Conservation of the Historic Environment

MSc in Conservation of the Historic Environment

Why study this course?

• Focus on the conservation of historic buildings and landscapes
• Become a Member of RICS and/or IHBC
• Find out why many National trust building surveyors train with CEM
• Retrain in an exciting new profession

This programme benefits from established links with the National trust, English heritage, the national amenity societies and the Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment.

Duration: 2 or 3 years

Time commitment: 14 hours of study a week for 42 weeks of each year

Award details
Once you have successfully completed Part 1 you have two options:

• Complete Part 2 with either CEM or the University of Reading to be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation of the Historic Environment. This will entitle you to use the designatory letters PGDipCHE
• Complete Parts 2 and 3 with the University of Reading to be awarded the MSc in Conservation of the Historic Environment. You will be entitled to use the designatory letters MScCHE, or simply MSc

If you wish to give yourself the option to study for the MSc you must register with the University of Reading at the end of Part 1. You may have the option to undertake a research-based third year to attain the University of Reading MSc in Conservation of the Historic Environment. If you are eligible, you will be invited to register for this at the end of Part 1.

Overseas applicants
The teaching and exams for the course are held only in the UK, which will impose additional time, travelling and accommodation costs. However, potential overseas applicants are invited to consult the Course Directors to discuss their application.

Assessment
Assessment consists of assignments and an examination at Part 1, assignments, an examination and a project at Part 2, and assignments and a dissertation at Part 3 (MSc only).

Assignments
You will complete and submit assignments for assessment according to the timetable of the course as follows:

• Five in Part 1
• Four plus a project in Part 2
• Two plus a dissertation in Part 3 for MSc

Exams
Exams are normally held in March and comprise:

• One examination day ending with a 3-hour written paper in Part 1, based on a live project or site visit
• One examination day ending with a 3½-hour written paper in Part 2, based on a live project or site visit

Dissertation
Part 3 of the MSc programme includes a dissertation of 12,000–15,000 words. This will take the form of an in-depth investigation to test a hypothesis within a contextual framework, and will focus on a practical aspect of a course-related subject.