Entry requirements

Applicants should usually possess a degree in a relevant subject area at 2:2 level or higher. If you have no formal qualifications it may also be possible to join the programme based on extensive relevant work experience corresponding in level to a relevant undergraduate honours degree. In all cases entry is subject to an interview either in person or via Skype/Zoom or similar platforms.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Course overview

Even the simplest structure encapsulates a huge body of evidence about the past. To protect and steward a building’s heritage requires an understanding of its nature, structure, historic context and significance, the ways in which the building can be legally protected and the conservation tools which are available for its repair and upkeep. It also requires an understanding of how a given structure can be managed for a sustainable future. This includes everything from schemes of interpretation and display, to how visitors can be managed to control potential damage through to how historic buildings can be retrofitted to make them environmentally friendly.

This blending of conservation and management skills lies at the heart of this course and reflects the integrative direction of travel of many historic building professions.

The course has three main strands: the first focuses on the investigation and understanding of historic buildings, the second looks at the conservation and preservation of buildings, and the third strand focuses on how historic buildings are managed.

The programme is delivered in Swindon where you will have access to the Historic England Archive and Library, the National Collections Centre and the Swindon Museums. Teaching is based around intensive day-long blocks supported by distance and self-directed learning; you can take the course full-time over one-year or part-time over two to six years, giving you flexibility around your working life.

You will complete eight taught modules with varied assessments which take a pragmatic approach to building conservation and are designed with employment in mind. You will also produce either a dissertation focusing on a particular topic of interest to you or a professional product of comparable standard such as a detailed building study or building conservation management plan. For those in employment the professional product can be built around a negotiated work output.

Industry experience

This programme is designed to provide a broad based introduction to the rapidly changing discipline of historic building conservation. You will benefit from opportunities to work with heritage organisations and projects and also gain practical conservation skills through optional short courses with our practical training associates.

Modules

4732 Conservation Planning
4733 Understanding Buildings and Landscapes
4734 Practical Conservation, Regeneration and Place Shaping
4735 Managing and Sustaining the Historical Environment
4700 Dissertation

Information for international students

International students will also need to achieve IELTS Academic or equivalent at the appropriate level for your programme of study. English language requirements for international students.

Fees and funding

UK students

£9,950

International students

£15,950

Scholarships and bursaries are available - please check our website for further details.

https://www.rau.ac.uk/study/postgraduate/fees-and-funding

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

MSc
full time
12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
part time
24 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name: David Hardwick
Email: admissions@rau.ac.uk

Phone: +44 (0)1285 889912

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Conservation and Management of Historic Buildings