About the School
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 The School of Conservation Sciences at Bournemouth University
includes one of the largest communities of research-active academic conservators and
archaeologists in southern Britain. The Archaeology Group, which includes
work in the field of historic buildings, is one of the University's Research Centres. |
About the Museum
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The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has established itself as a provider of specialist education and
training in building conservation and historic building techniques. It
has worked with the University in delivering high calibre conservation
programmes since 1990. The forty six historic buildings
reconstructed on its beautiful downland site give the Museum an unrivalled
teaching resource for this specialised area.
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The
Courses
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The conservation of historic buildings
has gained great importance in the building industry, both in the UK and
overseas, leading to increased demand for specialist conservators. These
courses can enable practising building conservators to improve their
competence, and open new doors to other building professionals wanting to
specialise or change career direction.
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Course Structure
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Each course is run as a series of six
study-units taken over 18 months, followed by a minimum of six months to
carry out a piece of research which is presented for examination as a
dissertation. Each study-unit runs over a long weekend (Wednesday to
Sunday), allowing students to continue working while taking the course.
Students who successfully complete the six taught units are eligible for the
award of Postgraduate Diploma. The MSc degree requires successful completion
of the personal research project.
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Teaching
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All taught units include contributions from
leading practitioners in the field. Ample time is allowed for discussion
with these experts, usually within the supportive and relaxed environment of
the Museum.
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Facilities
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Facilities are second to none. The Museum’s
teaching resources are enhanced by a specialist library. In addition, the
University has its own extensive libraries and scientific collections. The
Museum’s innovative Downland Gridshell workshop is the location for
practical work.
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Delivery
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Lectures and seminars play a vital part,
together with visits to historic buildings and sites, contractors’ workshops
and specialist conservation studios. Where appropriate, units will provide
hands-on experience of materials and processes. All teaching is based at the
Weald and Downland Open Air Museum. There are also some visits off site.
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Course Content |
In each course the unit headings are
based on history and technology, and the broad themes of philosophy, policy,
economics and practice are present throughout.
MSc Timber Building Conservation
Virtually every pre-modern building used
timber in its construction, and conservators who have a specialist knowledge
of timber and associated craft and repair techniques will be even more
sought after. This long-established course was set up by specialists in
timber building conservation, and the units are:
 | Development of timber structures |
| Timber science and decay |
| Timber-framing systems |
| Site and workshop practice, tools and
associated materials |
| Repair of timber structures |
| Consolidation and surface finishes, non
structural repair |
MSc Building Conservation
New for 2008, this course aims to develop
the ability to work as an independent conservator, or within the regulatory
agencies and other organisations concerned with building conservation. The
course comprises the following units:
| Conservation of timber buildings |
| Lime in conservation |
| Conservation of masonry |
| Conservation of metals |
| Conservation of fixtures & surfaces |
| Conservation of 20th century buildings
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Assessment
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Assessment for the six taught units of each
course will be based entirely on coursework. Assignments will address
problems and stimulate tasks of the kind likely to be encountered in the
professional environment. As part of the MSc programmes, students will be
required to submit a dissertation of 15,000 words, based on research into an
approved topic.
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Entry to course
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There is no minimum entry qualification for
either course, but most students will have a relevant first degree or
equivalent qualifications or experience. Past students have come from
conservation repair specialists, building contractors wishing to undertake
conservation contracts, planning departments and conservation organisations.
For those applicants whose first language is not English, evidence of a
minimum standard of written and spoken English will be required.
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Course Fees
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For information on course fees please contact the
Programme Adminstrator. Fees do not include accommodation or meals. However the Museum can advise on nearby accommodation. Information on current bursaries and
studentships can be found on the University's web pages.
www.bournemouth.ac.uk/conservation
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Further
Information
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The courses will start in autumn 2008.
For an informal discussion about either course, and the opportunities they
present, telephone Diana Rowsell at the Museum on +44 (0)1243 811464, fax
+44 (0)1243 811475, email
headoflearning@wealddown.co.uk
The MSc Timber Building Conservation was revalidated in 2004, and the MSc
Building Conservation is being validated in 2008.
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How to Apply
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Application forms
are available from Diana
Rowsell, as above, or contact
Programme Administrator
Christchurch House
School of Conservation Sciences
Bournemouth University
Talbot Campus
Poole
Dorset
BH12 5BB
e:
consci@bournemouth.ac.uk
T: +44 (0) 1202
965178
F: +44 (0)1202 965255
Alternatively you can order a full post
graduate prospectus and download an application form from the Bournemouth
University websites at
www.bournemouth.ac.uk
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