MSc Historic Building Conservation

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Comments about MSc Historic Building Conservation - At the institution - Portsmouth - Hampshire

  • Objectives
    To develop an understanding of the theoretical, practical and management aspects of the conservation of historic monuments, ensembles and sites in Britain, Europe and elsewhere in the world. To develop an appreciation of the development of philosophical and ethical principles relating to heritage and its conservation, of the use of historical and technical knowledge, research and analysis as the basis for conservation, of architectural and archaeological theory and design issues and of the necessary professional, legal, craft, management and administration skills. To reinforce and apply that understanding and appreciation through the undertaking of case studies of buildings and sites within central southern England, and, where possible, through fieldwork elsewhere in Europe or beyond.
  • Entry requirements
    The MSc Historic Building Conservation course will suit a wide spectrum of prospective students. It is designed primarily to meet the needs of current and aspiring property professionals working in architecture, civil engineering, planning, property development and property management. It also meets the needs of conservators and those involved in historic building contracting and in the conservation crafts. However, it is of value to anyone with a passion and enthusiasm for the heritage of historic buildings and structures and who wants to understand what motivates the wish to retain them, what the economic and financial constraints and consequences of doing so are, what methods are available to restore them and how heritage can be planned and managed to best effect.
  • Academic title
    MSc Historic Building Conservation
  • Course description
    This course is part of a broad programme of heritage and maritime post-graduate courses based in the award-winning Grade II* Boathouse No 6 built in 1843 and located in the world-famous Georgian and nineteenth-century area of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Teaching takes place both there and in the University's Portland Building completed in 1997 and itself the winner of a Civic Trust award.

    In addition to the Dockyard with its historic buildings, museums and ships, Portsmouth is well endowed with many important buildings, structures and sites. These include:

    -the whole historic harbour area
    -Romano-Medieval Portchester Castle
    -nineteenth century sea and land forts on the approaches to Portsmouth
    -Henry VIII's Southsea Castle
    -De Gomme's city fortifications
    -plus many other eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings

    In the hinterland are:

    -the cathedral cities of Chichester, Winchester and Salisbury
    -National Trust properties such as Petworth House and Uppark, Carisbrook Castle and Osborne House on the Isle of Wight
    -The Weald and Downland Museum in West Sussex

    All of these provide stimulating visits and case study material for students. There are also close links to several UK heritage conservation institutions like the Salisbury Cathedral Conservation Team, as well as conservation organisations and universities elsewhere in Europe and in Turkey.

    Professional accreditation
    The course follows the Education Guidelines of ICOMOS (The International Council on Monuments and Sites), UNESCO and Council of Europe Requirements. It is recognised by the IHBC (Institute of Historic Building Conservation) Areas of Competence and is accredited by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). It prepares architects and surveyors to English Heritage/ Heritage Lottery Fund accreditation standards (AABC/RIBA and RICS Building Conservation Forum).

    Stage 1

    Heritage Theory and Practice
    The students will share this unit with the students of MSc Heritage and Museum Studies. The unit aims to promote awareness of debates and issues in heritage and conservation philosophy and relate them to practical applications in conservation and ‘heritage industry’. The topics covered will include a number of standpoints ranging from architecture, textile products, to preserved features of the industrial landscape.

    Conservation Law and Practice
    One of the aims of this unit is to develop an understanding of the origins, purpose and evolution of law and policies relating to historic buildings and structures. The syllabus outline covers topics like planning regulations related to historic buildings, current financial and taxation provisions and a number of further legal issues like grants, listing criteria, scheduled monument consents and other relevant legislation.

    Conservation Analysis and Design
    This unit aims to develop skills in reading monuments (buildings, structures, sites and landscapes) and the formulation of conservation policies in the conservation philosophy and design context. The syllabus outline deals with issues like history of conservation, past approaches, the origins of state care of buildings, architectural theory and design philosophy and concepts like beautification, imitation, innovation, adoptation, sustainment, legibility and architectural unity.

    History of the Built Environment
    The unit is designed to develop a critical awareness of the origins and development of the historic built environment including archaeological and historical settlements, historic buildings and interiors, historic gardens and landscapes and works of industrial archaeology. The concept is based on a synthesis of European and non-European topics including the architecture of ancient empires, the classical periods in Europe and England, Islamic architecture, Baroque and Rococo, Victorian diversity and Revivals, Industrial Revolution and contemporary issues.

    Stage 2

    Fieldwork
    The Fieldwork helps to students to apply theories and concepts in the field and plan and implement a field project from data collection through to delivery of a written report or a conservation design. It includes site evaluation in various settings.

    Conservation Structure, Fabric and Materials
    This unit is supported by work based learning visits like to Salisbury Cathedral Workshops, Southwick Fort and King John’s House in Romsey. The syllabus outline covers stone and masonry structures, timber and timber structures, brick and lime, cob and earth structures, roofing materials, joinery, metal-work, glass, plaster and rendering, terracotta and patented materials, modern materials in the context of building defects and repairs

    Professional and Craft Skills
    On successful completion of this unit the students should be able, at threshold level to demonstrate an awareness of and critically discuss the roles and responsibilities of personal and all other practitioners within the building conservation sector, and necessary inter-relationships. Conservation Plans, Building Contracts and Specification Writing are some of the issues discussed in this unit.

    Research and Design Methods (Conservation)
    This unit prepares the students to their dissertation to draw up a comprehensive research proposal for a personal project. There is a wide range of topics beginning from to the research process, research ethics, a synoptic overview of qualitative and quantitative methods, survey techniques and the principles and practice of ‘informed conservation’: Conservation-based Research and Analysis (CoBRA).

    Stage 3
    Dissertation

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