Joint Degree Programme between the University of Applied Arts Vienna and Silpakorn University
International College (Bangkok, Thailand)
Programme description
The study aims at graduates of conservation-restoration
study programmes (BA+MA or diploma) who intend to develop and refine their competences by gaining hands-on experience in international
conservation project work, in project and site management, and in the preservation of cultural as well as world heritage.
To
achieve this, the programme takes an innovative, transcultural, and interdisciplinary approach. It brings together two groups
of students with different academic qualifications and creates an environment of mutual enrichment and learning. Students from
both universities spend parts of the study programme together, both in Vienna and Bangkok. They explore new work
fields in cultural heritage preservation and develop teaching and training skills in conservation.
The programme provides
students with tools applicable to the management of cultural heritage and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Skills in communicating
with stakeholders and communities are further developed and refined.
Students are also invited to participate in international
projects that focus on practical conservation and collection care.
The programme is held in English and for Angewandte
students it includes a compulsory study period at Silpakorn University International College in Bangkok.
Programme
structure
The Joint Master programme comprises study phases at the University of Applied Arts Vienna and Silpakorn
University International College in Bangkok.
Angewandte students spend two months of the the first semester in Vienna.
During the first semester, they also take courses on Asian cultural heritage, transcultural communication and collaboration,
and they prepare materials for the conservation teaching. Within this practice-oriented format students take on the role of
facilitators and guide their colleagues through the work process of conservation.
The second semester includes introductions
to sites of religious practice, reflections on transcultural collaboration and advanced courses in preventive conservation.
In
the third semester, Silpakorn and Angewandte students spend a joint study phase in Bangkok focusing on courses and workshops
on cultural heritage management, communication practice, and Asian art and culture, concluding this phase with another conservation
teaching workshop.
Students are free to choose whether to prepare their master's thesis in Bangkok or Vienna.
During
the course of study all students have the opportunity to participate in international conservation projects with the focus
on practical work and collection care organized by the Institute of Conservation.
Qualifications of graduates
Graduates
from the Angewandte are equipped with:
- knowledge of relevant aspects of Asian culture and history
- profound
understanding of the international professional field of conservation and restoration, including relevant international organizations
and networks
- transcultural communication and collaboration skills
- competence in communication and presentation
- advanced
project (and site) management skills
- their own professional networks based on practical collaboration experiences
during the master's degree programme
