StudyQA — Master: Conservation Studies (Historic Buildings)

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Description Contents Requirements

This course, offered by the Centre for Conservation Studies is now over 35 years old, was the first of its kind in the UK. It was inherited from the former Institute of Advanced Architectural Studies when it was absorbed into the Archaeology Department in 1997 and sits well within our portfolio of specialist interests in Archaeological Heritage Management and the Archaeology of Buildings, with which it shares modules.

The core of the Conservation Studies syllabus is the consideration of the history, ethics and philosophy of conservation, coupled with an introduction to the practical issues of finance, economics and project management associated with conservation projects. Alongside these core aspects of conservation is a series of short modules on specific building materials .

These materials modules are taught by external specialists in their fields and take the form of 'mini-conferences' with external delegates attending them as short-course 'refreshers'. Wherever possible they include a practical element and field observation of the structural and mechanical problems that have been discussed in the lecture theatre.

The recent modularisation of masters programmes within the Archaeology Department allows for Conservation Studies students to break away from the this traditional syllabus and pursue their interests in buildings recording and analysis or in the presentation and interpretation of the heritage, should they wish to do so.
The long history of the programme means that we have a network of strong and fruitful relationships at local, national and international levels. Amongst its distinctive features, the Masters programme is:

* specifically for mid-career professionals working in conservation (defined as those who have worked in one capacity or another for a minimum of two years);
* multi-disciplinary - architects, surveyors, architectural historians, art-historians, archaeologists, planners and conservators and practising craftsmen in various fields are among those attracted to the course; and - above all -
* International. Up to half our student intake comes from outside the British Isles.

Over the autumn and spring terms you will take:

* two core 20 credit modules
* two option 20 credit modules
* four 5 credit skills modules
* one 10 credit optional placement module

In the summer you will carry out research for your Dissertation and give an Assessed Lecture on your dissertation topic.

Core modules
* Approaches to conservation
* Issues in cultural heritage conservation

Recommended optional modules
* Cultural heritage management 1: concepts, principles and practice
* Analysing historic buildings
* Concepts of landscapes
* Digital publication and web technologies
* Cultural heritage management 2: audiences, interpretation and museums
* Interpreting historic buildings
* Analysis and visualisation

Recommended skills modules
* Legislation and policy
* Topographical survey
* Buildings survey
* Geophysical survey
* Characterisation (new for 2012/13)
* Conservation solutions
* Geographical information systems (GIS)
* Virtual reality modelling
* Debates in museum theory and practice
* Project management skills

Please note that 2011 will be an exiciting year for Conservation Studies, as we appoint a new course director, develop new content for our core modules and new skils modules and explore new partnerships with Conservation Studies organisations. Please watch this web page for further details of these modules in early 2012, and let us know if you would like us to contact you with further details.

Whilst we endeavour to give everyone their first choice on modules, please note that this cannot always be guaranteed. Please be aware that certain skills modules are required by particular programmes, and so may be more over-subscribed than others. Please see the Full modules list for scheduling information on option and skills modules, as some run concurrently.

Work experience placement
Conservation studies placement

The University's absolute minimum English language requirements are: * IELTS: 6.0 (in the 'Academic' test) * IELTS 6.5 with at least 6 in Writing and Speaking * TOEFL: paper-based 550/ computer-based (CBT): 213/ internet-based (iBT): 79 * Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English: A, B, C * Cambridge Certificate in Advanced English: A English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6.5 CAE score: (read more) Cambridge English: Advanced (CAE) is part of the Cambridge English suite and is targeted at a high level (IETLS 6.5-8.0). It is an international English language exam set at the right level for academic and professional success. Developed by Cambridge English Language Assessment - part of the University of Cambridge - it helps you stand out from the crowd as a high achiever. 80 (Grade A) TOEFL paper-based test score : 550 TOEFL iBT® test: 79 IMPORTANT NOTE: Since April 2014 the ETS tests (including TOEFL and TOEIC) are no longer accepted for Tier 4 visa applications to the United Kingdom. The university might still accept these tests to admit you to the university, but if you require a Tier 4 visa to enter the UK and begin your degree programme, these tests will not be sufficient to obtain your Visa. The IELTS test is most widely accepted by universities and is also accepted for Tier 4 visas to the UK- learn more.