The MSc in Architectural Conservation is a taught course aimed at professionals and academics world-wide with an interest in architectural heritage including architects, engineers, archaeologists, art historians, geographers and surveyors.
This course is fully recognised by The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). The course provides both a thorough understanding of architectural heritage and the skills required to contribute to the preservation and development of historic sites. Benefiting from its location in the historic city of Canterbury, the programme combines the study of conservation theory and philosophy with an exploration of the technical aspects of repair and reconstruction. The city’s stunning cathedral provides students with an education resource, giving them the opportunity to learn from the conservation of a World Heritage Site.
Open to students and professionals with an interest in architectural heritage, the course represents an ideal gateway to a career in demanding professional fields, such as conservation-oriented architectural practice, conservation consultancy and heritage management. As the future leaders in these fields, the course’s graduates are expected to play a central role in disciplines that lie at the centre of the current economic, environmental and social agendas.
A first or second class honours degree in a relevant subject (or equivalent). Applicants may be required to attend an interview or to submit a portfolio showing aptitude for the subject and appropriate ability.
Applicants who are unable to attend an interview will be asked to send a portfolio or sample of their written work.
All applicants are considered on an individual basis and additional qualifications, professional qualifications and relevant experience may also be taken into account when considering applications.
Please see our International Student website for entry requirements by country and other relevant information. Due to visa restrictions, students who require a student visa to study cannot study part-time unless undertaking a distance or blended-learning programme with no on-campus provision.
This course requires a Very Good level of English language, equivalent to a high B2 on CEFR.
Details on how to meet this requirement can be found on our English Language requirements webpage.
Examples:
IELTS 6.5 with a minimum of 5.5 in each component
PTE Academic 67 with a minimum of 59 in each sub-test
A degree from the UK
A degree from a Majority English Speaking Country
The following modules are indicative of those offered on this programme.This list is based on the current curriculum and may change year to year in response to new curriculum developments and innovation.
Why do we preserve and why does it matter? This is the underlying question of this module, which we will explore through the analysis of the concept of heritage, how it developed from Antiquity to the present, and how it is still very much an open debate. You will learn about meanings and symbolisms behind our understanding of what heritage is, and how these have been shaping conservation attitudes and philosophies. Weekly lectures and seminars introduce different themes, periods, and instances, at both individual and large scale, focusing on the European tradition but with a world outlook. This provides you with a solid introduction to architectural, urban, and conservation history and philosophies, which allows you to navigate the complex quest underlying the module. You will develop critical thinking, learn about research methodologies, and a variety of communication skills, alongside how to read, write about, and record historic environments. By the end of this module, you will never walk around a historic environment as you did before! And you will understand both complexities and opportunities of a career in heritage.
How has the environmental dimension of building design changed over time in the UK and beyond? You will learn how to evaluate past environmental technologies and strategies, combining historical research methods and technical analysis. You will research the historical, geographic, and cultural context of the development of environmental technologies and scientific principles. Over the course of the term, you will conduct a detailed case study in order to gain a critical understanding of the environmental considerations underlying the design, operation, and adaptation of historic buildings, including the current challenge of adapting historic buildings to climate change. Students from MSc in Architecture and the Sustainable Environment and MSc in Architectural Conservation will come together in this cross-disciplinary module to explore how to reconcile the requirements of heritage preservation and environmental design.
Why is it important to manage and protect historically significant buildings and sites which represent our social, cultural past? This is the principal question we will seek to answer in this module as we explore how policies and legislation guide the protection of historic assets, including those that are at risk of loss. Introducing you to the historic development of protection and guardianship of historic sites since the emergence of the conservation movement, we will then explore the ethical and administrative challenges and debates in place today. Focusing on heritage protection and planning systems in the UK, we will examine various kinds of statutory designation locally and nationally. The course will also explore the importance and impact of international designations, charters, and policies. Exploring the broad range of consultancy roles in this sector, the module will evaluate how change, repair, and refurbishment of historic sites is consented, funded, and managed together with the procurement strategies relevant to undertaking work on conservation projects.
This module explores the structural behaviour of traditional buildings and examines their response to environmental phenomena. It helps students to analyse the causes and patterns of damage and cultivates a critical understanding of the techniques employed in the repair and strengthening of historic buildings. The module will include lectures delivered by the conservators of Canterbury Cathedral and will constitute an opportunity to observe the methods employed in the conservation of the cathedral. The module assignment, a structural report on a historic structure, will provide students with an opportunity to demonstrate the skills and knowledge gained in the lectures and articulate their findings using the relevant presentation skills.
How can we preserve the value of historic buildings while adapting them to new uses and requirements? This module explores the tools and methods necessary to redevelop historic buildings in a way that preserves them for future generations. You will gain hands-on expertise in these methods by working on a historic site in Kent. Your weekly tasks and site visits will help you to engage with all aspects of interventions to historic sites, from the initial survey and appraisals, to the drafting of conservation plans. You will learn to articulate strategies for the adaption, extension, and monitoring of historic buildings. Covering all the phases of a conservation project, this module will help you to synthesise theory and practice in a critical way and develop a personal holistic approach to architectural conservation.
