2023 Postgraduate Conservation Programme: "Technical Conservation Studies" - offered via blended learning mode of delivery. The South African Institute for Heritage Science and Conservation is an accredited institution of postgraduate higher learning, offering the following study/training prospects:

• The Institute's formal training programme, 'Technical Conservation Studies', is offered as a postgraduate diploma programme. Lending preparation for both commercial enterprise and employment in conservation, the programme equally accommodates both the aspiring private practitioner and the candidate from within an institutional environment.
• This programme is offered via a multi-year, blended learning mode - on a modular basis, and over an extended period, featuring occasional contact learning block sessions. The 2023 intake will follow a decelerated pace of presentation, optimized for candidates whom have concurrent commitments beyong these studies, either financial or vocational. Entry prerequisites include prior attainment in the subject of chemistry, at introductory level - roughly equivalent to 1st year university level. (A 4-month, online chemistry bridging course exists to accomplish this).
• The Student Admissions Policy pertaining to enrollment on this programme may be viewed here.
• The next cycle of the blended learning format is currently scheduled to commence with the presentation of the Conservation Theory & Skills (CTS) module on 11 January 2023. Find this module's prospectus here.
• The academic calendar for 2023 & 2024 is available here. The student candidate should note that only calendar weeks marked in red actually require the student's on-campus presence in Twee Riviere. (For students from abroad, attendance of the inceptual orientation days may instead be substituted by a detailed, online session, where more practicable). Tuition during the balance of programme weeks is accomplished via online, Moodle / Zoom-based interactive lectures (once-weekly), live video discussions, demonstrations and ongoing assignments. Despite the much reduced pace, prospective students should nonetheless note that the level of engagement required by this curriculum is not insubstantial - the depth of engagement is after all set at postgraduate level. Realistic provision must therefore be made by each candidate to facilitate the expected level of engagement, and may require the limiting of existing work commitments as well as prior completion of possibly competing studies.
• Module fees, inclusive of text books, tools and materials (as well the particulars of intermittent student lodging, where applicable) may be found here here. 
• It is required of all candidates who do not yet meet the entry pre-requisites in respect to chemistry, to enrol for and substantially complete the Institute's online, 4-month, distance study course, "Bridging to Chemistry for Conservation" - irrespective of whether such candidate seeks to enrol as a special/occasional student OR programme student. In particular, this distance-learning, bridging course is intended to serve candidates transitioning from the Humanities, or others lacking an adequate grounding in Chemistry. Click here to view the chemistry bridging course's prospectus.  
• Special or Occasional Students: Note that for enrolment as occasional / special student (not on a pathway to graduation) an undergraduate degree is not a requirement. For such candidates, the prospect of an RPL route remains accessible additionally. Do note however that successful completion of both the 4-month Chemistry Bridging course and the entry module "Conservation Theory & Skills" is required before a student can apply for enrollment on any of the subsequent modules, including the respective conservation specialisms. Candidates seeking to enroll for this modular, distance-learning programme, but desiring to take merely one or more selected modules, may alternatively apply to register selectively, doing so as a special student. Should a candidate enroled as a special student at a later stage elect to seek entry to the postgraduate programme (that is, follow the multi-year, blended learning programme format to completion of the minimum credit requirements for purposes of graduation) a renewed application may at such future point be initiated, with a view to transitioning from a special student to a programme student on a pathway to graduation. In such cases, the candidate will be exempted from repeating any module which he/she has already passed.
• A recent, topical article which reflects the rationale for this programme, can be found in the June 2022 edition of the IIC's News in Conservation Magazine (pages 54 - 57). Find it here.
• For enrollment or programme enquiries, e-mail info@sainst.org or complete an application form here. For early, quick-fire answers, short-form messages may also be directed to WhatsApp 071 790 0946.
• General information and context may be found at www.sainst.org