University of York

University of York

Master of Arts in Conservation Studies

The Master of Arts in Conservation Studies in Biology is offered by University of York.

Program Length: 1 YEAR.

Master of Arts in Conservation Studies offered by the University of York

Creative approaches to heritage conservation for the 21st century.

Engage with heritage conservation in a broad interdisciplinary context and develop a unique mix of practice-based and theoretical learning for your professional work or further research in the conservation sector.

You'll learn essential disciplinary knowledge and advanced scholarship techniques with the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in sustainable building conservation practice. You will engage with practical and professional issues in a series of focused skills modules from an exciting range of related disciplines and develop your own experience in practice, whilst benefiting from the knowledge of our experienced practitioners.

A voluntary work placement in a conservation organisation in the York region will enhance and focus your practice-based experience and you will develop your research skills in an original, independently conducted research project.  

Established in 1972 and drawing on our wide range of department expertise, the MA Conservation Studies is particularly suitable if you are interested in a broader interdisciplinary approach to conservation such as cultural heritage management, digital heritage, landscapes, period-based or international conservation work.

Course content
You will study 180 credits over the duration of your course. These will be made up of three core modules, two option modules and three shorter 'skills' modules. You will then hone your research skills by producing a dissertation and presenting an assessed lecture on your dissertation topic. 

Modules
Core modules
Approaches to conservation (20 credits)
Issues in Cultural Heritage Conservation (20 credits)
Practical Building Conservation Skills (5 credits)

Option modules
You will study two further 20-credit modules and three 5-credit 'skills' modules from our full range of options. Examples may include:

Analysing Historic Buildings (20 credits)
Making the Nation (20 credits)
Community Activism in Heritage (5 credits)
Project Management Skills (5 credits)
Sustainable Building Conservation Skills (5 credits)

Dissertation
You will carry out a piece of original independent research, using appropriate disciplinary skills in an imaginative way. You'll be assessed with a 15,000 to 20,000-word dissertation and assessed lecture (80 credits) on your research.

During this process you will have regular meetings with their supervisor who will offer support, guidance and encouragement throughout.

Recent examples of dissertations have included:

Heritage at risk: a case study of the approach to Grade II assets and non-designated heritage assets in the North East
Standing on holy ground? What is the significance of the rural parish church for conservation professionals and parish communities and how can this inform the management of maintenance, repair and adaptation?
Heritage at risk: Victorian back to back houses in 21st century Leeds
"Designing A Future for The Past" - From an Architect's Point of View
Consideration on authenticity and integrity in the post natural disasters reconstruction, relating to traditional materials and building typology.
Interpreting the bungalow typology in the British Cantonment of Bangalore, India.
The early steelworks industry in Grenoside: A conservation plan approach.
Heritage of the community, and for the community: A case study in Bhutan.
Proteinaceous additives in lime mortar: a historical and analytical study
Managing the Industrial Ruin in a National Park A Critical Assessment of the Conservation Process
Histories of Conservation: A Case Study of Chaco Culture National Historical Park

Placements
You'll have the option of gaining experience in a student placement with a professional heritage organisation. Organisations offering placements range from conservation consultancies, national heritage bodies and charities, building and conservation trusts, to local planning authorities. This gives you the opportunity to put the knowledge and skills you have learned into practice and to further develop your conservation understanding and expertise.

Although optional, most students opt to take voluntary placements as they not only provide excellent experience, but are an invaluable addition to your CV.



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