We are proud to have recently hosted the graduation ceremony for our 2021-23 cohort of MSc students. Held on Friday 7th June, in our award-winning Downland Gridshell building, this special day was a testament to the hard work and dedication of our graduates.
A Memorable Graduation Day
The ceremony was attended by graduates, their families, friends, and members of staff from both the Museum and the University of York. It was a joyful occasion filled with smiles, applause, and a sense of accomplishment. Among the proud graduates was our very own Head of Collections and Site Operations, Darron Carver, who earned an MSc in Building Conservation.
Reflecting on his journey, Darron shared, “Studying at the Museum over the last two years has been an incredibly informative and fun experience which culminated in a fantastic graduation ceremony in the iconic Gridshell building. I know my fellow graduates would join me in thanking Dr Anna and the team for putting such a great day together and we are all looking forward to seeing each other again at the forthcoming Alumni events.”
The Unique MSc Programmes
Our MSc programmes, managed by Dr. Anna Clement, are designed to be accessible to students who are balancing full-time employment and family life. Dr. Clement expressed her pride in the graduates, stating, “I am extremely proud of this cohort of students. One of the strengths of our MSc programmes is that they allow students who have full-time employment, to study part-time in a 5-day module format. This makes Masters education more accessible, and the Museum therefore attracts a range of students from a variety of backgrounds. It does, however, mean that most of our students balance family life with studying and working full time, which makes their achievement even more significant.”
The Museum offers two MSc programmes in Building Conservation and Timber Building Conservation, both validated by the University of York. These are taught in 5-day blocks on a part-time basis, allowing students to immerse themselves in their studies while managing other responsibilities.
Lifelong Learning at the Museum
Lifelong learning has always been a key aim of the Weald & Downland Living Museum. Over the years, we have accumulated a wealth of knowledge and experience in building conservation techniques and a broad range of materials and building types. Our collections of buildings and artefacts offer an unparalleled learning resource for both visitors and Master’s students who study them in depth.
The current MSc cohorts are nearly halfway through their academic studies and will complete their courses by the end of 2025. Applications for the next intake will open this Autumn, with the new cohort beginning in September 2025.
Join Our Next Cohort
If you’re passionate about building conservation and looking for an opportunity to advance your knowledge and career, consider joining our next cohort of MSc students.
For more information on our MSc degree courses, click here
