Historic Building Conservation FdSc
Subject and course type
- Architecture and Interior Design
- Foundation
- Undergraduate
Get the knowledge, skills and professional grounding you need for a successful career in historic building conservation with this Foundation Degree programme.
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Become an expert in the history and future of buildings
Kickstart your career in historic building conservation
Deepen your understanding of historic buildings, their architecture and how to preserve them through a range of expert teaching, hands-on learning and independent research.
From industrial buildings to castles and palaces, prepare to cut your teeth in the practical and philosophical aspects of building conservation. You’ll graduate with the opportunities, contacts and practical knowledge you’ll need to flourish in this fascinating industry.
This course is supported by the National Heritage Training Group (NHTG), which includes English Heritage, the National Trust, Historic Royal Palaces and CITB- Construction Skills. This means you’ll be taught by industry experts with access to current conservation projects.
When you complete the two years successfully, you’ll be able to apply directly for the BSc (Hons) top-up. From there, you’ll be eligible to find employment, which will support you in taking your Assessment of Professional Competence. This path can lead to chartered membership of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors.
Combining these programmes is the perfect way to start the practice period required to become a member of the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.
The course places you at the centre of current 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.
Why choose this course
Prepare to develop a comprehensive historical knowledge of architecture, current conservation topics, construction management and technical materials.
This course delivers unique, sector expertise through academic and practical teaching, with all elements tailored to you and taught by renowned heritage professionals.
You’ll learn the vital skills needed to protect and preserve society’s most valuable structures – from those of historic importance to those that are potentially harmful to our environment.
Years 1 and 2 of this course combine to form a foundation degree. If you complete Year 3 as well (or have an existing undergraduate qualification), the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) accredits the full course.
All three years of the course are also accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
When you graduate, you’ll have the knowledge you need to work in historic building conservation for a specialist contractor, consultancy, local authority or building trust. You might even start a career with a major national heritage organisation, such as English Heritage or Historic England.
As part of the Kingston School of Art, you’ll study in world-class workshops and studios and be part of a creative, collaborative community.
Accreditation
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.
Years 1, 2 and 3 are accredited by the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS).
The Art School Experience
As part of Kingston School of Art, students on this course benefit from joining a creative community where we encourage collaborative working and critical practice.
Our workshops and studios are open to all disciplines, enabling students and staff to work together, share ideas and explore multi-disciplinary making.
Course content
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
Core modules
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.
30.00 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.
30.00 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.
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.
Year 2: FdSc
Core modules
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.
30.00 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.
30.00 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.
30.00 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.
BSc (Hons) top-up (1 year)
Core modules
30.00 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.
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.
30.00 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.
30.00 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.
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. I loved the combination of academic and practical study.
Future Skills and careers opportunities
Join the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors
This course equips you with the professional skills to take your Assessment of Professional Competence and get chartered membership with the Royal Institute of Chartered Surveyors.
Boost your employability
Every course at Kingston University teaches a range of Future Skills. From problem-solving and adaptability to digital competency, these are the attributes you’ll need to get the edge in the job market and a head start on your career.
After you graduate
Our recent graduates have worked at prestigious venues including the British Museum 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.
At Kingston University, we're not just keeping up with change, we're creating it
For more information on how Kingston prepares you for the future job market, visit our Future Skills page.
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.
Outside the scheduled learning and teaching hours, you will learn independently through self-study which will involve reading articles and books, working on projects, undertaking research, preparing for and completing your work for assessments. Some independent study work may need to be completed on-campus, as you may need to access campus-based facilities such as studios and labs.
Our academic support team here at Kingston University provides help in a range of areas.
When you arrive, we'll introduce you to your personal tutor. This is the member of academic staff who will provide academic guidance, be a support throughout your time at Kingston and show you how to make the best use of all the help and resources that we offer at Kingston University.
A course is made up of modules, and each module is worth a number of credits. You must pass a given number of credits in order to achieve the award you registered on, for example 360 credits for a typical undergraduate course or 180 credits for a typical postgraduate course. The number of credits you need for your award is detailed in the programme specification which you can access from the link at the bottom of this page.
One credit equates to 10 hours of study. Therefore 120 credits across a year (typical for an undergraduate course) would equate to 1,200 notional hours. These hours are split into scheduled and guided. On this course, the percentage of that time that will be scheduled learning and teaching activities is shown below for each year of study. The remainder is made up of guided independent study.
- Year 1: 38% scheduled learning and teaching
- Year 2: 27% scheduled learning and teaching
The exact balance between scheduled learning and teaching and guided independent study will be informed by the modules you take.
Your course will primarily be delivered in person. It may include delivery of some activities online, either in real time or recorded.
Types of assessment
- Year 1: Coursework 100%
- Year 2: Coursework 100%
Please note: the above breakdowns are a guide calculated on core modules only. If your course includes optional modules, this breakdown may change to reflect the modules chosen.
We aim to provide feedback on assessments within 20 working days.
Fees and funding
| Fee category | Fee |
|---|---|
| Home (UK students) | |
| £8,300* | |
| Top-up | £9,535 |
| International | |
| Year 1 (2025/26): | £17,700 |
| Year 2 (2026/27): | £18,500 |
| Top-up | £18,500 |
The tuition fee you pay depends on whether you are assessed as a 'Home' (UK), 'Islands' or 'International' student. In 2025/26 the fees for this course are above.
Please visit the Fees and Funding page for more information.
* This fee applies to students studying for the BSc (Hons) or BA (Hons) top-up in the 2025/26 academic year.
For full time programmes of a duration of more than one academic year, the published fee is an annual fee, payable each year, for the duration of the programme. Your annual tuition fees cover your first attempt at all of the modules necessary to complete that academic year. A re-study of any modules will incur additional charges calculated by the number of credits. Home tuition fees may be subject to annual increases but will not increase by more than the fee caps as prescribed by the Office for Students or such other replacing body. Full time taught International fees are subject to an annual increase and are published in advance for the full duration of the programme.
Eligible UK students can apply to the Government for a tuition loan, which is paid direct to the University. This has a low interest-rate which is charged from the time the first part of the loan is paid to the University until you have repaid it.
Additional course costs
Some courses may require additional costs beyond tuition fees. When planning your studies, you’ll want to consider tuition fees, living costs, and any extra costs that might relate to your area of study.
Your tuition fees include costs for teaching, assessment and university facilities. So your access to libraries, shared IT resources and various student support services are all covered. Accommodation and general living expenses are not covered by these fees.
Where applicable, additional expenses for your course may include:
Our libraries have an extensive collection of books and journals, as well as open-access computers and laptops available to rent. However, you may want to buy your own computer or personal copies of key textbooks. Textbooks may range from £50 to £250 per year. And a personal computer can range from £100 to £3,000 depending on your course requirements.
While most coursework is submitted online, some modules may require printed copies. You may want to allocate up to £100 per year for hard-copies of your coursework. It’s worth noting that 3D printing is never compulsory. So if you choose to use our 3D printers, you’ll need to pay for the material. This ranges from 3p per gram to 40p per gram.
Kingston University will pay for all compulsory field trips. Fees for optional trips can range from £30 to £350 per trip.
Your tuition fees don’t cover travel costs. To save on travel costs, you can use our free intersite bus service. This route links the campuses and halls of residence with local train stations - Surbiton, Kingston upon Thames, and Norbiton.
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. Find out more about course changes
Programme Specifications for the course are published ahead of each academic year.
Regulations governing this course can be found on our website.
