Built Environment — Sustainable Heritage

Built Environment — Sustainable Heritage at University College London is an innovative and interdisciplinary master's program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to preserve, adapt, and manage historic buildings and cultural heritage within the context of sustainable development. This program explores the complex intersections between conservation, sustainability, urban planning, architecture, and environmental management. Students will engage with theoretical frameworks and practical applications to develop sustainable strategies for protecting heritage assets in a rapidly changing world. The curriculum covers a broad range of topics including historic building preservation, adaptive reuse, environmental impact assessment, climate change adaptation, heritage management, and policy development. Emphasis is placed on balancing conservation principles with modern sustainability requirements, ensuring that heritage sites are preserved for future generations while meeting current environmental standards. The program employs a combination of lectures, workshops, case studies, and studio-based projects, encouraging students to apply their learning to real-world scenarios. Students will have opportunities to collaborate with industry professionals, participate in site visits, and undertake research projects that contribute to the field of sustainable heritage management. The faculty comprises experts in architecture, archaeology, urban planning, environmental science, and conservation, offering students a comprehensive perspective on issues facing historic environments today. Graduates will be prepared for careers in heritage organizations, urban planning departments, conservation consultancy firms, non-governmental organizations, and governmental agencies involved in cultural heritage and sustainable development. By completing this program, students will gain critical skills in assessment, planning, and project management, enabling them to develop innovative solutions for the sustainable preservation of built heritage worldwide.

Students are encouraged to take a long view of preservation and heritage management, and challenged to define problems, set objectives and explore a range of sustainability issues and strategies. Concepts of value, sustainability, life expectancy, stewardship, ownership, vulnerability and risk are interwoven with the scientific study of historic materials, assemblies, technologies and systems.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of four core modules (120 credits), a research report (60 credits) and an optional project placement (not credit bearing).

A Postgraduate Diploma (120 credits, full-time nine months) is offered.

Core modules

• Sustainability and Heritage Value
• Heritage Materials and Assemblies
• Sustainable Strategies
• Project Planning, Management and Maintenance

Dissertation/report

All MSc students submit a 10,000-word dissertation on a topic related to the main themes of the programme. The topic can be chosen to enhance career development or for its inherent interest.

Teaching and learning

The programme is taught using a variety of media and strategies including problem-based and case-based learning, discussion groups, project work, exercises, coursework and reports. Assessment is through written assignments, oral examination and the 10,000-word dissertation.

Fieldwork

A two-week study visit to Malta forms an integral part of the degree. This is hosted by Heritage Malta, the national agency responsible for the management of national museums, heritage sites and their collections in Malta and Gozo.

Travel and accommodation expenses for the visit to Malta are covered by the programme.

Normally a minimum of second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Corporate membership of one of the following UK professional institutions is also acceptable: the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE); the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB); the Institution of Civil Engineers (ICE); the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA); the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors (RICS); and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI). Applicants with degrees of a lower classification but with considerable senior-level professional experience may also be accepted, and for applicants without a first degree or full professional membership, but with relevant and substantial work experience in the field, a special qualifying examination may be set; details can be obtained from the Bartlett's Graduate Faculty Office.

The MSc in Built Environment — Sustainable Heritage at University College London offers a range of financing options to support students throughout their studies. Tuition fees for home students are usually set annually and are detailed on the university’s official website, with current figures available for reference. International students may face higher tuition costs, which are also specified on the university’s fee schedule. To assist with funding, UCL provides several scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid programs specifically aimed at postgraduate students pursuing conservation, architecture, and heritage studies. These awards are often competitive and require separate applications, with criteria including academic excellence, financial need, or specific demographic characteristics.

Students are encouraged to explore external funding sources, including government schemes, industry-specific grants, and charitable organizations that support studies in sustainable heritage and built environment disciplines. The university’s financial services department offers guidance to prospective and current students on the application process for loans, scholarships, and bursaries. Additionally, UCL works in partnership with professional bodies and heritage organizations that may offer sponsorship or financial support for students engaged in qualifying projects or research.

Part-time work opportunities are available on campus and off-campus, allowing students to supplement their income during their studies. The university’s career services provide advice on suitable employment options, CV writing, and interview preparation. For international students, there are specific forms of financial support and currency exchange considerations to manage, which are detailed on the student finance pages.

Overall, UCL strives to make postgraduate education accessible by providing diverse funding options, and students are advised to start their financial planning early by consulting the university’s official financial and scholarships pages. It is essential to check the latest official information for details on amount, application deadlines, and eligibility criteria, as these can vary each academic year.

The Built Environment — Sustainable Heritage MSc at University College London (UCL) is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to address the challenges of conserving and managing historic built environments in a sustainable manner. This interdisciplinary course combines principles from architecture, archaeology, history, engineering, and environmental science to foster a holistic understanding of heritage conservation within contemporary urban and rural contexts. Students explore various aspects of sustainable heritage including the assessment of historical structures, sustainable preservation techniques, adaptive reuse, and policies that promote the longevity of cultural assets. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking about the social, environmental, and economic impacts of conservation practices, preparing graduates to work effectively in heritage management, consultancy, policy-making, and academic research. The program features a mix of theoretical coursework, practical modules, and fieldwork activities, offering students opportunities to engage with real-world heritage projects and case studies. Additionally, collaborative work with heritage organizations, government agencies, and local communities enhances applied skills and professional connections. UCL's location in London provides unique access to a wealth of historic sites and conservation initiatives, enriching the learning experience. The MSc program typically spans one year for full-time students and includes assessments through essays, project reports, and presentations. Graduates of this program are well-positioned to pursue careers in historic building conservation, policy development, sustainable urban planning, and heritage consultancy, contributing to the preservation of cultural identity while addressing the environmental challenges of our time.