Once you have successfully completed Part 1 you have two options:

• Complete Part 2 with CEM and be awarded the RICS Postgraduate Diploma in Conservation of the Historic Environment. This will entitle you to use the designatory letters PGDipCHE.

• Complete Parts 2 and 3 by transferring to the University of Reading to be awarded the MSc in Conservation of the Historic Environment. You will be entitled to use the designatory letters MScCHE, or simply MSc. If you should decide, after starting Part 2 (on the MSc route) that you do not wish to proceed to Part 3, then you will be awarded a University of Reading Postgraduate Diploma, after successful completion of Part 2 and will be able to use the designatory letters PGDipCHE. It should be noted that, while you would be transferring to the University of Reading, you would still be a student of CEM and all of the course administration and support will be provided by CEM.

If you wish to proceed to the MSc you must register with the University of Reading at the end of Part 1.

You may have the option to undertake a research-based third year to attain the University of Reading MSc in Conservation of the Historic Environment. If you are eligible, you will be invited to register for this at the end of Part 1.

The MSc in Conservation of the Historic Environment is accredited by RICS. Once you have completed the course you will be eligible to apply for the RICS Assessment of Competence (APC), which leads to Membership. If you have studied a related degree (property or construction) prior to commencing the course, you may be able to apply for the APC before completing the MSc. If this is relevant to you, please ask us for details or make enquiries with RICS. The MSc is also fully recognised by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation.

You should have an appropriate professional or other suitable qualification, or be suitably experienced to the satisfaction of the Course Director. Alternatively, if you have a non-cognate background you will need to demonstrate intellectual ability and enthusiasm for the subject. The suitability of each candidate’s qualifications and experience is at the discretion of the Course Director. If you are uncertain of your suitability contact the Course Director at the College.

The teaching and exams for the course are held only in the UK, which will impose additional time, travelling and accommodation costs. However, potential overseas applicants are invited to consult the Course Director to discuss their application.

Part 1 – Foundation and Fundamentals

research and recording of historic buildings and sites, including history and development of building conservation; theories and principles; charters and guidelines; current attitudes and policies; conservation bodies and agencies; conservation in practice, including historical survey; research techniques; communication methods.

architectural styles and influences; building methods and techniques; estates and landscaping; building elements and materials; interior design.

development of legislation and controls; current legal provisions, controls and policies; public inquiries, expert witness, scheduled monument legislation; health and safety.

financial viability and evaluation; feasibility studies; valuation purpose and methods; funding and grant aid; financial performance and asset management of historic buildings; commercialism.

Part 2 – Conservation in Practice

Module options (choose four)

condition surveys and appraisals; defect and structural analysis; agencies of deterioration and decay; interpretation and monitoring; health and safety; cleaning buildings.

brickwork; timber framing; masonry; lime mortars and renders; paint and finishes; roof coverings; ironwork and metals; man-made materials; concrete.

alternative uses of historic buildings; change of use – the inflexible building; design in historic contexts; redundant churches; adaptations of historic buildings; problems of the renewal of services in historic buildings; fire and historic buildings.

funding methods; financial management; project documentation; specifications; CDM regulations; quality control and management.

managing historic buildings; commercial influence and pressures; maintenance management systems and organisation; legal liabilities and provisions; financial planning and budgeting; maintenance plans and logbooks.

historic buildings and sites open to the public; cultural tourism; marketing heritage; financial viability; damage and abuse; access and security provision.

Compulsory module

Part 3 – Research

Optional face-to-face sessions may be held in Reading during your course of study. These normally comprise two 2-day sessions, one in June and one in January each year for Parts 1 and 2. There are two separate one-day visits in Part 3. Overnight accommodation is not included as part of these optional sessions. During the year we also arrange a programme of visits to buildings and places of interest in the UK. These visits are also optional but students find them very useful as they reinforce key aspects of the course. Other media formats may also be offered as an addition/alternative to face-to-face sessions.

Assessment consists of assignments and an examination at Part 1; assignments, an examination and a project at Part 2; and assignments and a dissertation at Part 3 (MSc only).

Assignments

You will complete and submit assignments for assessment according to the timetable of the course as follows:

• Five in Part 1

• Four plus a project in Part 2

• Two plus a dissertation in Part 3 for MSc

Exams

Exams are normally held in March and comprise:

• One examination day ending with a 3-hour written paper in Part 1, based on a live project or site visit

• One examination day ending with a 3½-hour written paper in Part 2, based on a live project or site visit

Dissertation

Part 3 of the MSc programme includes a dissertation of 12,000–15,000 words. This will take the form of an in-depth investigation to test a hypothesis within a contextual framework, and will focus on a practical aspect of a course-related subject.

Please click here to apply.