COURSE CURRICULUM

The Urban Conservation MA provides a structured exploration of the historical, architectural, and practical aspects of conserving urban environments. In the first semester, students engage with modules such as The City in History, which examines the development of cities over time, exploring the social, cultural, and economic factors that have shaped urban landscapes. The How Buildings Work: Architectural History and Structural Engineering module combines architectural study with technical insight, helping students understand building design, construction, and the structural principles that underpin historical and modern structures. This foundation equips students with the knowledge necessary to assess and interpret urban environments critically. In the second semester, the focus shifts to applied conservation with modules like Conservation, Heritage and the Urban Environment, which examines strategies for preserving historical sites while balancing contemporary urban needs, and Conservation in Practice, which emphasizes hands-on projects and case studies to develop practical skills in heritage management. Throughout the course, students learn to navigate regulatory frameworks, evaluate conservation challenges, and implement effective solutions in real-world contexts. By combining theoretical knowledge with applied practice, the program prepares graduates for careers in heritage organisations, local government, urban planning, and related sectors, while also providing a strong basis for further research in urban conservation and heritage studies.