The published course and module descriptions were accurate when first published and remain the basis of the course, but the University has had to modify some course and module content in response to government restrictions and social distancing requirements. In the event of changes made to the government advice and social distancing rules by national or local government, the University may need to make further alterations to the published course content. Detailed information on the changes will be sent to every student on confirmation in August to ensure you have all the information before you come to Oxford Brookes.
Historic Conservation
MSc or PGDip or PGCert
Key facts
Start dates
September 2020 / September 2021
Location
Course length
Full time: Full time: MSc 12 months; PGDip 9 months
Part time: Part time: MSc 24 months; PGDip 21 months; PGCert 9 months
Department
Accreditation(s)
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).
Overview
Gain the expertise to shape the future through the buildings and places we value from the past.
This course puts you at the centre of historic conservation practice. You’ll be introduced to fundamental concepts and techniques and taught by leading experts from across the field.
Topics of study include:
- History of architecture and the built environment
- Analysis and recording of historic sites
- Legal and policy frameworks
- Conservation techniques for traditional and modern structures
- Financial analysis.
Throughout the course you’ll be challenged to think critically and holistically and supported to develop an intelligent, professional approach. Regular field trips and hands-on workshops let you apply your learning to current practice while building your experience and networks.
Teaching is delivered jointly by Oxford Brookes and the University of Oxford, combining the internationally renowned research and teaching expertise of the two institutions.
How to apply
Entry requirements
Specific entry requirements
The course is open to applicants who hold a 2.1 undergraduate honours degree (or international equivalent).
Students come from a variety of backgrounds. Thus, applications are welcome from any academic discipline which can be applied to Historic Conservation - as well as those seeking ongoing professional development.
We will actively consider applications from candidates with lower degrees, who can effectively portray suitable credentials, and usually have an appropriate professional background.
Please also see the University's general entry requirements.
English language requirements
If your first language is not English you will require a minimum academic IELTS score of 6.5 overall with 6.0 in all components.
OR
An equivalent English language qualification acceptable to the University.
Please also see the University's standard English language requirements.
English requirements for visas
If you need a student visa to enter the UK you will need to meet the UK Visas and Immigration minimum language requirements as well as the University's requirements. Find out more about English language requirements.
Pathways courses for international and EU students
We offer a range of courses to help you meet the entry requirements for your postgraduate course and also familiarise you with university life in the UK.
Take a Pre-Master's course to develop your subject knowledge, study skills and academic language level in preparation for your master's course.
If you need to improve your English language, we offer pre-sessional English language courses to help you meet the English language requirements of your chosen master’s course.
Terms and Conditions of Enrolment
When you accept our offer, you agree to the Terms and Conditions of Enrolment. You should therefore read those conditions before accepting the offer.
Application process
We advise applying in advance to secure places, and allow sufficient time for applications to be reviewed.
There is no formal application deadline (recruitment closes when teaching capacity is reached).
Applicants should also factor any time needed to meet offer conditions, arrange accommodation, and obtain a UK Tier 4 visa (if applicable).
Tuition fees
Please see the fees note
Questions about fees?
Contact Student Finance on:
Tuition fees
2020 / 21
Home/EU full time
£8,500 (Masters); £7,500 (Diploma); £4,250 (Certificate)
Home/EU part time
£4,250
International full time
£14,700
2021 / 22
Home (UK) full time
£8,700 (Masters); £7,700 (Diploma); £4,350 (Certificate)
Home (UK) part time
£4,350
International / EU full time
£15,000
Fees quoted are for the first year only. If you are studying a course that lasts longer than one year your fees will increase each year.
Financial support and scholarships
For general sources of financial support, see our Fees and funding pages.
Additional costs
Please be aware that some courses will involve some additional costs that are not covered by your fees. Specific additional costs for this course, if any, are detailed below.
Field trips and practical workshops carry an additional cost. This will be in the region of £100 for the October residential field trip (Semester 1, Week 5), and a further £200 for the full programme of technical training days associated with the Building Construction and Repair module (Wednesdays in Semester 2). Exact dates for these events will be confirmed in advance.
Learning and assessment
This course is offered at three levels:
The Master of Science (MSc) degree consists of:
- 6 compulsory modules
- Research Methods in Design
- dissertation (between 15,000 - 20,000 words).
The Postgraduate Diploma (PGDip) consists of:
- 6 compulsory modules
- Research Methods in Design.
The Postgraduate Certificate (PGCert) consists of 3 compulsory modules.
The MSc and PGDip can be studied full-time (1 year) or part-time (2 year).
The introductory PGCert is a 9 month, part-time course.
All core teaching is on Mondays and Tuesdays, allowing you to fit your studies around other commitments (with the exception of certain field trips).
Part-time students take the Monday modules in their first year and the Tuesday modules in their second.
Each course module addresses a different set of questions in the theory and/or practice of historic conservation.
Study modules
The modules listed below are for the master's award. For the PGDip and PGCert awards your module choices may be different. Please contact us for more details.
Please note: As our courses are reviewed regularly as part of our quality assurance framework, the modules you can choose from may vary from that shown here. The structure of the course may also mean some modules are not available to you.
Learning and teaching
Our teaching and learning methods reflect the variety of topics and techniques associated with historic conservation. These include:
- lectures
- directed reading
- workshops
- seminars
- practical and project work.
Most modules also include site visits and/or fieldwork. These provide you with direct experience of the practical application of conservation principles.
Field trips
There are a number of extra-curricular field trips and practical workshops. These are optional, and those attending will need to pay a supplementary fee to cover costs. See the additional costs section of this page for details.
Research
The School of the Built Environment has an impressive list of funders and clients covering UK and EU government, research funding councils and industry.
Research areas and clusters
The Impact Assessment Unit (IAU) brings together one of the largest teams of expertise in this field worldwide. Our clients include:
- the European Commission
- UK Government/Agencies
- local government
- the commercial sector.
Infrastructure and energy continue to be a key focus as they are the essential components of a rapidly urbanising world.
The IAU works closely with colleagues in the following research groups:
We have links with universities worldwide so there are exciting opportunities for collaborative research, exchanges and study overseas.
After you graduate
Career prospects
The course provides an excellent grounding for those wishing to pursue a career in the conservation sector. Our tutors have wide experience in the field, and the broad variety of visiting speakers from national and local government, private practice, the voluntary sector, the law and academia add greatly to this range. We have excellent links with heritage organisations across the country, giving you opportunities for placements and other work experience. Graduates have gone on to work in many different roles across the sector, including:
- central government bodies, eg English Heritage and Historic England
- local government roles, eg conservation and design officer
- charitable organisations, eg the National Trust and the Landmark Trust
- campaign groups, eg Victorian Society and SAVE Britain's Heritage
- private consultancies, eg CgMs and Alan Baxter & Associates.
Programme Changes: On rare occasions we may need to make changes to our course programmes after they have been published on the website.
For more information, please visit our Changes to programmes page.