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Foundation Degree in Historic Building Conservation

This new foundation degree is an industry-based, vocational
qualification designed for people who want to further their
career in the area of building conservation. Through an innovative
use of academic study and on-site application and work
experience you will have the opportunity to gain a valuable
'fast-track' in terms of career development. The UK's historic built
environment is rich and diverse, providing an important sense of
national identity,
contributing to our quality of life and benefiting the country's economy
and education. However, the skills essential to the upkeep of this
heritage are not as widespread as they once were. This course has
been designed in an attempt, partially at least, to address a specific
skills shortage in this area.                                                                                                     
Whilst the course is particularly suited to those already working in the
industry but who have as yet gained no formal qualifications, or wish to
supplement those they already have, we shall also be delighted to
receive applications from those not currently working for a specialist
building contractor.
Following completion of the two-year Foundation degree you will have
the chance to 'top-up' to a BSc(Hons) level degree in Historic Building
Conservation.
You will undertake academic modules at the Building Crafts College in
Stratford and work-based modules within a specialist building company.
The course has the support of the National Heritage Training Group,
members of which include English Heritage and the National Trust, the
Historic Royal Palaces and CITB-Construction Skills. CITB Grants to
support this training are available for qualifying companies.                                                                                                         

Programme of study

Course content 
LEVEL 1


Level 1 begins with modules covering
construction basics and a study of traditional
building techniques, together with an overview
of the development of the different styles of
building craft and styles in the UK and the
various classifications of architecture. There
will also be a significant AutoCAD element.
A study trip to Venice is also included.
Work-based learning modules will focus on
the controls and processes necessary for a
working site and you will also develop your
teamwork capabilities.
 
LEVEL 2

Level 2 will look at modern methods
associated with the repair and stabilization of
building fabric together with building
surveying techniques.You will also study
health and safety legislation. In addition, you
will have the opportunity to focus on a
particular topic in which you are interested by
way of a project-based module.
Work-based modules will build upon those
undertaken at Level 1. Students will also have
the opportunity to undertake site-based
activities at a number of historic conservation
projects including the White Tower Restoration
Programme (Historic Royal Palaces),
Woolwich Military Academy, Canterbury
Cathedral and Abbey Mills Pumping Station.
Your work in these modules will be assessed
by a personal portfolio showing
competences achieved.
 
OPTIONAL 'TOP-UP' TO BSc(HONS)
DEGREE

You can 'top-up' the foundation degree to a
BSc(Hons) Historic Building Conservation
degree via a final academic year (or two years
part-time). This includes the in-depth study of
bulding heritage, building design and historic
building materials. You will also have the
opportunity to undertake a work-based
project tailored to your specific background
and experience.

ASSESSMENT DETAILS

You will be assessed by a variety of methods
including in-course assignments (reports,
computer exercises, laboratory tests, essays)
and examinations. Your work-based
assignments will be assessed both by a
personal portfolio showing competence
achieved, as well as by direct observation of
your practical work.
 
TUITION FORMAT

You are taught through lectures, tutorials and
practical classes. Workshop-based classes are
major elements of our programme and we offer
a huge range of hi-tech, specialist engineering
equipment to help you apply theory to practice.
Individual and group projects will also encourage
the development of valuable research, teamwork
and project management skills.
Course attendance is for one full day per
week (9am - 8pm) for two years. This covers
the academic modules. In addition, students
will be required to record evidence from a
working environment to complete the work-
based modules.

ENTRY REQUIREMENTS /
ADMISSION PROCEDURE

The foundation degree combines academic
study with work-based learning. Many of the
students on the course will already be working
for companies specialising in historic building
conservation. Consequently, the entry
requirements are less formal than for our
honours programme. As a guide, however, we
would look for a minimum of 60 points from
one 6-unit award or equivalent. Successful entry
to the course will also be subject to interview.

WHAT AFTERWARDS?

Following successful completion of the
course you will be excellently placed to
continue your career within the specialist area
of historic building conservation.
Course structure
LEVEL 1

Academic modules
• Historic Buildings Bridging Module
• IT and Graphical Visualization
• History of British Craft and Architecture
• Conservation and the Construction Industry
• Health, Safety and Welfare
Work-based modules
• Assess Work Methods
• Supervise Site Resources
• Implement Health and Safety Systems

LEVEL 2

Academic modules
• Remedial Works
• Measurement and Analysis of Condition
• Management Skills
• Study of Traditional Techniques
• Elective Project
Work-based modules
• Site Control
• Working with People
• Monitor Team Performance

LEVEL 3 (Optional 'top-up' to BSc(Hons))

• Building Heritage
• Building Design
• Work-based Project
• Historic Building Materials
• Building Control
• Critical Practice Project
These are a sample of modules and should
not be regarded as full or definitive. 

Subject to Validation



Further information


 

Enquiries:

Steve Houchin
Course Liaison Coordinator
T: 020 8417 2150 
steve.houchin@kingston.ac.uk

 


Mr Len Conway
The Director
The Building Crafts College
T: 020 8522 1705
director@thebcc.ac.uk




















T: 020 8547 7053
E: admissions-info@kingston.ac.uk
www.kingston.ac.uk 

http://www.kingston.ac.uk/historicbuildingconservation/

http://www.kingston.ac.uk/historic/