Historic Building Conservation MSc

Program Overview

The MSc in Historic Building Conservation trains professionals in the preservation and conservation of historic buildings. It emphasizes interdisciplinary learning, combining theoretical knowledge with practical skills. Graduates are prepared for roles in advisory bodies, NGOs, private organizations, and academia, with a focus on extending their practice, gaining expertise in new areas, and developing a strong foundation for professional accreditation.

Program Outline

This MSc in Historic Building Conservation is designed to train and develop professionals in the specialist field of historic building conservation. The program emphasizes interdisciplinary learning and incorporates both theoretical and practical elements. It aims to equip students with the skills and knowledge needed to:

• Extend their current practice in historic building conservation.
• Gain expertise in new areas of historic building conservation.
• Broaden their understanding of the interdisciplinary nature of historic building conservation.
The program is particularly relevant for those already working in the field, but also welcomes students with diverse backgrounds like archaeology, architecture, architectural technology, chartered surveying, crafts, engineering, project management, and construction management.

Outline:

The program covers various aspects of historic building conservation with a focus on both strategic analysis and practical skills. Students complete five modules worth 180 credits in total.

Course Modules:

• Regeneration and Conservation of Historic Environments (30 credits):
This module examines the relationship between historic buildings and their environments, exploring the evolution of these environments over time and the social, economic, and environmental factors that shape them. Students learn about government policies influencing urban and economic renewal within these landscapes.
• Research Project / Dissertation (60 credits):
This final module allows students to design and execute an original research project based on their interests within the field of historic building conservation. Students integrate theory and practice, potentially developing a dissertation, practice project, or experiment-based project.

Teaching Methods:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Group Critiques
• Individual Tutorials
• Optional Study Visits
• Presentations
• Workshops
• Guided Independent Study

Assessment:

Assessment methods typically include:

• Essays
• Reports
• Seminars
• Workshops
• Group Field Trip
• Project Work
• Presentations
• Dissertation
• Coursework: 98%
• Practical: 2%

Teaching:

The course is taught by experienced faculty members with a blend of academic expertise and professional experience in the field of historic building conservation. These roles may include:

• Working in advisory or regulatory bodies, supporting the wider remit of historic building conservation.
• Positions in non-governmental organizations (NGOs).
• Employment with national and regional charitable trusts.
• Roles within private and voluntary organizations working on historic fabric.
• Specialist roles within existing professions, supporting applications to specialist registers.
• Independent consultancy.
• Academic research.

Other:

• The course encourages close engagement with the diverse businesses within London's creative industries.

Home 2025/26 MSc full time £11,400 MSc part time £6,270 International 2025/26 MSc full time £17,600 MSc part time £9,680 Home 2024/25 MSc full time £10,900 MSc part time £5,995 International 2024/25 MSc full time £16,900 MSc part time £9,295