Historic Building Conservation FdSc
Why choose this course?
This foundation degree programme will equip you with the knowledge and skills required to develop your career in historic building conservation. There are a great many historic buildings: awareness of the need to ensure ongoing and productive use of these structures is becoming more and more evident. This includes protecting buildings because of historic interest or importance and because existing buildings contain vast amounts of embodied carbon: their preservation can form part of the solution for tackling global warming.
When the FdSc programme is passed successfully, you will be able to apply for direct entry onto the BSc (Hons) top-up. This one-year final undergraduate level of study provides professional underpinning and opportunity. Upon completion, you can seek employment to support you in undertaking your Assessment of Professional Competence. This leads to chartered membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
The combination of these programmes also supports you in preparing to start the practice period required to become a member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
| Attendance | UCAS code/apply | Year of entry |
|---|---|---|
| 2 years full time | K250 | 2025 |
Please note: Teaching on this course may take place on more than one KU campus.
| Main Location | Kingston School of Art, Knights Park |
Reasons to choose Kingston
- Supported by the National Heritage Training Group (NHTG), which includes English Heritage, the National Trust, Historic Royal Palaces and CITB- Construction Skills, this course is taught by industry experts with access to current conservation projects.
- Upon completion, you can seek employment to support you in undertaking your Assessment of Professional Competence. This leads to chartered membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
- This course also supports you in preparing to start the practice period required to become a member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
The Art School Experience
As part of Kingston School of Art, students on this course benefit from joining a creative community where collaborative working and critical practice are encouraged.
Our workshops and studios are open to all disciplines, enabling students and staff to work together, share ideas and explore multi-disciplinary making.
Accreditation
Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC)
Years 1 and 2 combine to form a foundation degree. This is recognised by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), provided that Year 3 is also completed, or that the student has an existing undergraduate qualification.
Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS)
Years 1, 2 and 3 are accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
What you will study
You will study the history of architecture to develop an understanding of the context in which different architectural styles have developed over the centuries. You will be introduced to various recording techniques for describing historic buildings, including digital, hand drawn and photographic. Understanding the material content of the existing built environment is a key part of the course, as is developing knowledge of the causes of decay of material, and identification of suitable materials for replacement.
You will gain an understanding of the legislation which protects buildings, both in the UK and further afield, and the various international charters which further enhance protection and understanding of global heritage.
Roles and responsibilities of the different types of personnel, together with an introduction to the various types of organisations which operate of in the sector are covered, and alongside this the course considers various contractual frameworks and relationships which are used to organised and progress work on site.
Year 1: FdSc
Year 2: FdSc
BSc (Hons) top-up (1 year)
Core modules
Context of Conservation and the Built Environment
30 credits
The module introduces you to the history and development of the conservation movement within the built environment and considers the various bodies, both national and international, which promote historic building conservation.
Development of Skills for the Historic Environment
30 credits
This module considers the history of architecture and the influences, national and international, which have shaped architecture over time. You will also be introduced to a range of hand drawn and digital media providing opportunities for the acquisition of skills under guidance, in order develop confidence and acquire proficiency in their use. An overseas field trip is also a significant element of this particular module.
Conservation Legislation and Regulation
30 credits
The module will consider how the conservation and construction industry is controlled and regulated and how such controls and regulations are implemented. The module will introduce you to health and safety legislation insofar as it impacts on conservation projects undertaken in the built environment. You will also be introduced to the planning process, building regulations and building control procedures.
Application of Skills in Conservation
30 credits
This module is intended to begin helping you to develop your skills for use in the field on the foundation degree in historic building conservation. An introduction to the use of survey equipment and undertaking of measured surveys are important elements of this module. You will also be encouraged to develop the range of skills introduced in the other modules in the first year of the programme, in particular, but not restricted to, your drawing and sketching abilities.
Core modules
Applied Conservation Measurement and Analysis
30 credits
This module provides you with an understanding of how measurement and analysis can be applied to practical conservation work. The module covers the study of the different survey techniques applicable to traditional buildings and places this knowledge in the context of the decay processes. Knowledge gained in the study of survey techniques and decay processes will be applied to the planning and implementation of conservation projects. The module is taught through lectures, seminars, workshop discussions and visits and is assessed through coursework.
Management of Conservation Projects
30 credits
This module covers the range of skills associated with methods of management on conservation projects in the built environment. The module will consider how projects are procured in the conservation industry and how these various procurement methods work in practice. Project management techniques, including the use of project management packages will be covered, as will the practicalities of resourcing a project in historic building conservation.
