About the Museum

The Weald & Downland Open Air Museum has established itself as a provider of specialist education and training in building conservation and historic building techniques. The forty-seven historic buildings reconstructed on its beautiful downland site give the Museum an unrivalled teaching resource in this specialised area. Visit the website: www.wealddown.co.uk

About the University of York

The University of York is a world top 100 institution which is renowned for its excellence in both research and teaching.  York was Times Higher Education Supplement University of the Year in 2010-11. In 2012, the Department of Archaeology at York won a Queen's Anniversary Prize for its leading-edge work in archaeology from pre-history to the modern age.  York is joining the prestigious Russell Group of universities in August 2012.

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. 

The MSc Building Conservation is fully recognised by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), and successful completion of the MSc reduces the requirement for relevant experience for those seeking full membership of the IHBC from five years to two years.  For further details see www.ihbc.org.uk

Both courses have been developed from programmes which started in 1992 and were originally validated by Bournemouth University.

Course Structure 

Each course is run as a series of six study modules taken over eighteen months, followed by a period of six months to carry out a piece of research which is presented for examination as a dissertation. Each study module runs from Wednesday to Sunday, allowing students to continue working while taking the course. 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 Museum library. Whilst students do not have access to physical resources at the University of York, access will be given to their electronic library resources. The Museum’s innovative Downland Gridshell workshop is the location for practical work, and its artefact collections are available for the study of tools and materials.

Delivery

Teaching is based on lectures and seminars, together with visits to historic buildings and sites, contractors’ workshops and specialist conservation studios. Where appropriate, modules provide hands-on experience of materials and processes.  Most of the teaching is based at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museum, and is delivered by Museum staff and visiting lecturers employed by the Museum.

Course Content

The module headings are based on history and technology, while the broad themes of philosophy, policy, economics and practice are woven throughout the courses.

MSc Timber Building Conservation

Virtually every pre-modern building used timber in its construction, and there is a widespread need for conservators who have a specialist knowledge of timber and associated craft and repair techniques.  This long-established course was set up by specialists in timber building conservation, and the module headings are:

§  Development of timber structures

§  Timber science and decay

§  Timber-framing systems

§  Site and workshop practice, and associated materials

§  Repair of timber structures

§  Consolidation and surface finishes. Non structural repair

§  Research project

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 & finishes

§  Conservation of 20th century buildings

§  Research project

Assessment

Assessment for the six taught units of each course is based entirely on coursework. Assignments will address problems and simulate tasks of the kind likely to be encountered in the professional environment. To gain an MSc students must successfully complete a dissertation of 15,000 words, based on their research into an approved topic.

Entry to the Courses

Students will have a relevant first degree or equivalent qualifications, or relevant industrial 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

The fees for the 2012-14 intake are £5,000 (ie £2,500 payable each academic year).  Fees do not include accommodation or meals, but the Museum can advise on suitable nearby accommodation.

Further Information

The courses will start in autumn 2012. 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

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How to Apply

Application forms are available from Diana Rowsell, or from the Museum website: www.wealddown.co.uk