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Historic Conservation

MSc or PGDip

Start dates: September 2024 / September 2025

Full time: Full time: MSc 12 months; PGDip 9 months

Part time: Part time: MSc 24 months; PGDip 21 months

Location: Headington

Department(s): School of the Built Environment

Overview
Course details
Careers
Entry requirements
How to apply
Tuition fees

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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.

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The High Street into Oxford City

Why Oxford Brookes University?

  • Study in a city steeped in architectural history

    Enrol on a course based in one of the UK’s finest historic cities, with close ties to local and national heritage organisations.

  • Attend Oxford Brookes and the University of Oxford

    Teaching is delivered jointly by Oxford Brookes and the University of Oxford, combining the internationally renowned research and teaching expertise of the two institutions.

  • Active conservation site visits

    Visit and survey live conservation projects taking place in the UK, gaining an insight into current practices in the field.

  • Develop historic building insights

    From knapping flint to mixing lime mortar, gain a hands-on understanding of traditional construction and repair techniques through workshops, visits and field trips.

  • A stepping stone to a rewarding career

    This course puts you at the centre of UK conservation practice. Previous alumni have gone on to work for Historic England, UNESCO, the National Trust and other leading employers.

  • Accreditation(s)

    Accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and recognised by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). Accredited by the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI) as a Specialist Programme. Full RTPI accreditation is available when combined with the Postgraduate Diploma in Spatial Planning or any partially RTPI accredited UG programme such as: BA Urban Design, Development and Planning, and BSc Property Development and Planning.

    • Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors
    • The Royal Town Planning Institute
    • Institute of Historic Building Conservation

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. 

Historic Conservation students carrying out field work

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. See the additional costs section of this page for details.

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. Please contact us if you require more details.

Taught modules

Compulsory modules

  • Historical Studies I and Historical Studies II* (40 credits)

    You will study two linked modules that are taught in consecutive semesters. You will critically explore questions such as, how did our present stock of historic buildings and sites come into existence? What social, political, economic and artistic factors influenced their initial construction and subsequent alteration? 

    In your first module your focus will be on the mediaeval and early modern periods, looking at the evolution of the landscape and the major elements of architectural history in England up to the seventeenth century. Your second module continues the narrative from the seventeenth century up to the present day.

    Through these modules you will build up your architectural vocabulary and gain a thorough understanding of the evolution of building practices over time in England.

  • Historic Buildings and Structures I: Analysis and Recording* (20 credits)

    How can we 'read' the history of a building, and how can we best communicate our understanding by visual and written means?

    To help you address these questions, this skills-based module will introduce you to methods for analysing the special architectural and historical characteristics of a particular site, building, or group of buildings. Through a hands-on project, you will develop your techniques for archival research, measurement, drawing and recording.

  • Historic Buildings and Structures II: Construction and Repair* (20 credits)

    What are the common traditional building materials, what are their benefits and how do they weather and decay?

    Focusing on both retaining original fabric and improving environmental performance, you will examine the structural principles and physical properties of a wide range of traditional and modern materials and methods of repair. You will learn about and build your understanding in remediating previous repairs as well as environmental factors and the introduction of new fabric and services into historic structures. 

  • Heritage Significance and Sustainability II: Design and Economics* (30 credits)

    How do we adapt historic environments to meet changing needs? How can new buildings best fit into historic contexts? What are the economic consequences of historic conservation and how do we ensure projects are economically sustainable? 

    You will study conservation projects from two perspectives. Firstly, you will analyse historic townscapes to understand their underlying structure and character as a context for design and to formulate design guidance and codes for sensitive historic areas. You will acquire skills in the critical appraisal of existing or proposed buildings and preparing and presenting design concepts. 

    Secondly, you will explore the economic context for historic conservation and the principles of different economic models. You will identify and assess the range of values attributed to heritage assets, the costs involved in construction, operations and maintenance, undertaking viability assessments and identifying funding sources

  • Research Methods in Historic Conservation (10 credits)

    You will take a critical overview of research methods and progress the skills that are relevant to investigative work in the fields of conservation and design.

Final project

Compulsory modules

  • Historic Conservation Capstone Project (40 credits) (40 credits)

    This is your opportunity to carry out an individual research project with the supervision of a member of the teaching staff. You will discuss and agree with your academic supervisor on the conservation-related topic that you will focus on in your capstone project. You will utilise the knowledge and skills you have gained so far on the course to produce your capstone project to a high standard that will also help prepare you for the professional world of Historic Conservation.

Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from those shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.

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:

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

Careers

By the time you finish our 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

International qualifications and equivalences

How to apply

Application process

We advise applying in advance to secure places, and allow sufficient time for applications to be reviewed.

There is no formal application deadline (recruitment closes when teaching capacity is reached). 

Applicants should also factor any time needed to meet offer conditions, arrange accommodation, and obtain a UK Student visa (if applicable).


Apply now

Tuition fees

Please see the fees note
Home (UK) full time
£9,750 (Masters); £8,750 (Diploma); £4,875 (Certificate)
Home (UK) part time
£4,875
International full time
£17,150
Home (UK) full time
£10,800 (Masters); £9,800 (Diploma); £5,400 (Certificate)
Home (UK) part time
£5,400
International full time
£17,950

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Tuition fees

2024 / 25
Home (UK) full time
£9,750 (Masters); £8,750 (Diploma); £4,875 (Certificate)
Home (UK) part time
£4,875
International full time
£17,150
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

Questions about fees?

Contact Student Finance on:

+44 (0)1865 534400

financefees@brookes.ac.uk

Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year, your fees will increase each year.

The following factors will be taken into account by the University when it is setting the annual fees: inflationary measures such as the retail price indices, projected increases in University costs, changes in the level of funding received from Government sources, admissions statistics and access considerations including the availability of student support.

How and when to pay

Tuition fee instalments for the semester are due by the Monday of week 1 of each semester. Students are not liable for full fees for that semester if they leave before week 4. If the leaving date is after week 4, full fees for the semester are payable.

  • For information on payment methods please see our Make a Payment page.
  • For information about refunds please visit our Refund policy page

Additional costs

Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course are detailed below.

Funding your studies

Financial support and scholarships

Featured funding opportunities available for this course.

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

All financial support and scholarships

View all funding opportunities for this course

Programme changes:
On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website. For more information, please visit our changes to programmes page.