Program Overview

MSc Architectural Design for the Conservation of Built Heritage

The MSc Architectural Design for the Conservation of Built Heritage is a postgraduate program that focuses on the conservation and design of historic buildings. The course is fully recognized by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) and conforms to the internationally recognized Guidelines for Education and Training in the Conservation of Monuments, Ensembles and Sites adopted by the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).

Why this course?

Architectural conservation is an emerging area of work that requires specialist training and knowledge to deal with its multidisciplinary and interdisciplinary nature. The course provides a platform for collaboration with both practice and research partners, architectural critique, and discussion and debate. Students will gain skills and knowledge to produce an architectural conservation and design project, and benefit from teaching by leading experts.

Key facts

• Start date: September
• Accreditation: Fully recognized by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC)
• Study mode and duration: MSc: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time

Course content

The course is a platform for:

• collaboration with both practice and research partners
• architectural critique
• discussion and debate

All full-time students take instructional classes and a design project in the first two semesters. MSc students then complete a dissertation project.

Compulsory classes

• Theory of Conservation
• Architectural & Construction History
• Legislation & Regulations
• Survey, Preliminary Studies & Investigations in Architectural Heritage
• Materials & Decay
• Conservation Design Project
• Structural Repairs & Strengthening
• Conservation Materials Technology

Elective classes

• Urban History
• Urban Theory
• Real Estate Development
• Urban Design Policy and Practice
• Sustainability
• Construction Project Management

Assessment

Formative assessment will take place throughout the course. Summative assessment will be through:

• studio reviews
• individual written essays and reports
• oral presentations
• dissertation - directly linked to the conservation project

Learning & teaching

The course is balanced between theory and practice. It’s delivered through:

• lectures
• workshops
• studio-based, and seminar-led learning, by staff and visiting experts from the UK and overseas

Facilities

• Studios: two fully-networked design studios
• Library: on-site reference library
• Workshop: hand and portable power tools
• PC Lab: AutoCad and InDesign, plotter printing, scanning, and laser cutting services

Teaching staff

The course director, Cristina González-Longo, is an academic, researcher, chartered architect, and RIBA Specialist Conservation Architect. The course also features honorary lecturers and guest lecturers from government, local authority, and industry partners.

Entry requirements

• Academic requirements/experience: normally a first-class or second-class honors degree (or international equivalent) in Architecture, Structural or Civil Engineering
• English language requirements: if English is not the first language, please visit the English language requirements page for full details

Fees & funding

• Scotland: £14,250
• England, Wales & Northern Ireland: £14,250
• Republic of Ireland: if an Irish citizen and have been ordinary resident in the Republic of Ireland for the three years prior to the relevant date, and will be coming to Scotland for Educational purposes only, you will meet the criteria of England, Wales & Northern Ireland fee status
• International: £30,250
• Additional Costs: international students may have associated visa and immigration costs

Careers

The completion of the Masters will give a variety of opportunities:

• IHBC affiliate member with option to progress to full membership
• RIBA Conservation Registrant (CR) and/or RIAS Accredited Conservation Architect
• progress to RIBA Conservation architect (CA), RIBA Specialist Conservation architect (SCA) and/or RIAS Accredited or Advance Conservation Architect
• progress to Conservation Accreditation Register for Engineers (CARE), the joint register between the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE) and Institution of Structural Engineers (IStructE)

Potential careers include:

• conservation architect in architectural firms
• conservation engineer in engineering firms
• conservation Officer in local authorities
• work in UK government agencies: Historic Scotland, English Heritage, CadW, and the Environment and Heritage Service in Northern Ireland
• architect/conservation officer in other countries for government and local authorities
• work in UK and internationally architect/conservation officer for conservation organisations and charities such as UNESCO, ICOMOS, Council of Europe, ICCROM

Apply

During the application process, you are required to upload the following supporting documents:

• certified individual semester mark sheets/academic transcript showing subjects taken and grades achieved for all qualifications
• certified degree certificate for all qualifications
• evidence of suitable English language proficiency if English is not the first language
• a design portfolio, showcasing examples of recent work
• a personal statement
• a copy of your passport containing your photo and passport number
• a copy of your sponsor letter/scholarship award (if appropriate)
• names, job titles, and email addresses for two nominated referees

Start dates: September 2025 and September 2026. The course is available full-time and part-time.