artefacts. - Restoration companies: Offering diagnostic support to restorers by analysing conservation status and recommending appropriate intervention techniques. - Private diagnostic laboratories: Working in material analysis and diagnostics using advanced technologies such as spectrometry, thermography, and electron microscopy. - Technology companies: Employment in firms developing diagnostic instruments (scanners, imaging systems, chemical-physical analysis devices). - Scientific communication: Collaborating with cultural organisations and media to promote awareness of heritage conservation and diagnostic methods. 3.RESEARCH AND EDUCATION - Universities and research centres: Conducting research on new diagnostic techniques or studying historical materials and artistic methods. - Teaching and training: Teaching in university or professional courses focused on heritage diagnostics and conservation. - International organisations: Collaborating with UNESCO, ICOMOS, or ICCROM on cultural heritage protection in global contexts.

Characteristics of the final exam

The final exam consists of the preparation and discussion of a dissertation based on a design project, experimental research, or the analysis and discussion of data from existing literature on topics related to cultural heritage diagnostics and/or conservation. The dissertation must demonstrate the student’s ability to work independently, the acquisition of the necessary skills to develop the project, and a thorough understanding of the topics addressed. The subject of the final dissertation may be linked to the internship carried out at external institutions affiliated with the University