KA6031 - Heritage And Conservation

What will I learn on this module?

You will learn about the principles of protecting, maintaining and conserving buildings of value and significance. You will develop an appreciation of the importance of heritage buildings as part of our cultural heritage and of the legislation that enacted to protect them. You will gain specialist knowledge that will enable you to work with heritage buildings, designing appropriate alterations, repairs and conservation work enhancing your employability. Topics covered include:

• Methods for surveying and recording heritage buildings.
• Philosophy of conservation including the use of appropriate materials and repair techniques in accordance with Historic England Principles of Repair.
• Adaptation and re-use of redundant heritage buildings.
• Heritage property management.
• Legislation, guidance and dealing with heritage at risk.

How will I learn on this module?

You will learn through a combination of lectures, seminars, site visits, workshops directed reading and independent reading. Lectures will cover the theoretical principles of the subject area, while seminars will allow you to develop your knowledge and ideas through small group exercises and discussion. As there is a rich variety of listed and other heritage buildings within short walking distance of the campus, you will have the opportunity to see and discuss significant buildings first-hand during seminars and site visits. Workshop sessions will enable you to build on your surveying skills from the previous level to explore the potential of specialist methods of measurement and recording such as laser scanning and digital 3D photogrammetry that link in to BIM (Building Information Modelling).

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, in effect acting as a framework for heritage and conservation. However, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. If you are in employment, your tutors that there is the need for modes of blended learning delivery, experiential assessment, and opportunities to combine work and study through independent study, embedded learning opportunities, and relevant communications technologies.

How will I be supported academically on this module?

Seminars will include small group exercises and discussions where tutors encourage interaction and support from your peers. Your tutor will provide formative feedback on exercises and discussion points that will help you to prepare for your assessed work. Further reading is a vital aspect of learning in this module and with a comprehensive online reading resource provided through the e-learning portal for the module. You may ask questions and enter into discussion with your peers outside formal teaching via the module online discussion board, or you may contact the tutor directly for support and guidance.

If you are in employment your workplace will be the main learning environment, however, tutor support will be available via drop-in sessions throughout the module study period. The eLP and email will be the primary means of communication once the initial briefings have taken place, with work-based visits made by tutors if appropriate.

What will I be expected to read on this module?

All modules at Northumbria include a range of reading materials that students are expected to engage with. Online reading lists (provided after enrolment) give you access to your reading material for your modules. The Library works in partnership with your module tutors to ensure you have access to the material that you need.

What will I be expected to achieve?

Knowledge & Understanding:
• MLO1: You will be able to demonstrate an understanding of the architectural and heritage significance of our built heritage.
• MLO2: You will be able to apply your knowledge of legislation, planning policy guidance and national heritage organisation guidance to provide appropriate advice to clients.

Intellectual / Professional skills & abilities:
• MLO3: You will be able to specify suitable materials and technologies for the repair and conservation of heritage buildings.
• MLO4: You will be able to employ the principles of conservation to the design of appropriate alterations for the successful adaptation and re-use of redundant heritage buildings.

Personal Values Attributes (Global / Cultural awareness, Ethics, Curiosity) (PVA):
• MLO5: You will be able to discuss the ethics and philosophy of the conservation of built cultural heritage.

How will I be assessed?

Assessment of this module is through an end of module project, worth 100% of the module mark.

You will appraise a heritage building and research its history. You will produce a report (maximum 3000 words) describing the heritage features and, depending upon the specific project, either proposing a repair strategy or an alteration(s) to the building. This project will test all the learning outcomes of the module.

Pre-requisite(s)

None

Co-requisite(s)

None

Module abstract

Heritage and Conservation will introduce you to the specialist area of conservation of heritage buildings. This is a significant area of Building Surveying practice and a good understanding will enhance your employability. You will learn about the value and significance of heritage buildings as part of our cultural heritage and the importance of the legislation and official guidance in protecting heritage buildings at risk. You will develop an understanding of the principles of conservation and the appropriate materials, methods and technologies for repair. The teaching draws on the expertise of staff who have worked in the field and can present interesting case study buildings. The assessed work involves considering a heritage building, making an appraisal, designing repair or alteration work and authoring a professional report.

If you are in employment your workplace will act as a framework for heritage and conservation to develop your skills and knowledge.

Course info

UCAS Code K230

Credits 20

Level of Study Undergraduate

Mode of Study 3 years Full Time or 4 years with a placement (sandwich)/study abroad

Department Architecture and Built Environment

Location City Campus, Northumbria University

City Newcastle

Start September 2025

Fee Information

Module Information

All information is accurate at the time of sharing. 

Full time Courses are primarily delivered via on-campus face to face learning but could include elements of online learning. Most courses run as planned and as promoted on our website and via our marketing materials, but if there are any substantial changes (as determined by the Competition and Markets Authority) to a course or there is the potential that course may be withdrawn, we will notify all affected applicants as soon as possible with advice and guidance regarding their options. It is also important to be aware that optional modules listed on course pages may be subject to change depending on uptake numbers each year.  

Contact time is subject to increase or decrease in line with possible restrictions imposed by the government or the University in the interest of maintaining the health and safety and wellbeing of students, staff, and visitors if this is deemed necessary in future.

 

Useful Links

Find out about our distinctive approach at 
www.northumbria.ac.uk/exp

Admissions Terms and Conditions
northumbria.ac.uk/terms

Fees and Funding
northumbria.ac.uk/fees

Admissions Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/adpolicy

Admissions Complaints Policy
northumbria.ac.uk/complaints