Historic Conservation

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The MSc in Historic Conservation examines the principles, procedures and practices of the preservation and conservation of historic structures and sites. Your study will take place within the context of the wider built environment and the town planning process. By enhancing research, analytical and prescriptive capabilities in conservation, graduates from the course are well-qualified to assist the research, conservation and enhancement of the built environment.

The course follows the International Commission on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) guidelines on education and training, is multidisciplinary and develops knowledge and skills in historic conservation and independent study and research capabilities. The teaching programme covers the knowledge, skills and professional capabilities identified by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) as the foundation for professional practice.

The course is taught jointly at Oxford Brookes University and at the Department of Continuing Education, University of Oxford and is recognised by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) and RICS.

Why Brookes?
* The results of the UK-wide Research Assessment Exercise (RAE) in 2008 show that Oxford Brookes is a major player in international research in the fields of Architecture and the Built Environment, and Town and Country Planning.
* The Department of Planning, which includes the Oxford Institute for Sustainable Development (OISD) as its primary research vehicle, is ranked fifth in the country in terms of research power.
* The Historic Conservation team has an excellent record of research for organisations such as the EU, English Heritage and the government Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
* The course draws on the expertise of built environment teaching staff at Brookes and from the University of Oxford's Department for Continuing Education.
* Visiting speakers from central and local government, conservation agencies, business and industry, consultancies, research bodies and other university departments provide further input bringing that real-world experience to the course.
* The course is recognised by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC).
* Oxford is internationally renowned for its cultural heritage and for the beauty and variety of its historical architecture, presenting many valuable learning opportunities for Historic Conservation students.

The course is offered as a master's degree (MSc), a postgraduate diploma (PGDip) and a postgraduate certificate (PGCert).

As courses are reviewed regularly, the module list you choose from may vary from what is shown here.

Compulsory modules for the MSc and PGDip in Historic Conservation:

* Conservation and Regeneration: Theory, Law and Practice focuses on theoretical and practical concepts in the field of conservation and heritage and the different values that they reflect. It also examines the politics and philosophy of conservation underpinning present policies and practice, including those relating to sustainability and reuse of built resources. The module also examines the legal measures that exist to preserve and enhance the historic environment and how these may operate in practice. It also considers public policy frameworks and the agencies involved in the process.
* Building Construction and Repair examines the properties of traditional materials and their supply, selection and use in conservation. It also discusses the process of decay of traditional materials, methods of repair, structural principles in relation to historic buildings, environmental factors affecting historic fabric and modern interventions into historic buildings.
* Historic Building Analysis and Recording is a skill-based module enabling you to develop expertise in understanding the special architectural and historical characteristics of a particular site, building, or group of buildings and to develop techniques for their representation through research, measurement, drawing and recording.
* Historical Studies I and II are linked modules taught in consecutive semesters. Module I concentrates on the medieval period and provides an introduction to the evolution of the landscape and the major elements of architectural history in England, up to the 16th century. Module II continues the themes introduced in Historical Studies I and analyses the major architectural developments and their influences in England from the 16th century to the present day.
* Design for Conservation is intended to enable you to develop a critical understanding of the processes involved in design management and brief formulation in the context of historic conservation. It enables students to develop skills of analysis of historic townscape, understand basic principles of urban design and formulate design guidance and codes for sensitive historic areas. You will develop skills in critical analysis of existing or proposed buildings, in preparing design briefs for sites in historic areas and in presenting design concepts.
* Conservation Economics provides an introduction to financial and economic aspects specific to the conservation and regeneration of historic buildings and areas including funding, development appraisal and the particular characteristics of the property market relating to historic buildings and areas.

The MSc in Historic Conservation also requires:

* Research Methods (Design), which provides a critical knowledge of methods and skills of research and their application to investigative work that informs conservation and design.
* MSc Dissertation, which is an individual research study of 15,000-20,000 words. It reveals abilities to define and research an issue or problem of relevance to the discipline of historic conservation.

Historic Conservation attracts students from a wide range of backgrounds and nationalities. Applications are welcome from any relevant academic discipline, as well as those in work and seeking continuing professional development. Admission is normally open to those with a good undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) or other professional qualification relevant to historic conservation, or an appropriate professional background. English Language Requirements IELTS band: 6 TOEFL iBT® test: 78 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.

Accreditation

This course is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and the Royal Town Planning Institute (RTPI), and recognised by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC).