Introducing MSc Conservation of Historic Buildings — University of Bath

Dr Jonathan Foyle, lecturer in Building Conservation and Architectural History explains what the MSc Conservation of Historic Buildings involves and why Bath is such a great place to study it

What does the conservation of historic buildings involve?

Conservation is often taken to be the act of keeping things as they are. But the one constant in human existence is change. Our drive for a more comfortable life saw houses everywhere develop to offer more:

• privacy
• serviced environments
• updated fashions.

Meanwhile, industries and economies have risen and fallen, bringing new building types and redundancy in turn. Now, changes in religious belief are threatening our oldest buildings.

So, while it is inevitable, change can be both beneficial and harmful, depending on whether it is thoughtful or chaotic. Conservation is about thoughtful change, arming ourselves with the understanding to make smart decisions to both preserve and improve our historic buildings.

In a world where consumerism and development are capable of enormous destruction, it seems a radical act to look after what we've inherited. Conservation not only means addressing climate change and protecting limited resources, but it 'preserves the archetype' of the physical record of the human habitat, which makes the richly layered history of our cities, towns and rural areas across the globe so valuable and interesting.

How does the course help prepare students for the working world?

While we deliver a broad syllabus from cultural history, through to engineering, project management, materials and more, we encourage students to develop their own interests. This can be shaped through choices of written work, and a distinctive approach in the multidisciplinary project where a full skillset is critiqued by conservation specialists.

Through the Autumn semester, external specialists teach sessions and share their work experience. In December, I explain recent case studies in conservation, and we discuss through tutorials how students might shape their approach to employment with the fully engaged careers team at the University of Bath.

Tell us what makes this course unique.

The city of Bath is a World Heritage Site, a wonderful classroom for the historic environment with buildings spanning 2,000 years. We teach architecture through walking tours early in the first term and encourage observation, discussion and exploration. The course offers a visit to stone mines, churches, and towns in the broader area. Students will find Bristol within easy reach, and London just 80 minutes away by train.

That exceptional richness of access is complemented by a diverse curriculum in a university that combines engineering and architecture - a duality crucial to the care of historic buildings. The practical issues of structural performance and the intellectual problems of significance informing design proposals are equally weighted.

Though Bath is a STEM university and strong on science, my own training is in art history and archaeology, and other tutors include historians and architects. We pride ourselves in a rounded approach.

Where can the course lead?

Many graduates join UK organisations like The National Trust, English Heritage or local authorities. Among other possibilities, they may:

• become curators
• train as surveyors
• build a career as conservation officers.

One alumnus is now leading Bath: World Heritage City on an international platform.

Some international students feel that their home country could benefit from a shift in legislation or approach and their research and written work develops a pathway into government roles.

Others enjoy working with particular types of buildings, perhaps as a church buildings officer with responsibilities to offer advice and support to a whole county of churches. Around half of architects' projects are alterations to existing buildings, and many architectural practices and interior design offices need heritage consultants for this, a great way to build the skills needed for a freelance career.

While academic careers beckon for some, others come from a craft or construction background and want to enrich their understanding and skills. Occasionally a mature student approaching retirement age finds this a chance to become immersed in a discipline they’ve wanted to be involved with but have felt unable to join.

What types of students would suit this course?

The course takes students from a variety of backgrounds such as (but not limited to):

• architecture
• engineering
• history
• law
• philosophy.

The course content is relevant to students from anywhere in the world: it is always a diverse group and that feeds into the syllabus from the very first session when we discuss the buildings that inspired each to pursue heritage conservation. The best students are curious, creative and bring the strengths of their existing training to the fore.

What advice do you have for anyone considering studying the course?

Just ask if you have any questions - as the admissions tutor for the course I'm always happy to be contacted. Consider whether a year in Bath is right for you, ask where you'd like to be in a few years' time, and how you'd like this course to magnify your talents for building conservation.

Find out more

• Explore the MSc Conservation of Historic Buildings at the University of Bath.
• Take a look at the role of a historic buildings inspector/conservation officer.