Sustainable Building Conservation (MSc)

How will I be taught?

The taught material is largely delivered by a range of specially selected -guest speakers, all prestigious within their particular field. The speaker’s presentation is followed by lively debate and discussion with the group, taking the form of a seminar to give the opportunity to learn from a range of perspectives. We undertake many site visits during the course of the programme, seeing live projects and engaging with practitioners, clients and statutory authorities.

Resources and Facilities

The Welsh School of Architecture has a strong reputation in sustainable design research which forms a point of reference in the programme. The School possesses its own laser scanner and students are all introduced to methods of digital documentation including structure-from-motion and terrestrial laser scanning techniques. Software skills including principles of hygrothermal modelling and energy use modelling are also introduced. If they are interested, students may be supported in further study of monitoring techniques. We introduce students to archival research methods both at Cardiff University and in public archives.

How will I be assessed?

Each piece of work or report is assessed at an outline stage and at completion stage, with feedback given to guide future submissions. There are no class tests or exams during the programme, however, students are required to submit written and project work on time and also on occasion to be able to present their work orally to the group.

The course briefs are designed to enable students from differing backgrounds to pursue paths relevant to their chosen or existing career progression.

Each 20-credit module is assessed via a combination of written assignments (4,000 words approx. each) and presentations. The 40 credit ART 504 module on Case Studies and Regional Work is assessed through a 4000 word dossier and a final presentation and 4000-word report. The 60-credit dissertation is 20,000 words and students are strongly encouraged to pursue and develop their own distinctive interests through the choice of subject here.

How will I be supported?

All of our students are allocated a personal tutor when they enrol on the course. A personal tutor is there to support you during your studies, and can advise you on academic and personal matters that may be affecting you. You should have regular meetings with your personal tutor to ensure that you are fully supported.

You will have access to the Architecture Library, as well as to materials in the other Cardiff University Libraries.

We also support students through the University’s virtual learning environment, Learning Central, where you can ask questions in a forum or find course-related documents.

We encourage all of our postgraduate students to engage in personal development. At the start of the course we will introduce you to available opportunities for personal and professional development and again at major stages of the course.

Cardiff University also offers a wide range of support services which are open to our students, such as the Graduate Centre, counselling and wellbeing, financial and careers advisors, the international office and the Student Union.

We offer written and oral feedback, depending on the coursework or assessment you have undertaken. You will usually receive your feedback from the module leader. If you have questions regarding your feedback, module leaders are usually happy to give advice and guidance on your progress.

Formative Feedback

Is provided for every submission in order to help you optimise the quality of your final work

Summative Feedback

Is provided for every module with both comments and grades.

What skills will I practise and develop?

On satisfactory completion of six modules you will:

• Be able to rapidly expand the scope and range of professional work you are able to undertake, thereby increasing your fee earning potential and broadening their economic sustainability in the marketplace.
• Be able to adopt an integrated conservation approach to climate change and the low carbon agenda. In this respect, graduates of the programme will have a unique qualification.
• Be eligible to enhance your prospects for Building Conservation accreditation as outlined in the section ‘Distinctive Features.’.

Have developed a practical knowledge and theoretical understanding of building conservation in legislative, technical and holistic terms that will enable you to address relevant projects with autonomy and effectiveness.

Intellectual Skills:

On satisfactory completion of six modules you will:

•           Be able to balance and articulate in practical and conceptual terms the circumstances of change and the values of the physical environment and to construct effective strategies to address such problems.

Professional Practical Skills:

As an IHBC accredited course it enables suitably qualified candidates to achieve full IHBC accreditation in 2 as opposed to 5 years. Completion of the course by RIBA and ARB registered Architects entitles them to become “Conservation Registrants” immediately. For ARB/RIBA registered architects, it reduces the number of years in practice required to be entitled “Specialist Conservation Architect” to 4 years (from 5) and 2 years (from 3) for “Conservation Architect”.

 The course validation for the IHBC accreditation is based on its alignment with International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) education criteria. As such, international students should be able to claim similar professional acknowledgement in their home countries.

Transferable/Key Skills:

Our students have gone on to be employed by the National Trust, the Planning Inspectorate, to be promoted within local authorities and to set up new divisions in their practices and businesses.

What are the learning outcomes of this course/programme?

Please refer to the module descriptions.

I was able to study the MSc in Sustainable Building Conservation after receiving a scholarship from Chevening and Cardiff University Partnership. The course is the perfect balance between practice and theory. Every lecture was with a different professional from diverse fields, enriching our debates and adding a multidisciplinary approach within the architectural and heritage world. The study trips and workshops contributed to my hands-on experience but also made me realise how Wales is astonishing and rich in terms of heritage, castles, and culture. Cardiff is a welcoming city with lovely people and food from every corner of the world.