This is an exciting time to be exploring the repair of historic buildings. While our understanding of how buildings age is better than ever, long-forgotten building materials and skills are being revived in sustainable, ‘like for like’ repairs. Responding to these developments, this module provides you with hands-on, detailed expertise in the repair of historic buildings. Looking at historic structures from different periods and materials, we will explore different repair methods, from non-invasive, reversible interventions to large-scale consolidation and restoration. You will apply this knowledge in practice by working on a historic site in Kent. By the end of the module, you will cultivate a forensic understanding of historic buildings enabling you to diagnose the causes of their decay and develop detailed specifications for their repair.
What perspectives and research methodologies do different disciplines offer? How can these be utilised to address questions related to the built environment? How can they help you to address the particular challenges associated with the development of research methods for use in creative processes or industry-based projects? This module brings you together with peers from different PGT programmes in order to encourage the exploration of cross-disciplinary approaches to research on the built environment. You will develop a proposal for a written dissertation, research-led creative project, or industry-based project in a topic of your own choice. Delivered over the course of two terms, the aim of this module is to support you in developing project proposals in preparation for your final module Dissertation or Industry-based project. You have the options to develop proposals for three kinds of projects: (1) traditional written thesis, (2) research-by-practice, and (3) industry-based project. Through a programme of seminars and practical workshops, you will develop the knowledge and skills required for designing projects within academic and professional settings. You will apply these skills in the development of project proposals that cover a literature review, outline of the methodology, project schedule, and where required, will also involve full research ethics approval.
You will develop your research skills through a large project under the guidance of a supervisor. This can be undertaken within an academic or professional setting. You can choose between research-based or practice-based projects in a topic related to their field of study. This provides you with the opportunity to demonstrate your capacity to work as independent researchers in your chosen area of specialism. You will have the choice between three options. You can choose to produce a substantial piece of written work, undertake a creative project, or a project undertaken in the context of external placements within industry or public sector organisations. During the development of your proposal, you will have chosen between three pathway options for your project, distinguishing between projects in which you can demonstrate the application of advanced skills and knowledge within the context of academic research, creative projects, or professional placements. The pathways are: - **Research project**: You will undertake an independent research project on a topic related to their discipline, which will be assessed on a written dissertation of 12,000 words. This is the pathway for students on the MSc Urban Planning & Resilience. - **Creative project (practice-as-research)**: You explore your research questions in the context of a creative project within their field of study. This will be assessed on a portfolio, together with a 4,000-word written essay, which will frame and discuss the project theoretically. - **Industry-based project**: You explore your research questions through projects within the professional settings of a work placement within the public or private sector. This will be assessed on a project portfolio, together with a 4,000-word written essay, offering a critical reflection on research in practice.
Assessment is mostly through coursework, with essays, reports, projects and the dissertation.
For course aims and learning outcomes please see the course specification.
The School of Architecture and Planning studios include a dedicated computing suite with a range of environmental construction software, and a digital crit studio. There is a fully equipped architectural model-making workshop for constructing models and large-scale prototypes.
The School has excellent contacts with businesses and culture in the local area, including regional organisations such as Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA), Kent County Council, European Association for Architectural Education (EAAE). The Sustainable Communities Plan is particularly strong in south-east England, making the region the ideal place in which to debate innovative solutions to architectural issues.
Kent also has excellent links with schools of architecture in Lille, Rome, Istanbul, Tokyo, and, in the USA, Virginia.
Academic study is complemented by a mentoring scheme organised in collaboration with the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) and involving students in events with local practices.
Staff publish regularly and widely in journals, conference proceedings and books. Among others, they have recently contributed to: Architectural Research Quarterly; The Architectural Review; Building and Environment; The Journal of Architecture; and The World of Interiors.
All students registered for a taught Master's programme are eligible to apply for a place on our Global Skills Award Programme. The programme is designed to broaden your understanding of global issues and current affairs as well as to develop personal skills which will enhance your employability.
You will finish this course with the skills, knowledge and confidence to make a real impact as an expert in the rapidly growing heritage sector. Throughout the course you will work on live projects and carry out field work. This blend of practical learning and theoretical knowledge makes you a well rounded practitioner who can put theory into practice. These site visits and sessions with industry professionals aren't just a chance to level-up your skills, it's your opportunity to expand your network and make crucial contacts to help you kickstart your career in heritage and architectural practice.
You will acquire professional knowledge, experience and skills within classrooms as well through your involvement in ‘live’ conservation projects. Delivered in collaboration with major employers in the heritage sector these projects connect you to life beyond the University and the professional realm.
This course has been specifically designed alongside industry partners to create the practitioners that the sector needs to face tomorrow's challenges. If you want to make a real impact in conservation, this is your perfect first step to making it happen.
The 2025/26 annual tuition fees for this course are:
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy. If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.
The University will assess your fee status as part of the application process. If you are uncertain about your fee status you may wish to seek advice from UKCISA before applying.
For details of when and how to pay fees and charges, please see our Student Finance Guide.
Tuition fees may be increased in the second and subsequent years of your course. Detailed information on possible future increases in tuition fees is contained in the Tuition Fees Increase Policy. If you are uncertain about your fee status please contact information@kent.ac.uk.
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