Delivered by the Weald & Downland Living Museum and validated by the University of York
Specialist Courses for the Building Conservation Experts of the Future
Promoting lifelong learning and conservation is at the heart of the Museum’s objectives. We are a leading provider in specialist education and training in building conservation and historic building techniques offering two MSc programmes in Building Conservation and Timber Building Conservation.
Our nationally designated collection of historic buildings provides an unrivalled and unique teaching resource. Our lecturers are experts in their fields, giving students the opportunity to learn and benefit directly from their specialist knowledge and experiences.
Please note: the course runs part-time on a 2-year calendar. Applications open in the Autumn 2024 for the 2025-2027 cohort.
How to Apply
Visit our MSc Applications page for details on the application process and entry requirements.
Need More Information?
Please contact mscprogrammes@wealddown.co.uk
About the Course
Dr Anna Clement, MSC Programmer Leader
“The Weald & Downland Living Museum provides a unique learning environment attracting students from a wide range of backgrounds. One of the most rewarding aspects of my role is seeing students graduate and go on to forge successful careers in building conservation, some even return as lecturers to pass on their knowledge to successive students. It is this fusion of people, place and skills that inspires and enables our students to develop the expertise needed to protect and conserve our built heritage for future generations.”
Over the past 30 years, the conservation of historic buildings has gained great importance in the building and heritage industries both in the UK and overseas, leading to increased demand for specialist conservators and project managers.
Established in 1992, our MSc in Building Conservation is suitable for students and mid-career professionals seeking to develop or enhance an academic or professional specialism in the conservation of buildings. Previous students have gone on to become specialist conservation architects, surveyors, engineers, heritage project managers and crafts people.
The MSc Building Conservation is fully recognised by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). 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
Course Content
The course covers the following topics:
- An overview of the history and development of heritage structures
- Conservation legislation
- Organising and planning conservation projects
- Conservation of timber buildings
- Lime in conservation
- Conservation of masonry
- Conservation of metals
- Conservation of fixtures and finishes
- Conservation of 20th century building
- Capstone research project – dissertation
Its comprehensive content covers all the areas of competency required for IHBC recognition thus providing students with the best possible support for attaining IHBC membership.
Course Structure
The course consists of six taught modules plus one dissertation module taken over a 2-year period.
The six taught modules run for 5 days (Wednesday to Sunday), allowing students to balance work and other commitments. Module 7 consists of research, which is presented for examination as a dissertation.
Teaching & Delivery
Teaching takes place at the Weald & Downland Living Museum and consists of lectures, seminars and workshops. Learning is further enhanced through site visits and hands-on experience of materials and processes where possible.
All taught modules include contributions from both our Museum lecturers and leading practitioners in the field.
Facilities
Teaching takes places in the unique and beautiful surroundings of the Weald & Downland Living Museum. The Museum offers an inspiring learning environment with over 50 re-erected historic buildings and over 15,000 artefacts in its stores. In addition, there is a comprehensive reference and lending Museum Library that supports the nationally designated collection of historic buildings. Students can also access electronic library resources at the University of York. Our practical workshops are the located in the upper levels of the innovative Downland Gridshell building, whose lower levels house the rural life tools and artefacts collection.
2025-2027 Intake
Induction days: 21 – 22 September 2025
Course starts: 8 – 12 October 2025
Assessment
Assessment for the six taught modules consists entirely of coursework. The assignments address problems and simulate tasks likely to be encountered in the professional environment.
To gain the MSc students must also successfully complete a dissertation based on their research into an approved topic.
Fees
The fees for the 2025-27 MSc course – £8,500
Apply now
