FdSc and BSc in Historic Building Conservation
Kingston upon Thames, United Kingdom
DURATION
1 up to 2 Years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Request application deadline *
EARLIEST START DATE
Request earliest startdate
TUITION FEES
GBP 7,950 / per year **
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* only for home students. We will continue to accept applications from international students after the 25th of January
** UK students: ยฃ7,950 per year | international: ยฃ15,800 for the first year
Key Summary
Introduction
Why choose this course?
The UK's historic built environment is rich and diverse, contributing to our national identity, our quality of life and the country's economy and education. This course offers a unique blend of vocational and academic learning that will greatly enhance your employability within this challenging and rewarding field. The course content is specifically designed to address skill shortages within the conservation industry.
Professional Recognition
The foundation degree, when combined with the BSc (Hons) top-up, is recognised by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), the principal professional body for building conservation practitioners and historic environment specialists. The Historic Building Conservation BSc (Hons) top-up is accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
Reasons to choose Kingston
- Supported by the National Heritage Training Group (NHTG), which includes English Heritage, the National Trust, Historic Royal Palaces and CITB- Construction Skills, this course is taught by industry experts with access to current conservation projects.
- Upon completion of the BSc (Hons) top-up, you can seek employment to support you in undertaking your Assessment of Professional Competence. This leads to chartered membership in the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
- This course also supports you in preparing to start the practice period required to become a member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
Accreditation
Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC)
The course is recognised by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC).
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
This course is fully accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). On successful completion, graduates who are in suitable employment may proceed to the RICS final assessment programme.
Gallery
Admissions
Curriculum
What you will study
The Historic Building Conservation course is an integrated two-year foundation degree and a one-year BSc (Hons) top-up degree for those who have successfully completed the foundation degree and wish to supplement their studies.
The first two years of the course are taken at the Building Crafts College at Stratford in East London. The college provides a range of craft programmes, and opportunities exist for supplementary study in their evening programmes. Sited close to a major transport hub, it provides excellent access to all parts of the UK and Europe.
The foundation degree combines academic elements and project work. It is particularly suited to those already working at a craft level within historic building conservation. Applicants from a non-craft-based level background are also welcome and will develop conservation skills through the course. The final Elective Project offers the opportunity to undertake a practical project using craft skills.
The BSc (Hons) top-up year is taught at Kingston University's Department of Architecture and Landscape at the Knights Park campus. You will be part of its exciting and vibrant atmosphere, and be supported by state-of-the-art workshops and resources, as well as have access to the library and workshop resources. The top-up can be taken part-time over two years or full-time in one year and includes academic and project-based modules.
You will develop important interdisciplinary skills and extend your knowledge of the historic built environment. Study visits are key to this programme. You will learn to make presentations, work in teams, write reports, debate current topics, and apply IT. You will also learn how to initiate and execute simple research projects. The course culminates in an independent research project.
Modules
The programme is made up of four Level 6 modules each worth 30 credit points. Typically a student upon entry must have completed 120 credits at each of Levels 4 and 5 on an appropriate programme.
Year 1
Core modules
- Context of Conservation and the Built Environment
- Development of Skills for the Historic Environment
- Conservation Legislation and Regulation
- Application of Skills in Conservation
Year 2
Core modules
- Applied Conservation Measurement and Analysis
- Management of Conservation Projects
- Traditional Building Construction and Repair
- Elective Project
Year 3
Core modules
- The Existing Built Environment
- Advanced Skills for the Building Conservation Surveyor
- Adaptive Building Design and Application
- Research Project
Please note
Optional modules only run if there is enough demand. If we have an insufficient number of students interested in an optional module, that module will not be offered for this course.
Program Outcome
After you graduate
Once you complete the course, you will have the specialist knowledge needed to work in historic building conservation for a specialist contractor, a local authority or consultancy, or a major national heritage organisation. Several graduates have chosen to progress to the MSc Historic Building Conservation, a specialist interdisciplinary postgraduate course in the Department of Architecture and Landscape.
The FdSc and BSc (Hons) top-up are recognised by the IHBC. You will also be able to start the practice period with a view to becoming a full member of the Institute. Following completion of the BSc (Hons) top-up, you will be eligible to seek employment which would support you in undertaking your Assessment of Professional Competence, leading to Chartered membership of the RICS.