About this course
- Entry year: 2012/13
- Course code: K4K21
- Applications: University
- Level: Postgraduate
- Department: Construction and Property
- Campus: Frenchay
- Duration: 12 -16 months full-time, 28-33 months part-time
- Delivery: Full-time, part-time block release
- Programme leader: Derek Worthing and Nigel Dann
Introduction
This is a new course, which builds upon a significant breadth and depth of existing experience of teaching and research within the faculty, in relation to the conservation of buildings and places. The design of the course reflects the need, acknowledged by governments, heritage bodies and practice, in the UK and internationally, for a more holistic approach to the conservation of built cultural heritage. Recent government pronouncements, as well as policy documents from key 'heritage organisations', have all emphasised the importance of a more integrated approach to the conservation of built cultural heritage with particular emphasis on the need to link planning with management - and to do so within the overarching context of sustainability. Both the ethos and the content of this course reflects this integrative approach and its development can be seen then, in part, as a response to the clear issues and concerns of practice. The design and content of the course also reflects research and consultancy work undertaken by staff in the UK and internationally. Naturally the course also ensures that key conservation skills and understanding are acknowledged and developed.
The programme strongly reflects our emphasis on the need for a multi-disciplinary approach to all aspects of the built environment. The course team therefore includes architects, building surveyors, planners and urban designers who will be joined by, amongst others, archaeologists, geographers, development and valuation surveyors and quantity surveyors. The course will also draw on our extensive relationships with practice to provide teaching input from a variety of practitioners.
The course provides scope for people from different professional and academic backgrounds to enhance their employability through the development of knowledge and skills associated with the planning, management and technical care of the historic environment. We positively welcome applications by graduates from a range of academic backgrounds whether it is arts, humanities, management or technology. We also welcome applications from those in practice who wish to develop their expertise in this area or develop a new set of skills and knowledge.
Structure
Content
The modules that make up this programme are:
Conservation Planning and the Statutory Framework
This module is concerned with the connections between planning legislation, policy and practice, and the aim of conserving and enhancing the historic environment. As well as the planning context it covers the conservation related legislation affecting buildings and areas.
Conservation Principles and Values
The overall aim of the module is to assess the various influences - social, political, cultural and economic - on the development of ideas and practice in relation to the conservation of the historic environment. Within this context the development of conservation principles and how they are applied at various levels of decision-making will be introduced and explored as will the idea of cultural significance and its use as a tool in identifying, categorising and managing the historic environment.
This module also gives an overview and introduction to a number of key themes and issues which are explored with greater depth and focus in the other modules.
Introduction to Conservation Techniques
This module considers the possible approaches to be taken to the implementation of maintenance and repair of historic fabric. It introduces students to a range of commonly encountered historic building techniques and materials and aims to explore the implications and potential contradictions involved in implementing conservation principles when dealing with such historic fabric. The module also introduces approaches and techniques used in the recording and analysis of historic buildings. These techniques are contextualised and practised in other modules.
History of Buildings and Places
This module introduces the history of both buildings and places and in doing so it considers the influence of time, place, culture and economics on the built environment.
Managing Change in the Historic Environment
The main theme of the module is that conservation as an activity is primarily about managing change whilst protecting and enhancing that which is of cultural significance. It is concerned therefore with what is generally referred to as 'values led management'. The module will look at how conservation values are identified and measured and then used as a management tool, and the issues and tensions that come about from that process.
This idea of managing change through 'values led management' will consider issues at various levels - the historic city, the historic area and the individual site or building.
In addition this module will serve as a vehicle to a number of key themes and issues which are introduced in Conservation Principles and Values and developed in the other modules.
Research for Policy and Practice
This module explores the debates surrounding various approaches to research. It aims to develop skills in analysis and the formulation of research proposals and methodologies.
Dissertation
The dissertation is the culmination of the programme of study; it involves a high level of critical analysis, self-directed enquiry and working near to the boundaries of existing knowledge.
Teaching and learning
The course provides opportunities for students to develop and demonstrate knowledge and understanding, and intellectual, professional, and practical skills in the field of the conservation of the historic environment. The course also aids the development of transferable skills, including those relating to communication, presentation, and the planning and management of learning.
A range of learning methods are used including formal lectures, workshops, seminars, projects, student presentations, field work and guided independent study. Teaching is offered mainly by the University's academic staff, supported where appropriate by leading external practitioners.
The course offers an integrated, inter-disciplinary approach to teaching and learning through:
- Integrating projects across modules
- One to one Dissertation support
- Skills development embedded within and across the modules
- A number of field study days across the course, providing opportunities for individual and group first hand study of the complexities of conservation issues in practice
- Close links between teaching and Faculty research, consultancy and staff contact with conservation practice.
Study time
Part-time: usually starting in late September and with attendance for 24 two-day blocks, scheduled once per fortnight during term-time over two academic years. Wherever possible, the two days in the block will be consecutive. The dissertation is prepared for submission, usually in either November or April of the third academic year.
Full-time: starting in late September and with attendance on a weekly basis during term time, usually for two days per week. Preparatory work on the dissertation starts in December, with a more intensive focus from June onwards with a view to submitting the following August, November, or April.
Special Features
Professional accreditation
We are currently awaiting professional recognition of the course from the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) and the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) Building Conservation Accreditation Scheme.
Fieldwork
The course will place a strong emphasis on site visits to buildings and places of historic value. There will also be a field trip of up to five days in length which will normally take place in another European country.
Entry
Entry requirements
We welcome applicants from a range of academic backgrounds, including arts, humanities, social sciences, physical sciences, mathematics, engineering and technology.
We normally require a first degree of 2:2 or above. Depending upon the type of degree the candidate holds they may be asked to carry out some supplementary work before being offered a place.
Fees
The fees for the whole course for 2010/11 entry are around £5,856 for students qualifying for Home/EU fees and £10,500 for international students.
How to apply
Please see the general information about applications.
We run open days throughout the year, when potential students can meet lecturers, see the facilities and resources that we offer, and visit the student accommodation. Please ask for details. For further information regarding the course, you are very welcome to contact: Derek Worthing Derek.Worthing@uwe.ac.uk or Nigel Dann Nigel.Dann@uwe.ac.uk (joint course leaders) or Julian Spicer (Admissions) fet.admissions@uwe.ac.uk, +44 (0)117 32 84242
For further information
Page last updated 14 December 2011