The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has established itself as a provider of specialist education and training in building conservation and historic building techniques, and has been 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.

The Courses

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.

Course Structure

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.

Teaching

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.

Facilities

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.

Delivery

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.

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

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

Assessment

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.

Entry to course

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.

Course Fees

For information on course fees please contact the Museum on 01243 811464.

Further Information

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 This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .