Historic Building Conservation FdSc and BSc top-up

Why choose this course?

The UK's historic built environment is rich and diverse, providing an important sense of national identity, contributing to our quality of life and benefiting the country's economy and education. This course provides vocational training in the repair, maintenance and improvement of these historic buildings.

Following successful completion of the two-year foundation degree, you will have the option to 'top up' to a BSc(Hons)-level degree and build upon the studies already completed.

What will you study?

You will study construction and architectural topics together with specialist subjects relating to building conservation. You will undertake academic modules at the Building Crafts College (BCC) in Stratford, and work-based modules with a company specialising in historic building conservation.

The work-based modules are based on the NVQ in Building Site Management (Conservation). It will be possible to achieve the full NVQ if sufficient work-based evidence is obtained. If you achieve the full NVQ in Building Site Management (Conservation) can apply for incorporated membership of the Chartered Institute of Building.

Find out more by watching a video of senior lecturer Steve Houchin talking about the Historic Building Conservation BSc and MSc courses:

Please note that this is an indicative list of modules and is not intended as a definitive list. Those listed here may also be a mixture of core and optional modules.

Year 1

• Bridging Studies (academic module)

• Bridging Studies (academic module)

  This introductory module is specifically for students of the Historic Building Conservation foundation degree who may not have undertaken formal study for some time. It therefore covers study techniques and researching methods, plus introduces basic measurement principles and a preliminary study of construction methods. This is also the foundation module for this course.

  
   
• Conservation and the Construction Industry (academic module)

• Conservation and the Construction Industry (academic module)

  This module introduces the differing ideas and ethics associated with the conservation and restoration of buildings in Britain. It will also look at the basic legislation covering alterations to historic buildings and the history of the development of materials, both natural and manufactured, used in conservation.

  
   
• IT and Graphical Visualisation (academic module)

• IT and Graphical Visualisation (academic module)

  This module provides an introduction to digital methods of generation, recording and storing information.

  
   
• History of British Craft and Architecture (academic module)

• History of British Craft and Architecture (academic module)

  This module introduces you to the history of British architecture and the various styles of architecture associated with different periods. It will also also cover:

  • the construction materials prevalent during the various periods; and
  • the adaptive use of historic buildings in the modern age.
  
   
• Health, Safety and Welfare (academic module)

• Health, Safety and Welfare (academic module)

  The module covers The Health and Safety at Work etc Act 1974, as well as the various statutory bodies which oversee health and safety in the UK and specifically how the construction industry is regulated and controlled. It will also look at:

  • the various ways in which new regulations are implemented, both as a result of UK legislation and in accordance with EU directives; and
  • risk assessment and risk management.
  
   
• Assess Work Methods (work-based module)

• Assess Work Methods (work-based module)

  This work-based module introduces you to the process of determining and agreeing suitable methods of carrying out site operations on a conservation project.

  
   
• Operational Control of a Conservation Project (work-based module)

• Operational Control of a Conservation Project (work-based module)

  This work-based module covers the processes associated with the implementation of operational control on a conservation project.

  
   
• Implement Health and Safety Systems (work-based module)

• Implement Health and Safety Systems (work-based module)

  This module covers the implementation of health and safety systems appropriate for a conservation project.

  
   

Year 2

• Management Skills (academic module)

• Management Skills (academic module)

  This module covers the range of skills associated with modern methods of management and in particular those associated with good on-site management of conservation construction projects. It will look at:

  • resourcing issues in the project environment; and
  • the balance between time, quality and cost.
  
   
• Measurement and Analysis of Condition (academic module)

• Measurement and Analysis of Condition (academic module)

  This module covers the different types and uses of surveying equipment used on building surveys. It also includes:

  • the analysis of building materials and soil investigation;
  • structural failure in historic buildings at both sub and superstructure level; and
  • the causes of building materials' failure and appropriate methods of conservation.
  
   
• Remedial Works (academic module)

• Remedial Works (academic module)

  The module covers building survey and appraisal, and identification of the practical methods of repair to foundations, walls and timbers.

  
   
• Study of Traditional Techniques (academic module)

• Study of Traditional Techniques (academic module)

  This module looks at different techniques and materials used in the construction of buildings during various periods in history. It also allows for the practical undertaking of techniques using traditional materials.

  
   
• Elective Project (academic module)

• Elective Project (academic module)

  You will complete a practical conservation project in this module.

  
   
• Inspect and Implement Conservation Works (work-based module)

• Inspect and Implement Conservation Works (work-based module)

  This work-based module covers the practicalities of inspecting conservation works on site and of assessing the various possible conservation methods which might be undertaken.

  
   
• Evaluate Team Performance (work-based module)

• Evaluate Team Performance (work-based module)

  This work-based module covers the skills associated with assessing and monitoring teams and individuals.

  
   
• Working with People (work-based module)

• Working with People (work-based module)

  This work-based module covers the skills required to create and maintain good working relationships. It will encourage the student to be professional in supporting colleagues, communication with colleagues, line managers and the ability to chair meetings. This will be achieved through a variety of tasks including the compilation of a portfolio.

  
   

Year 3

• Building Heritage

• Building Heritage

  This module gives you a detailed knowledge of the legislation and socio-economic frameworks that affect heritage buildings. You cover:

  • historic building materials, plus their analysis and maintenance requirements; and
  • issues regarding the UK's building heritage and how it can be adapted for a sustainable built environment of the future.
  
   
• Building Design

• Building Design

  This module develops your knowledge of the environmental aspects of construction technology and building science. You will gain:

  • an understanding of the principles of sustainability and environmental sciences - and how they apply to building design, maintenance and performance;
  • a questioning approach to design in general, plus energy efficiency and sustainable buildings more specifically;
  • a deeper theoretical and practical knowledge of building design; and
  • analysis and presentation skills.

  You will also have the opportunity to debate and implement design principles. This will help develop the technical and professional skills you will need as a probationary building surveyor.

  
   
• Historic Building Materials

• Historic Building Materials

  This modules develops your knowledge of construction technology and building science in relation to historic building materials. You will:

  • gain a working understanding of the principles of architectural investigation and historical research in relation to historic building materials; and
  • develop a questioning approach to the use of sustainable and energy efficient substitute materials within a historic building context.
  
   
• Building Control

• Building Control

  This module covers the statutes and regulatory controls that govern building design and defects, plus development of existing buildings. You will:

  • learn how to analyse and apply the regulatory and statutory framework controlling buildings; and
  • develop a questioning approach to the legislation.
  
   
• Critical Practice Project

• Critical Practice Project

  This module is an opportunity to study a topic of particular interest to you within historic building conservation.

  You undertake an in-depth study of substantial work, including scientific and neutral detachment, problem-solving and rigorous analysis. It will:

  • encourage the development of independent learning skills; and
  • develop your ability to plan and reflect upon your own progress of study development.
  
   
• Projects 3 (Historic Building Conservation)