Course structure

The course structure consists of two core modules that offer background knowledge in Historic Environments and Conservation Practice. This includes the built environment but takes into account wider issues such as conservation areas, historic landscape characterisation, local identity, the rural environment, and heritage management. It also covers key skills such as the legislative background, project management and financing conservation projects. Beyond the two core elements there are ten practical, skills-based workshops that together will accumulate to produce a coherent training package. These workshops cover the use of lime in historic buildings, stone conservation, twentieth century materials, ceramic building materials, ferrous and non-ferrous metals in construction, structural and non-structural timber, managing traditional estates, building recording and historic interiors. In order to achieve this, the course uses a great number of external specialist lecturers.

The programme is part time only and is taught over two years. There are two levels of qualification:

MA in Historic Environment Conservation

• 180 credits consists of all taught modules and a 12,000 word dissertation.

PG Dip. in Historic Environment Conservation

• 120 credits consists of all taught modules.

This structure has been designed specifically for those in employment who have to reconcile their work requirements and their wish to upgrade their skills. (Individual workshop weekends or days are available as CPD options at a higher cost, but MUST be applied for on a different form. Please contact Harriet Devlin for further information.

Delivery

The taught elements are structured as non-residential workshop weekends that run from Friday through to Saturday afternoon. The postgraduate course is coordinated and organised from the Ironbridge Institute

For the core modules, there are a total of five workshop weekends, one a month, from October to February. The Practical Application workshops have two weekends a month and run between April and September. Students only need to attend six of the practical workshops, dependant on their own interests and existing knowledge. The remainder of the year is for research.

Core lectures and workshops are based at the Long Warehouse , Coalbrookdale unless otherwise notified. Practical workshops are offered at appropriate venues or at the Long Warehouse. Details on how to reach the Long Warehouse are on the How to find us page. Travel directions for other venues will be notified accordingly.

Module dates 2011 - 2013

 

Module 1: Basic concepts in conservation

• Induction:  6 October 2011
• The Historic Environment:  7-8 October 2011
• Conservation Ethics and Philosophy:  4-5 November 2011
• Legislative Background:  2-3 December 2011
• Specifications and Conservation Plans:  13-14 January 2012
• Understanding British Buildings:  3-4 February 2012
• Module 1 assignment deadline:  16 March 2012

 

Practical Workshops 2012

• The use of lime in historic buildings:  30-31 March 2012 
• The conservation and repair of stone:  13-14 April 2012
• Ferrous and non-ferrous metals in conservation  27-28 April 2012
• The conservation of twentieth century buildings  18-19 May 2012
• Ceramic building materials  1-2 June 2012
• The conservation of structural and non-structural timber  15-16 June 2012
• Recording historic buildings  29-30 June 2012
• Large object conservation or Conservation of historic interiors  13-14 July 2012
• Introduction to traditional estate management  27-28 July 2012
• The use of lime in historic buildings  21-22 September 2012

 

Module 2: Management and Project Design

• Induction:  18 October 2012
• Defects and remedial measures:  19-20 October 2012
• Sustainability and adaptation:  16-17 November 2012 
• Financing Conservation:  7-8 December 2012
• Project and disaster management: 25-26 January 2013 
• Deliver Dissertation proposal:  25 January 2013
• Heritage Management:  22-23 February 2013
• Module 2 assignment deadline: 5 April 2013 

 

Practical Workshops 2013

• The use of lime in historic buildings:  5-6 April 2013
• The conservation and repair of stone:  19-20 April 2012 
• Ferrous and non-ferrous metals in conservation:  3-4 May 2013
• The conservation of twentieth century buildings:  17-18 May 2013
• Ceramic building materials:  31 May-1 June 2013
• The conservation of structural and non-structural timber:  14-15 June 2013
• Recording historic buildings:  28-29 June 2013
• Large object conservation or Conservation of historic interiors:  5-6 July 2013
• Introduction to traditional estate management:  19-20 July 2013
• The use of lime in historic buildings:  13-14 September 2013
• Practical workshop assignments to be delivered 6 weeks after workshop
• Dissertation Deadline:  30 August 2013