MSc Historic Building Conservation  MSc Historic Building Conservation University of Portsmouth ../webroot/files/Institutions/cover_photo/1567487692University-of-Portsmouth-1.jpg

This course is part of a broad programme of heritage and maritime post-graduate courses based in the award-winning Grade II* Boathouse No 6 built in 1843 and located in the world-famous Georgian and nineteenth-century area of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Teaching takes place both there and in the University's Portland Building completed in 1997 and itself the winner of a Civic Trust award. In addition to the Dockyard with its historic buildings, museums and ships, Portsmouth is well endowed with many important buildings, structures and sites. These include: ? the whole historic harbour area ? Romano-Medieval Portchester Castle ? nineteenth century sea and land forts on the approaches to Portsmouth ? Henry VIII's Southsea Castle ? De Gomme's city fortifications ? plus many other eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings Course Content: Stage 1 Heritage Theory and Practice The students will share this unit with the students of MSc Heritage and Museum Studies. The unit aims to promote awareness of debates and issues in heritage and conservation philosophy and relate them to practical applications in conservation and ?heritage industry?. The topics covered will include a number of standpoints ranging from architecture, textile products, to preserved features of the industrial landscape. Conservation Law and Practice One of the aims of this unit is to develop an understanding of the origins, purpose and evolution of law and policies relating to historic buildings and structures. The syllabus outline covers topics like planning regulations related to historic buildings, current financial and taxation provisions and a number of further legal issues like grants, listing criteria, scheduled monument consents and other relevant legislation. Conservation Analysis and Design This unit aims to develop skills in reading monuments (buildings, structures, sites and landscapes) and the formulation of conservation policies in the conservation philosophy and design context. The syllabus outline deals with issues like history of conservation, past approaches, the origins of state care of buildings, architectural theory and design philosophy and concepts like beautification, imitation, innovation, adoptation, sustainment, legibility and architectural unity. History of the Built Environment The unit is designed to develop a critical awareness of the origins and development of the historic built environment including archaeological and historical settlements, historic buildings and interiors, historic gardens and landscapes and works of industrial archaeology. The concept is based on a synthesis of European and non-European topics including the architecture of ancient empires, the classical periods in Europe and England, Islamic architecture, Baroque and Rococo, Victorian diversity and Revivals, Industrial Revolution and contemporary issues. Stage 2 Fieldwork The Fieldwork helps to students to apply theories and concepts in the field and plan and implement a field project from data collection through to delivery of a written report or a conservation design. It includes site evaluation in various settings. Conservation Structure, Fabric and Materials This unit is supported by work based learning visits like to Salisbury Cathedral Workshops, Southwick Fort and King John?s House in Romsey. The syllabus outline covers stone and masonry structures, timber and timber structures, brick and lime, cob and earth structures, roofing materials, joinery, metal-work, glass, plaster and rendering, terracotta and patented materials, modern materials in the context of building defects and repairs Professional and Craft Skills On successful completion of this unit the students should be able, at threshold level to demonstrate an awareness of and critically discuss the roles and responsibilities of personal and all other practitioners within the building conservation sector, and necessary inter-relationships. Conservation Plans, Building Contracts and Specification