Cultural Heritage and Conservation Doctoral Programme

The Estonian Academy of Arts (EKA) offers four international doctoral programmes in fine art, design, architecture, art and culture. One of those four is the Cultural Heritage and Conservation PhD programme.

Cultural Heritage and Conservation Doctoral Programme Objectives

To bring doctoral candidates’ theoretical preparation and disciplinary knowledge to an internationally recognised research level in the core fields of cultural heritage and conservation: heritage conservation philosophy and history, conservation and restoration of architectural heritage, and conservation and restoration of artworks and cultural objects.
To ensure a high level of professional competence grounded in a broad intellectual and cultural perspective, together with the skills required for advanced professional practice.
To deepen the academic dimension of research, supporting both methodological competence and the development of an independent researcher with profound expertise in the field.
To prepare highly qualified specialists for careers in research, expert and leadership positions in professional practice, as well as in higher education and teaching.

Research Areas in the Academic Year 2026/27

Protection and sustainability of historic urban environments and living heritage
Historical and contemporary materials and technologies, and conservation practices
History of heritage conservation and conservation-restoration in Estonia
Technical art history