MA Architecture: Building and Heritage Conservation
Course overview
Accredited by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC), the MA Architecture: Building and Heritage Conservation at the University of Portsmouth encourages students to engage creatively, theoretically, and research-wise with historic buildings and sites, exploring conservation design on both conceptual and practical levels. These methods will help deepen students’ understanding of the heritage and conservation process, especially the tangible and intangible factors that encompass our historic, contemporary, cultural, and social values.
Through their explorations, students will investigate the importance of retaining heritage buildings and sites, the financial constraints and consequences of doing so, and the most effective management and restoration methods. They will work with the interior, architecture, and urban scales and their interconnections. They can also gain professional, legal, management, and administrative expertise. When they complete the MA Architecture: Historic Building and Conservation Master's course, students will have all the tools they need to pursue a career in the conservation of historic buildings and sites.
Entry requirements
To do this degree, applicants need to apply for the MA Architecture course. This is because it is a ‘pathway’ degree. Students will study Architecture in depth and choose modules required for the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) accreditation and graduate with an MA Architecture: Building Heritage and Conservation degree when they finish the course.
Equivalent professional experience and/or qualifications will be considered, such as previous study, employment, voluntary work, and training courses, including courses and qualifications applicants didn't complete.
Grade Requirements:
- Students should possess a minimum of a second-class honours degree in a relevant subject such as: Architecture, Interior Architecture, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Civil Engineering, Building, Surveying, Geography, Spatial Practice, History, Fine Art.
English Language Requirements:
- For applicants whose first language is not English, an overall IELTS score of 6.5 or above, with a minimum of 5.5 in each component, is required.
Scholarships
Chevening Scholarship
GREAT Scholarships
The scholarship programme offers financial support of a minimum of £10,000 to students pursuing one-year postgraduate study in the UK.
Up to £10,000
Career opportunities
Graduates of the MA Architecture: Building and Heritage Conservation from the University of Portsmouth can take future roles such as:
- Conservation Architect
- Heritage Consultant
- Restoration Specialist
- Heritage Officer
- Project Manager
Cost of study
The 2026 tuition fee for the MA Architecture: Building and Heritage Conservation in the University of Portsmouth is £19,200 per year for international students. Fees are subject to annual change.
Admission
To apply for the course, applicants can apply directly to the university through its online application portal. For personalised help with your application, please
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