Traditional Building Construction and Repair
30 credits
This module provides you with an understanding of traditional building construction and appropriate repair techniques. The module covers the study of the different building techniques and materials used in the construction of buildings. It provides you with a practical understanding of the various craft techniques and the use of traditional materials. You will also study areas of construction that will be vulnerable to decay in order that you can advise on appropriate repairs. The module covers inspection of historic buildings, appraisal and identification of decay.
Elective Project
30 credits
This module provides you with the opportunity to design and execute a small scale research project under supervision. You will study in-depth a relevant topic which you find particularly stimulating and which will be used as the basis to develop further and practice your research skills. A series of lectures on research methods will be followed by one-to-one tutorial sessions during which you will be offered support and guidance in developing your particular area of research.
Importantly, the Elective Project is an opportunity for you to draw together your learning from the other modules on the programme and to demonstrate this learning by way of a part practical, part desk-based research project.
Core modules
The Existing Built Environment
30 credits
This module provides you with a critical understanding of heritage in the built environment. You will study the legislative and regulatory protection of heritage assets and explore the current debates surrounding such buildings including the potential and actual conflicts between competing interests. You will deepen their understanding of historic building materials in order that you can advise on appropriate conservation and repair, together with options for adaptation to new uses. The module is taught through lectures, seminars, workshop discussions and visits to heritage buildings and is assessed through case studies and coursework.
Advanced Skills for the Building Conservation Surveyor
30 credits
This module allows you to develop your practical skills in order to critically inform and enable practical conservation work. The module builds on the prior learning of the programme and provides the opportunity for the advanced practical application of historic building conservation surveying knowledge and skills in relation to the consideration and examination of a specific project. The module is delivered by keynote lectures and workshops which may be site-based and a short residential study trip. Assessment is by portfolio and individual reflective essay.
Adaptive Building Design and Application
30 credits
This module provides the opportunity for you to consider and find solutions for the beneficial use or adaptive re-use of an element or elements of the historic built environment devised as a typical practice-based scenario. You will evaluate options, develop detailed proposals, investigate possible funding streams and propose strategies for working with existing and new fabric. The module is delivered by keynote lectures workshops and studio sessions. Assessment is by completion of a major project.
Research Project
30 credits
The Research Project provides an opportunity for you in your final year of study of the Historic Building Conservation undergraduate programme to initiate, design and execute a small scale research project under supervision. You will have the opportunity to study in-depth a relevant topic which you find particularly stimulating and to further develop and practice your research skills which you have acquired at earlier levels of their programme of study.
In undertaking the work you will demonstrate knowledge and competence in reviewing literature and in using one or more of a range of research methods to collect and analyse data and draw well-founded conclusions. To support you, seminars on research methods and individual one-to-one tutorials, ensure that you are supported in the process. Assessment is by submission of an initial research proposal and the completed project. Students who are studying part time may undertake a project that relates to their workplace if deemed appropriate. The project will provide an opportunity for you to synthesise your learning, offering the opportunity to demonstrate key skills and expertise relevant to your future employability.
Future Skills
Knowledge to give you the edge
Embedded within every course curriculum and throughout the whole Kingston experience, Future Skills will play a role in shaping you to become a future-proof graduate, providing you with the skills most valued by employers such as problem-solving, digital competency, and adaptability.
As you progress through your degree, you'll learn to navigate, explore and apply these graduate skills, learning to demonstrate and articulate to employers how future skills give you the edge.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it.
Entry requirements
Teaching and assessment
Scheduled learning and teaching on this course includes timetabled activities including lectures, seminars and small group tutorials.
It may also include critiques, project work, studio practice and performance, digital labs, workshops, and placements.
Who teaches this course?
The course team has over 10 years' experience teaching specialist building conservation at both at UG and PG level.
Facilities
The course is taught at Kingston School of Art, one of the leading art and design institutions in Europe.
Our teaching is guided by two principles: that our students learn by the process of making; and that students are critical practitioners who contribute to the development of the subject areas.
Many of the staff in Kingston School of Art are current practitioners and have extensive experience and professional links, helping you to develop your skills, networks and gain access to industry contacts.
