Course summary
Delivered by the Weald & Downland Living Museum and validated by the University of York Specialist Courses for the Building Conservation Experts of the Future Promoting lifelong learning and conservation is at the heart of the Museum’s objectives. We are a leading provider in specialist education and training in building conservation and historic building techniques offering two MSc programmes in Building Conservation and Timber Building Conservation. Our nationally designated collection of historic buildings provides an unrivalled and unique teaching resource. Our lecturers are experts in their fields, giving students the opportunity to learn and benefit directly from their specialist knowledge and experiences. Timber has been a valuable material in the past and will continue to be so in the future. To conserve and sustain its cultural importance, however, we need to fully understand it. The MSc at the Weald & Downland Living Museum provides you with the opportunity to learn from expert tutors and craftspeople, and gain new skills, knowledge and understanding to take forward into your future career. On completion you will never look at timber in the same way again!” Joe Thompson, MSc Programme Leader Over the past 30 years, the conservation of historic buildings has gained great importance in the building and heritage industries both in the UK and overseas. Virtually every pre-modern building used timber in its construction, and there is a widespread need for conservators with specialist knowledge of timber and associated craft and repair techniques. Established by specialists in the field, the MSc in Timber Building Conservation has a long history at the Weald & Downland Living Museum. It is suitable for students and mid-career professionals seeking to develop or enhance an academic or professional specialism in the conservation of timber buildings. Previous students have gone on to become specialist conservation architects, surveyors, engineers and crafts people. Course Content The course covers the following topics:
- Timber-frames and their regional and chronological variations
- Timber science and decay
- Timber-framing systems
- Conservation process, site and workshop practice and associated materials
- Conservation of structural timber
- Conservation of non-structural timber
- Capstone research project – dissertation
Modules
The course consists of six taught modules plus one dissertation module taken over a 2-year period. The six taught modules run for 5 days (Wednesday to Sunday), allowing students to balance work and other commitments. Module 7 consists of research, which is presented for examination as a dissertation. Assessment for the six taught modules consists entirely of coursework. The assignments address problems and simulate tasks likely to be encountered in the professional environment. To gain the MSc students must also successfully complete a dissertation of 15,000 words based on their research into an approved topic.
Assessment method
Teaching takes place at the Weald & Downland Living Museum and consists of lectures, seminars and workshops. Learning is further enhanced through site visits and hands-on experience of materials and processes where possible. All taught modules include contributions from leading practitioners in the field and ample time for discussion with these experts. The programme leader, Joe Thompson, has over 37 years’ experience in the conservation of historic timber-framed buildings. He has lectured on both of the Museum’s MSc programmes since 1998. He also delivers a wide variety of specialist practical courses on historic carpentry practice
Entry requirements
- At least a second class honours degree or an equivalent qualification in architecture, surveying, archaeology, engineering, conservation or a related field; or - A minimum of 2 years’ equivalent professional experience Most importantly, applicants should have a keen interest and enthusiasm for the conservation of historic buildings and heritage structures combined with the self-discipline and determination required to complete a postgraduate programme For those applicants whose first language is not English, evidence of a minimum standard of written and spoken English will be required. Previous students have come from a wide range of backgrounds including architects, building contractors, engineers, planning officers, conservation officers, surveyors, carpenters, masons, archaeologists, specialist conservators and project managers. If you would like to discuss your suitability, please contact us at [email protected]
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
No fee information has been provided for this course
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Provider information
Weald & Downland Living Museum
Town lane
Singleton
Chichester
West Sussex
PO18 0EU