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.
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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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Why Timber
Building conservation
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The conservation of historic buildings is a fast growing sector of
the building industry both in the UK and overseas,
leading to increased demand for specialist conservators. 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 course can enable practising conservators to improve their competence, and open new
doors to other building professionals wanting to specialize or change career direction.
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Course Structure
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The course is run as a series of eight 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 run
over a long weekend from Thursday to Sunday
allowing students to continue working while taking the course.
Students who successfully complete the eight taught units
are eligible for the award of post-graduate
diploma. The MSc Degree
requires successful completion of the personal research project.
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Course Content
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Each extended weekend covers one taught unit. All are based
at the Weald & Downland Open Air Museums. There
are also some visits off site.
 | Timber science |
| The historical development of timber building |
| Timber framing systems |
| Biological decay |
| Repairs using timber |
| Workshop techniques |
| Strengthening wood with steel |
| Consolidation and surface finishes |
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Teaching
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The course was set up by specialists in timber building
conservation and all taught units include contributions from leading practitioners in the
field. Ample time is allowed for discussion with these experts usually within the
relaxed and supportive envirunment 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 specialist libraries and access to nearby West Dean
College. 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 but this is essentially a
practical course and requires full participation. There will be visits to historic
buildings and sites, contractor's workshops and specialist conservation studios.
Where appropriate, units will provide hands-on expertise of materials and processes.
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Assessment
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Assessment for the eight taught units will be based entirely on
coursework. Assignments will address problems and simulate tasks of the kind likely
to be encountered in the professional environment. As part of the MSc programme
students will be required to submit a dissertation of 15-20,000 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, but most students will
have a relevant first degree or equivalent qualification or experience. Past
students have come from conservation repair specialists, building contractors wishing to
undertake conservation contracts, planning departments and conservation
organizations. For those applicants whose first language is not English, evidence of
a minimum standard of spoken and written 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 Schools web pages.
www.bournemouth.ac.uk/conservation
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Further
Information
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The next course will start in
autumn 2008. For an informal
discussion about the course telephone Diana Rowsell on
01243 811464.
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How to Apply
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Application forms
are available from Diana
Rowsell, as above, or contact
Programme Administrator
School of Conservation Sciences
Bournemouth University
Talbot Campus
Poole
Dorset
BH12 5BB
e:
consci@bournemouth.ac.uk
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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