Further details and how to apply: MSc in Architectural Conservation
In the face of the inexorable forces of cultural globalisation, architectural conservation is becoming increasingly important as a way of helping nurture local, regional, and national identity. The MSc programme is conceived as a broad introduction to the knowledge, values, skills, and experiences of architectural preservation – including the broad ethical and conceptual background as well as the technical and hands-on practical aspects.
Taught in the Scottish Centre for Conservation Studies (SCCS), a specialist teaching and research unit at the University of Edinburgh (Edinburgh College of Art), established in 1990, our MSc programme balances these theoretical and practical approaches in a range of projects strongly anchored in the ancient setting of the Edinburgh World Heritage Site, with its uniquely stimulating juxtaposition of monumental medieval and neo-classical ensembles, all set in the stunning natural landscape context of Scotland.
Who is the programme for?
The programme is directed towards students from a great diversity of professional and disciplinary backgrounds, including archaeology, art and design, engineering, geology, history, art history and surveying as well as architecture. Students also come from all age groups and career stages, ranging from those newly graduated with first degrees to those embarking on mid-career changes or breaks. Prior knowledge is not expected, but enthusiasm and commitment are!
Why Edinburgh?
The programme is also strongly international in character, with students stemming both from the UK and Europe, and from elsewhere across the world. For the latter, it offers a unique opportunity – complementary to conservation courses within their own countries – to combine postgraduate study with international travel to Europe, and to focus in depth on the conservation challenges of its historic cities and contemporary environments. Many former students of the programme now occupy senior positions across the UK and internationally, within this specialist area.
Despite its long-established status, this is not a programme that ever stands still, and the range of study options available has recently been substantially enhanced and expanded, including new course options, especially following the recent merger of ECA and University of Edinburgh.
