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Conservation of Historic Buildings MSc

1 year, starting in September 2025

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Study the theory and practice of preserving historic architecture and cultural heritage sites in one of the world's most culturally significant cities.

We offer you the unique opportunity to learn how to design and manage conservation projects while studying in a UNESCO World Heritage site. Taught by experts in the field, our course focuses on preserving historic buildings and cultural heritage worldwide. You’ll learn philosophical approaches to conserving the built environment and its significance within the context of international standards and charters, and English legislation frameworks. You’ll also explore materials, techniques, traditional constructional principles and structural behaviour.

To learn about conservation in practice, you’ll visit and work on case studies at historic buildings sites in and around Bath. These help you understand how our built heritage is repaired and re-used, and develop your technical and communication skills. You’ll finish your master’s degree with a large research project in an area of conservation that excites you.

Learn from experts in the field

Our course draws on the research knowledge in our Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering and expertise in the heritage sector. Our academics’ international collaborations and research feed into our teaching and contribute to your learning experience.

Use specialist facilities

We have a range of facilities to support your studies. Our library gives you access to online historical literature, maps and audio visual services, as well as professional databases such as Construction Information Services.

From course to career

We work with industrial partners to make sure you have the technical, communication and design skills that employers value. You’ll graduate with the ability to make a real contribution to the preservation of our architectural landscape. Our graduates have gone on to work in roles such as:

  • Inspectors and managers at Historic England and English Heritage
  • Senior National Trust managers and national amenity society inspectors
  • Local authority conservation officers
  • Conservation architects, engineers and surveyors in specialist practices

Find out more about how our master's courses can help improve your employability

2025/26 Academic Year

Before you apply for a course, please check the website for the most recently published course detail. If you apply to the University of Bath, you will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

We understand that you will want to know more about the shape of the academic year. We work hard and plan for different scenarios, to be able to welcome you to the University of Bath at the start of each semester.

Course structure

This course lasts 1 year. It starts in September 2025 and ends in 2026. Welcome week starts on 22 September 2025.

Occasionally we make changes to our programmes in response to, for example, feedback from students, developments in research and the field of studies, and the requirements of accrediting bodies. You will be advised of any significant changes to the advertised programme, in accordance with our Terms and Conditions.

Year 1

Semester 1

Compulsory units

  • Cultures and frameworks for conservation

    10 credits

  • Principles of construction project management

    10 credits

  • Structural conservation

    10 credits

Semester 2

Compulsory units

  • Materials, construction and skills

    10 credits

  • Multidisciplinary project

    10 credits

  • Professional and research skills for the construction industry

    10 credits

Summer

Compulsory units

  • Dissertation

    30 credits

Learning and assessment

Learning

  • Design projects
  • Lectures
  • Online resources
  • Seminars
  • Tutorials
  • Workshops
  • Real-life case studies

Assessment

  • Coursework
  • Dissertation
  • Essay
  • Presentations

These lists are to give you an idea of some, but not all, of the learning and assessment methods used on this course. They are not exhaustive lists and methods are subject to change.

Professional accreditations

By studying a course with a professional accreditation, you could have the chance to get workplace experience, learn about new developments in the industry and apply for membership with the accrediting body. You may also be able to apply for jobs in the industry without having to do any more exams.

Institute of Historic Buildings Conservation (IHBC) Logo

Fully recognised by the Institute of Historic Buildings Conservation (IHBC)

Recognition of professional qualifications

As well as being recognised as a higher academic qualification, a number of our degrees are also accredited by professional bodies in the United Kingdom. An accredited degree may entitle you to work in a specific profession within the UK, and abroad (where there are reciprocating arrangements with professional bodies in other countries).

The requirements to practise a profession vary from country to country. If you wish to practise your profession outside the United Kingdom, you are advised to confirm that the UK professional qualification you seek is valid in the country in which you are intending to work.

‘This course is open to all kinds of fields; we have historians, urban planners, architects. And what we are learning can be applied everywhere.’
— Oscar Garcia Mucu MSc Conservation of Historic Buildings (Graduating year, 2025)

Entry requirements

Origin of qualifications

British qualifications

You should have a Bachelor’s honours degree or international equivalent, typically a high 2:2 or above.

To apply for this course, you should have an undergraduate degree in any discipline relating to the built environment including architecture, engineering, surveying, planning, geography, archaeology, history or management. We will also consider your application if you have an undergraduate degree in other disciplines, such as history of art, and wish to gain a vocational degree.

We may make an offer based on a lower grade if you can provide evidence of your suitability for the degree.

If your first language is not English but within the last 2 years you completed your degree in the UK you may be exempt from our English language requirements.

English language requirements

  • IELTS: 6.5 overall with no less than 6.0 in all components
  • The Pearson Test of English Academic (PTE Academic): 62 with no less than 59 in any element
  • TOEFL IBT: 90 overall with a minimum 21 in all 4 components

You will need to get your English language qualification within 24 months prior to starting your course.

If you need to improve your English language skills before starting your studies, you may be able to take a pre-sessional course to reach the required level.

Fees and funding

Fees and funding information for Conservation of Historic Buildings MSc

Fees

Your tuition fees and how you pay them will depend on whether you are a Home or Overseas student.

Learn how we decide fee status

Tuition fees

See the most recent fees for postgraduate courses.

Extra costs

If you receive an offer, you will need to pay a non-refundable deposit of £1,000 when you accept to secure your place. This will be deducted from your tuition fee when you register.

You'll need to budget for a good laptop to carry out work. You can do this through our IT Purchasing service who will advise you on the best equipment for your needs. There is also support available to help you access the technology you need.

How to pay

Tuition fee loans

If you are studying a postgraduate course, you may be able to take out a loan for your tuition fees and living costs.

Read more about tuition fee loans

Scholarships and bursaries

You could be considered for a bursary or scholarship to help you study at Bath. You do not have to pay it back.

Read more about bursaries and scholarships

Other payment options

You can pay your tuition fees by Direct Debit, debit card, credit card or bank transfer. You may also be eligible for a student loan to help you pay your fees.

Read more about your payment options

Budgeting

You'll need to allow some budget of around £150 to allow for site visits away from campus where you may be required to pay some or all of the costs of travel, accommodation and food and drink.

Application information

  • Course title
    Conservation of Historic Buildings
  • Final award
    MSc
  • Mode of study
    Full-time
  • Course code
    TDUAR-CH05
  • Department
    Department of Architecture & Civil Engineering
  • Location
    University of Bath
    Claverton Down, Bath BA2 7AY
  • Home application deadline
    31 August 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full.

  • Overseas application deadline
    31 July 2025

    We recommend you apply early as we may close applications before the deadline if a course is full. We may consider late applications but if you need a Student Visa to study in the UK, you will need time to apply for and receive your visa to be in the UK by the start of the course.

  • Application eligibility
    Home and Overseas students are eligible to apply
  • Regulator
    The Office for Students (OfS)

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