This course is designed primarily for property professionals specialising in or wishing to focus on conservation and heritage management. Examples include architects, architectural technicians, local authority conservation officers, surveyors, chartered builders, English Heritage officers, archaeologists and craftsmen.
This programme benefits from established links with the National trust, English heritage, the national amenity societies and the Prince’s Foundation for the Built Environment.
Summary
Award: Postgraduate Diploma or MSc in Conservation of the Historic Environment (PGDipCHE or MScCHE)
Duration: 2 or 3 years
Time commitment: 14 hours of study a week for 42 weeks of each year
Apply by: 1 May 2010
Course starts: 1 June 2010
Award Details
Once you have successfully completed Part 1 you have two options:
• Complete Part 2 with either CEM or the University of Reading to be awarded a Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation of the Historic Environment. This will entitle you to use the designatory letters PGDipCHE
• Complete Parts 2 and 3 with the University of Reading to be awarded the MSc in Conservation of the Historic Environment. You will be entitled to use the designatory letters MScCHE, or simply MSc
If you wish to give yourself the option to study for the MSc you must register with the University of Reading at the end of Part 1.
You may have the option to undertake a research-based third year to attain the University of Reading MSc in Conservation of the Historic Environment. If you are eligible, you will be invited to register for this at the end of Part 1.
Accreditation
The MSc in Conservation of the Historic Environment is accredited by RICS. Once you have completed the course you will be eligible to apply for the RICS Assessment of Competence (APC), which leads to Membership. If you have studied a related degree (property or construction) prior to commencing the course you may be able to apply for the APC before completing the MSc. If this is relevant to you, please ask us for details.
The MSc is also fully recognised by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
Entry requirements
You should have an appropriate professional or other suitable qualification, or be suitably experienced to the satisfaction of the Course Directors. Alternatively, if you have a non-cognate background you will need to demonstrate intellectual ability and enthusiasm for the subject.
The suitability of each candidate’s qualifications and experience is at the discretion of the Course Directors. If you are uncertain of your suitability contact the Course Director at the College.
Overseas applicants
The teaching and exams for the course are held only in the UK, which will impose additional time, travelling and accommodation costs. However, potential overseas applicants are invited to consult the Course Directors to discuss their application.
Course outline
Part 1 – Foundation and Fundamentals
Understanding the Historic Environment – research and recording of historic buildings and sites, including history and development of building conservation; theories and principles; charters and guidelines; current attitudes and policies; conservation bodies and agencies; conservation in practice, including historical survey; research techniques; communication methods.
Development of Design – architectural styles and influences; building methods and techniques; estates and landscaping; building elements and materials; interior design.
Historic Buildings Legislation – development of legislation and controls; current legal provisions, controls and policies; public inquiries, expert witness, scheduled monument legislation; health and safety.
Urban Conservation and Economics – financial viability and evaluation; feasibility studies; valuation purpose and methods; funding and grant aid; financial performance and asset management of historic buildings; commercialism.
Consolidating Assignment
Part 2 – Conservation in Practice
Module options (choose four)
Practical Conservation Techniques: General Principles – condition surveys and appraisals; defect and structural analysis; agencies of deterioration and decay; interpretation and monitoring; health and safety; cleaning buildings.
Practical Conservation Techniques: Materials and Repairs – brickwork; timber framing; masonry; lime mortars and renders; paint and finishes; roof coverings; ironwork and metals; man-made materials; concrete.
Reusing Historic Buildings – feasibility studies; alternative use; design criteria; scheme preparation; current legislation and standards; flexible and inflexible buildings; structural repair; upgrading; temporary works.
Procurement and Management of Building Conservation Projects – funding methods; financial management; project documentation; specifications; CDM regulations; quality control and management.
Facilities Management of Historic Buildings – managing historic buildings; commercial influence and pressures; maintenance management systems and organisation; legal liabilities and provisions; financial planning and budgeting; maintenance plans and logbooks.
Heritage Management and Cultural Tourism – historic buildings and sites open to the public; cultural tourism; marketing heritage; financial viability; damage and abuse; access and security provision.
Compulsory module
Integrative Assignment
Part 3 – Research
Research Methods
Dissertation
Face-to-Face teaching
Normally two 2-day courses are held in Reading each year, in June and January for Parts 1 and 2. There are two separate one-day visits in Part 3. Overnight accommodation is not included as part of the course.
During the year we also arrange a programme of visits to buildings and places of interest in the UK. These visits are optional but students find them very useful as they reinforce key aspects of the course.
Assessment
Assessment consists of assignments and an examination at Part 1, assignments, an examination and a project at Part 2, and assignments and a dissertation at Part 3 (MSc only).
Assignments
You will complete and submit assignments for assessment according to the timetable of the course as follows:
• Five in Part 1
• Four plus a project in Part 2
• Two plus a dissertation in Part 3 for MSc
Exams
Exams are normally held in March and comprise:
• One examination day ending with a 3-hour written paper in Part 1, based on a live project or site visit
• One examination day ending with a 3½-hour written paper in Part 2, based on a live project or site visit
Dissertation
Part 3 of the MSc programme includes a dissertation of 12,000–15,000 words. This will take the form of an in-depth investigation to test a hypothesis within a contextual framework, and will focus on a practical aspect of a course-related subject.
Admissions and enquiries
Email: courses@cem.ac.uk
Tel: 0800 019 9697 (freephone UK)
+44 (0) 118 921 4696 (international)
Fax: +44 (0) 118 921 4620
Tel: +44 (0) 118 921 4625