Conservation of Historic Buildings
We lead the MSc in Conservation of Historic Buildings, training future professionals in the repair, reuse, and sustainable management of historic structures.
Cluster at a glance
10+
Active Research Projects
20+
Cluster Members & Collaborators
100+
Publications & Outputs
15+
Years of Research Excellence
Mission and Vision
Our Mission
The Cluster fosters a collaborative environment that integrates research, teaching, and practice to safeguard and enhance the built environment. We emphasise interdisciplinary methods and the application of human-centric digital technologies in heritage management.
Our Vision
To become a leading centre for innovation in conservation engineering and management, promoting sustainable, inclusive, and regenerative approaches to heritage preservation worldwide.
Our Focus Areas
Research and Innovation
Our research spans digital heritage, materials conservation, structural analysis, and regenerative design for climate resilience.
Collaboration and Engagement
We work closely with heritage bodies, industry partners, and communities to advance best practices and promote sustainable cultural heritage conservation.
Postgraduate Programme
MSc in Conservation of Historic Buildings
Our flagship postgraduate programme equips students with the technical knowledge and critical thinking needed to conserve and manage historic buildings in the 21st century. The course bridges engineering, history, and design — combining studio work, fieldwork, and a substantial research dissertation.
- Multidisciplinary — integrates structural engineering, materials science, architectural history, and heritage policy
- Practice-led — live conservation projects and field visits to historic sites across the UK
- Research-informed — taught by active researchers at the forefront of heritage conservation
- Career pathways — graduates work in conservation practices, public bodies, academia, and international heritage organisations
Research Themes
Materials & Structural Conservation
Investigating traditional materials — stone, timber, earthen construction, and historic mortars — to understand their long-term performance and guide sensitive repair strategies.
Digital Heritage & Data
Developing human-centric digital twins, BIM workflows, and FAIR data frameworks to make heritage knowledge more accessible, reusable, and actionable for practitioners and communities.
Regenerative & Sustainable Design
Exploring low-carbon, circular, and regenerative approaches to the adaptation and reuse of historic buildings in the context of the climate emergency.
Heritage Management & Policy
Examining governance frameworks, community engagement, and management strategies that enable the long-term stewardship of built heritage at local, national, and international scales.
Get Involved
Whether you are a prospective student, a heritage professional, or a researcher interested in collaboration, we would love to hear from you.