This course will provide you with specialist knowledge in issues of urban conservation and heritage and prepare you for professional practice within the field.

The course combines the historical study of cities and conservation practice with an understanding of architecture, material culture and the principles of establishing heritage value to provide a multi-disciplinary grounding in an area of growing significance for planning, tourism and urban policy.

You will develop an understanding of research design and acquire advanced analytical skills which will prepare you to undertake and complete a dissertation on an original topic of your choice.

You will gain practical skills in areas such as project management and scientific practice, ensuring you develop the expertise and knowledge to further your career in urban conservation or to undertake PhD study.

The course has achieved full recognition by the Institute for Historic Building Conservation, the principal body representing Conservation professionals.

Teaching and learning

All of your modules are delivered by distance learning and we will provide you with excellent support from the same expert academics who deliver our on-campus courses.

Each module consists of specially prepared self-study materials, which are made available online through Blackboard, our virtual learning environment, and supplemented by our Library's book-loans-by-post service. You'll also have weekly online meetings and be allocated a personal tutor.

You'll be assessed through coursework exercises completed at the end of each semester and be given individual feedback via Blackboard and online meetings.

Academic support Our Student Learning Development Team provides help in the following areas:

• study and exam skills
• academic writing
• presentations
• dissertations
• numerical data skills
• referencing sources

Our AccessAbility Centre offers support and practical help for students with dyslexia or other specific learning difficulties, including physical, mental health or mobility difficulties, deafness, or visual impairment.

Teaching staff

You will be taught by an experienced teaching team whose expertise and knowledge are closely matched to the content of the modules on the course. PhD research students who have undertaken teacher training may also contribute to the teaching of seminars under the supervision of the module leader. Our teaching is informed by the research we do. You can learn more about our staff by visiting our staff profiles.