Fees and funding
What our graduates say
From castles and palaces to barns, lighthouses and industrial buildings, I have always been fascinated by our built heritage. Studying a BSc Historic Building Conservation was the only course for me. I loved the combination of academic and practical study. The course ethos encouraged students to visit live construction sites, have a go at lime mortar plastering (which I was terrible at), and to learn the academics of the history of architecture, conservation philosophy and the legal side of managing a construction project.
Starting out in any new career is a daunting prospect. The course gave me the best start in forging a career in the building conservation industry, both academically and professionally. While learning the practical and philosophical approach to managing a building conservation project, I visited incredible construction sites, exposing me to a whole host of possible career options and contacts within the industry.
Since finishing the course I have been incredibly fortunate to work and manage construction projects in some of the most prestigious historic estates in London, including Buckingham Palace, Kensington Palace, St James' Palace, Hampton Court Palace and The Palace of Westminster. I am a member of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS) and a Registered Project Manager (Building Conservation) with the Chartered Institute of Building. I also sit on the RICS Building Conservation Forum and have published articles in the RICS Built Environment Journal.
In 2019, I decided to switch my career direction slightly from managing the 'pre-construction' phases of a conservation project to physically managing the construction process on site. I am currently working for Sir Robert McAlpine – Special Projects, managing the conservation repair packages at Elizabeth Tower (also known as Big Ben). I thoroughly enjoy my new role managing a team of conservation stone masons, carpenters, plasters and gilders, seeing first-hand the incredible work they do. I feel privileged to be part of Elizabeth Tower's next chapter, ensuring it can be enjoyed by future generations."
Kat Cary, graduate managing conservation repair
Completing the FdSc and subsequent BSc in Historic Building Conservation provided me with a great introduction to industry. The course offers a unique blend of first-hand sector knowledge delivered by established and renowned heritage professionals, provided within the setting of a personal and tailored educational programme.
The course places you at the centre of current and relevant conservation issues and topics. You will acquire not only a great vocational education but also exposure to great networking opportunities. This puts you in a fantastic position for post-study career development.
I found the BSc top up year was key to achieving my RICS chartership. On reflection, this year of study provided me with a much-needed broader understanding of the construction process, building regulations and legislation that is fundamental to operating as a competent heritage professional.
The course leaders were able to provide me with an exceptional level of support throughout my time at Kingston.
Since graduating I have held a variety of roles, for organisations including the National Trust, Reform Club and most recently leading a major programme of works at the Houses of Parliament. All my roles in industry have been as a direct result of my time studying at the Building Crafts College and Kingston University and of completing both elements of the historic building conservation programme – the FdSc and the BSc (Hons) top-up.
Matthew Appleton FdSC HBC, BSc HBC, MCIRS: Lead Designer & Senior Building Surveyor, Pick Everard
I chose to undertake the Historic Building Conservation course to further my theoretical conservation knowledge and bolster and supplement my practical conservation experience which I was gaining during my day-to-day working role.
The thought of entering education again after a 10-year gap was daunting but the tools gained through studying the various subjects for the degree, such as computer aided design, researching and presenting have assisted me greatly in terms of my personal development.
My expectation for the course was to be able to distinguish various approaches to conservation, its ethics and how to implement a project from the ground up. The course provides the information and tools to be able to navigate the necessary steps to produce relevant documentation such as legal, design and specification.
The course has impacted my business by allowing me to understand all elements of a conservation project, enabling me to approach work in a more confident and professional manner.
George Holloway
After you graduate
You'll graduate with the knowledge and skills needed to work in historic building conservation for a specialist contractor or consultancy, a local authority or building trust, or a major national heritage organisation, such as English Heritage or Historic England.
Graduates have gone on to work at prestigious venues such as the British Museum in London and the Elizabeth Tower, also known as Big Ben.
Several graduates have chosen to progress to the MSc Historic Building Conservation, a specialist interdisciplinary postgraduate course in the Department of Architecture and Landscape.
The FdSc and BSc (Hons) top-up are recognised by the IHBC. You will also be able to start the practice period with a view to becoming a full member of the Institute. Following completion of the BSc (Hons) top-up, you will be eligible to seek employment which would support you in undertaking your Assessment of Professional Competence, leading to Chartered membership of the RICS.
Key information set
The scrolling banner(s) below display some key factual data about this course (including different course combinations or delivery modes of this course where relevant).
Course changes and regulations
The information on this page reflects the currently intended course structure and module details. To improve your student experience and the quality of your degree, we may review and change the material information of this course. Course changes explained.
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
