Program Overview

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Historic Conservation

MSc or PGDip

Overview

What is the value of the historic environment in the face of social, economic, and environmental change? How can we balance its role in cultural memory and identity and as an embodied and learning resource? Join students from a diverse range of backgrounds to explore the evolving debates and delve into the multi-disciplinary field of Historic Conservation.

You'll build up a strong foundation in architectural history, the theory of historic conservation, traditional construction and materials as well as building analysis and recording. From there, you'll explore making reasoned judgements on the design and economics of schemes for repair, restoration, adaptive reuse, and regeneration all with an eye for decarbonisation and resource efficiency.

Benefiting from the contribution of a wide range of practitioners from the heritage sector, the programme combines theoretical debates, hands-on practical workshops, field trips and independent study. The experience will help to expand your network and develop the professional skills to set you on course for employment in the sector.

Why Oxford Brookes University?

• Study in a city steeped in architectural history
• Attend Oxford Brookes and the University of Oxford
• Active conservation site visits
• Develop historic building insights
• A stepping stone to a rewarding career
• Accreditation(s)

Course Details

Course Structure

Throughout this course you’ll think critically about the role of conservation, why it's important and how we might improve current practices for a sustainable future.

You’ll study the theories, law and history of historic conservation, gaining an understanding of the cultural and political forces that have shaped it, and the debates that animate it today.

You’ll gain hands-on, practical insights into construction and repair techniques, helping you to understand how historic buildings can be sustained. You’ll develop skills in analysis and recording, and learn how good design can help secure the future of historic areas. You’ll also gain an understanding of conservation economics and the effect of heritage protection on costs and values, assessing viability and finding sources of funding.

For the full MSc award, you’ll undertake a capstone project on a conservation topic of your choice, using independent research and tutorials to develop your own area of expertise within the field.

Learning and Teaching

You’ll look into the major elements of architectural history in England from the medieval period to the present. You’ll experience the extraordinary built heritage of Oxford and its environs as a learning resource in exploring the many aspects of conservation practice.

Our teaching and learning methods reflect the variety of topics and techniques associated with historic conservation. These include:

• Lectures
• Directed reading
• Workshops
• Seminars
• Practical and project work

Most modules also include site visits and/or fieldwork. These provide you with direct experience of the practical application of conservation principles.

Assessment

100% of your assessment will be based on the course work you produce for the course.

Field Trips

There are a number of extra-curricular field trips and practical workshops. These are optional, and those attending will need to pay a supplementary fee to cover costs.

Study Modules

All the modules listed below are compulsory for the MSc, the modules that are * are compulsory for the PGDip. For the MSc you will also complete the Research Methods in Historical Conservation and the Historical Conservation Capstone Project.

Taught Modules

• Historical Studies I and Historical Studies II* (40 credits)
• Historic Buildings and Structures I: Analysis and Recording* (20 credits)
• Historic Buildings and Structures II: Construction and Repair* (20 credits)
• Heritage Significance and Sustainability II: Design and Economics* (30 credits)
• Research Methods in Historic Conservation (10 credits)

Final Project

• Historic Conservation Capstone Project (40 credits)

Research

The School of the Built Environment has an impressive list of funders and clients covering UK and EU government, research funding councils and industry.

• The European Commission
• UK Government/Agencies
• Local government
• The commercial sector

Research Areas and Clusters

Infrastructure and energy continue to be a key focus as they are the essential components of a rapidly urbanising world.

Research groups:

• Smart Construction and Impact Assessment (SC&IA)
• Land Design and Development (LDD)
• Planning, Policy and Governance (PPG)

We have links with universities worldwide so there are exciting opportunities for collaborative research, exchanges and study overseas.

Careers

By the time you finish your degree in historic conservation, you’ll be well placed to explore a wide range of careers across the sector. You’ll also have developed a number of transferable skills in research, analysis, surveying and design.

Graduates of this course can explore roles such as heritage consultant, historic buildings adviser, conservation officer and project manager with employers including:

• Architectural practices
• Heritage consultancies
• Planning and property consultancies
• National and international heritage bodies
• Central government departments
• Local planning authorities
• Museums and education sites
• Voluntary and campaign groups

Previous graduates have found work in organisations such as the Landmark Trust, English Heritage, Historic England, UNESCO, the National Trust, the Victorian Society, and SAVE Britain’s Heritage.

On completion of this degree, you may also choose to further your studies at doctorate level and work towards a PhD.

Entry Requirements

Specific Entry Requirements

The course is open to applicants who hold a 2.2 undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent).

Students come from a variety of backgrounds. Thus, applications are welcome from any academic discipline which can be applied to Historic Conservation - as well as those seeking ongoing professional development.

We will actively consider applications from candidates with lower degrees, who can effectively portray suitable credentials, and usually have an appropriate professional background.

English Language Requirements

If your first language is not English you will require a minimum academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all components.

OR

An equivalent English language qualification acceptable to the University.

Funding Your Studies

Financial Support and Scholarships

Featured funding opportunities available for this course.

• Part-Time UK Faculty Scholarship
• Postgraduate Master's Loan - England

Tuition Fees

2025/26

• Home (UK) full time: £10,800 (Masters); £9,800 (Diploma); £5,400 (Certificate)
• Home (UK) part time: £5,400
• International full time: £17,950

2026/27

• Home (UK) full time: £11,250 (Masters); £10,250 (Diploma); £5,625 (Certificate)
• Home (UK) part time: £5,625
• International full time: £18,500

Additional Costs

• Historic Conservation (field trips and practical workshops): £100
• It’s your responsibility to cover print / binding costs where coursework submission is required: From £30
• You may choose to purchase books to support your studies: £20-60 per book
• Accommodation fees in Brookes Letting (most do not include bills): £94-265 per week
• Accommodation fees in university halls (bills included, excluding laundry costs): £122-180 per week
• Graduation costs include tickets, gowning and photography: Typically £0-200
• Students are responsible for their own travel to and from university for classes: From £10