Historic Building Conservation & Repair

Course structure

Learn more about the course structure and entry requirements.

You can expect

Tutors who are leading practitioners
Hands-on training in the repair and conservation of various building materials
To gain a thorough understanding of structural repairs
To complete 10 Building Conservation Masterclasses (BCMs) - seven compulsory and three of your choice
To submit a final illustrated portfolio of approximately 3000 words demonstrating the link between experience gained on the BCMs and your past, current and intended professional practice

Qualification

On successful completion of the course you will be awarded the Professional Development Diploma certificate by West Dean.

The Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has agreed that the Professional Development Diploma course qualifies as a Conservation Training Course for entry on to the RIBA Conservation register at CR level.

The Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) has approved West Dean as one of its recognised CPD providers.

The Chartered Institute of Architectural Technologists (CIAT) recognises a number of the BCM courses as appropriate CPD for its members. The Professional Development Diploma will assist candidates in their progression to specialise in conservation and ultimately towards applying for CIAT's Conservation Register.

"The BCM programme offers a wealth of experience from professional practitioners who are all passionate about the built environment and who are keen to pass on their knowledge. The college itself is a remarkable historic site and provides an ideal environment for learning about the conservation of historic structures." Catherine Woolfitt

Building Conservation Masterclasses

To complete the qualification you will need to take 10 Building Conservation Masterclasses (BCMs) Seven are compulsoryand three of your choice.

Compulsory BCMs

Conservation and Repair of Architectural and Structural Metalwork
Conservation and Repair of Plasters and Renders
The Structural Repair of Historic Buildings
Conservation and Repair of Brick and Flint Masonry
Conservation and Repair of Timber
Conservation and Repair of Stone Masonry
Mortars for Repair and Conservation

Optional BCMs (choose three)

Specifying Conservation Works
Coatings and Consolidants for Masonry
Conservation and Repair of Slate and Stone Roofing
Managing Wildlife in the Historic Environment (alternate years)
Conservation of Historic Concrete
Conservation and Repair of Masonry Ruins
Conservation and Repair of Tile Roofing
Masonry cleaning

Full our full listings of BCM courses

Learning environment

High tutor: student ratio
Specialist teaching resources including the purpose-built Ruinette to practise techniques
Workshop-based or conference style learning, dependent on masterclass subject
Residential accommodation is available while you complete each masterclass

Student perspective

"I've been project managing a Heritage Lottery Funded Skills for the Future project, to support traditional building skills training and address the shortage of skilled craftspeople in and around Leeds. The city has a huge number of buildings built before 1919 but diminishing numbers of specialist heritage construction workers.

I'm looking to continue working in this area. I have an understanding of building conservation but wanted some practical training, this seemed to be the most practical course available and was recommended by a colleague. The ability to study towards accreditation in short bursts also suited me and I'm very grateful to have been awarded a bursary by the Drake Trust to enable me to study here.

The standard of tutors and speakers has been superb … it's been a privilege to study with them. I've also met a range of contacts who I know will be useful for future networking. Because of the highly respected nature of the courses here, I've been asked by colleagues to report on some of the expertise on my return, up-to-date developments in the use of lime mortar for example.

Overall, I've found the courses to be an excellent mix of practical and theoretical learning supported by great facilities."

Sarah Neville
Professional Development Diploma in Historic Building Conservation and Repair

School of Conservation

Our School of Conservation offers a dynamic, internationally connected and respected learning environment where students benefit from the unique opportunity to study in a working historic house. Students enjoy access to well-equipped professional workshops, studios, and a state-of-the-art analytical laboratory.

School of Conservation

Fees & funding

Fees are listed on each course page - the minimum cost would be approximately £7,000 for 10 courses (2022 prices), plus the registration fee of £450, payable on acceptance onto the course. This fee covers marking of the final portfolio and tutorials with the subject tutor.

10% discount on course fees to employees of Historic England, English Heritage, Icon, Cadw, Historic Scotland, Northern Ireland Environment Agency, Institute of Historic Building Conservation, Commonwealth War Graves Commission and members of Building Limes Forum UK and Ireland.

We may routinely increase our course fees from year to year for one-year courses as well as courses lasting two or more years and may review and change such course fees without notice.

Funding

Find out more about funding your studies.

The Drake Trust

The Drake Trust generously provides a number of bursaries for students attending a Building Conservation Masterclass at their own expense. To apply for The Drake Trust Bursary please contact [email protected].

Other organisations that offer funding support include:

FAQs

What level of qualification is the diploma?

The West Dean Professional Development Diploma certificate is equivalent to Level 4-5.

Does blended learning mean I can study theory at home in my own time?

Yes – there are currently four courses being piloted in e-blended format with the likelihood that more will be offered.

How many hours of self-study are required per Building Conservation Masterclass (BCM)?

We estimate between 10-12 hours are required ahead of each practical session. The online elements are started 3-4 weeks ahead of the practical with some ‘live’ Zoom group discussions to allow tutors and students to meet each other ‘virtually’ to prepare for the practical.

How much hands on practical training is there per BCM?

This varies per course. Typically, two days focused practical work per BCM.

What is the average time taken to complete the diploma?

There isn’t an average as it depends on working commitments. Some students choose to do the BCM courses back-to-back, others spread them out. Applicants have up to five years to complete the course.

Is there funding available for this course?

The Drake Trust provides bursaries to support this Professional Development Diploma. Please contact us at [email protected] to apply for this.

Do I pay my fees upfront?

You pay for each course as you book. So you pay in increments with a £450 registration fee.

Tutors

Catherine Woolfitt

Subject Leader - Historic Building Conservation and Repair

Catherine Woolfitt is an archaeologist and architectural conservator and has worked in the conservation of the built heritage since 1993. With wide-ranging work experience in Italy, Israel and the UK, her experience bridges the museum, object, and building conservation sectors.

Professional Development Diploma in Historic Building Conservation and Repair

Course structure

You can expect

Qualification

Building Conservation Masterclasses

Course gallery

West Dean Campus

Facilities

Alumni

Funding

Learning environment

Student perspective

School of Conservation