Building Conservation (Technology and Management) MSc/Diploma

Conservation of historic buildings and structures presents many challenges to professionals working in this specialist field, from identifying cultural significance, through to understanding the technical performance of historic buildings and the materials they use. Increasingly, conservation practitioners have to understand the environmental impact of historic structures and energy use in buildings. This relies on the sensitive design and integration of modern building services.

The Building Conservation (Technology and Management) programme is a combination of social, historic, philosophical, technical and legislative processes and has been specifically designed to encapsulate these core areas.

The programme is ideally suited to those individuals wishing to attain an accredited degree recognised by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). The MSc qualification can act as the starting point for those candidates entering into career as a Chartered Surveyor or Chartered Builder / Construction manager.

Delivered only by Independent Distance Learning (IDL) this programme is ideal for those in employment or with other commitments, providing flexible study options that fit around work or family. Students receive comprehensive materials for each course through an online Virtual Learning Environment.

An Independent Distance Learning (IDL) programme - whether at PgDip or MSc level - can be completed in a minimum of 2 years. On average, our PgDip programmes studied via IDL are completed in 2-3 years, while MSc programmes are completed in 2.5-7 years. Most students intend to complete their studies via IDL within 2-3 years.

The MSc programme is fully accredited by the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). The MSc also has full accreditation from the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). This means that students who successfully complete the programme need only two years of professional experience to apply for full accredited membership.

The programme content is in line with the ICOMOS education and training guidelines.

The Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design has excellent industry links. Staff within the Institute are actively engaged in a variety of research projects relating to building design, specification, management and operation.

This programme is delivered by the Royal Academy of Engineering Centre of Excellence in Sustainable Building Design. This is one of four such Centres established at UK universities that jointly form a national network to demonstrate and exchange best practice in teaching and research for the sustainable built environment.