Architectural Conservation - MSc drafted

Program Overview

The MSc in Architectural Conservation at Kent School of Architecture and Planning combines theoretical and technical aspects of heritage preservation. It prepares students for careers in conservation practice, consultancy, and management. Delivered by expert staff and leveraging Canterbury Cathedral as a learning resource, the program provides comprehensive training in the conservation and development of historic sites. Assessment is through coursework, reports, projects, and a dissertation.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This MSc in Architectural Conservation is a taught course designed for professionals and academics worldwide with an interest in architectural heritage. It caters to individuals like architects, engineers, archaeologists, art historians, geographers, and surveyors. The program combines the study of conservation theory and philosophy with an exploration of the technical aspects of repair and reconstruction. It leverages the historic city of Canterbury as a learning resource, allowing students to learn from the conservation of a World Heritage Site, the Canterbury Cathedral. The MSc in Architectural Conservation is fully recognized by The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). It serves as an ideal gateway to a career in demanding professional fields such as conservation-oriented architectural practice, conservation consultancy, and heritage management. Graduates are expected to play a central role in disciplines that are at the heart of current economic, environmental, and social agendas.

Assessment:

Assessment is primarily through coursework, with a focus on essays, reports, projects, and the dissertation.

Teaching:

The program boasts expert teaching staff who are leaders in their field. They utilize innovative teaching methods to bring the subject to life. The program aims and learning outcomes are designed to ensure students get the most out of their studies.

Careers:

The MSc in Architectural Conservation is designed to enhance career prospects in a competitive world. Professionals in the architectural, planning, environmental design, and conservation fields who develop higher-level skills, accredited by relevant bodies, will find themselves well-placed to progress in their field. Students have gone on to work for major public agencies and universities, as well as leading practitioners in the private sector.

Other:

• Kent School of Architecture and Planning: The program is delivered by the Kent School of Architecture and Planning, which is known for its excellence in both the history and theory of architecture and in sustainable urban, peri-urban, and environmental design.
The school staff have design expertise and specialist knowledge, and they are at the forefront of current architectural issues, including sustainability, technology, professional practice, and research.
• Project Work: Much of the project work involved in the Kent School of Architecture and Planning is located on 'live' sites in the local region, using real clients and engaging challenging issues.
Students have been introduced to real urban and architectural design challenges in Lille, Margate, Folkestone, Dover, Rye, Chatham, and Canterbury. This work often involves liaising with external bodies, such as architects, planners, council, and development groups.
• Additional Costs: Students will need to visit the project site at least twice as part of the module AR84 - Intervention.
• Professional Links: The School has excellent contacts with businesses and culture in the local area, including regional organizations such as Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Kent County Council, European Association for Architectural Education (EAAE).
The Sustainable Communities Plan is particularly strong in south-east England, making the region the ideal place in which to debate innovative solutions to architectural issues. Kent also has excellent links with schools of architecture in Lille, Rome, Istanbul, Tokyo, and Virginia (USA).
• Mentoring Scheme: Academic study is complemented by a mentoring scheme organized in collaboration with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and involving students in events with local practices.
• Dynamic Publishing Culture: Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings, and books.
They have recently contributed to publications such as Architectural Research Quarterly, The Architectural Review, Building and Environment, The Journal of Architecture, and The World of Interiors.
• Global Skills Award: All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on the Global Skills Award Programme.
This program is designed to broaden students' understanding of global issues and current affairs, as well as to develop personal skills that will enhance their employability.
• Research Centres: KSAP incorporates the Centre for Research in European Architecture (CREAte), the Centre for Architecture and Sustainable Environment (CASE), and the Digital Architecture Research Centre (DARC).
Each centre focuses on specific areas of research within the field of architecture and the built environment.

The 2024/25 annual tuition fees for this course are: Full-time EU £18,600 International £18,600 Part-time EU £9,300 International £9,300 For students continuing on this programme fees will increase year on year by no more than RPI + 3% in each academic year of study except where regulated.