Architecture & Sustainable Heritage MA

Course summary

The Architecture and Sustainable Heritage MA offers a distinctive programme for those interested in studying the historic built environment. The course provides a unique platform for students to advance careers in heritage practice or engage in specialised research.

Blending practice and theory, the Architecture and Sustainable Heritage MA focuses on collaborative interdisciplinary approaches, active learning, and skill acquisition. With an emphasis on employability, live case studies, and authentic assessment, this course has been designed to nurture a new generation of built-environment heritage professionals.

Throughout the course, you’ll examine the adaptive reuse and retrofit of historic buildings, alongside issues of community engagement and inclusive heritage management. These topics will be explored within the core modules in the context of economics, legislation, and policy. You’ll be prepared to tackle current challenges posed by climate change, the drive to build sustainable communities, urban regeneration, and digital technology.

The Architecture and Sustainable Heritage MA is also designed to give you the flexibility to choose optional modules that align with your learning style and career goals. This approach will enrich discussions and foster opportunities for collaboration.

The opportunity to gain insights into architectural and built-environment heritage is central to this course and can be applied when selecting case studies and research methods for your final dissertation. The course aims to empower you to become self-reliant and self-developing, enhancing your career prospects and employability.

Top reasons to study with us

• Field trip – to deepen your understanding of the industry and connect theoretical concepts with real-world practices, you'll choose between overseas and London-based trips as part of the course. *
• Choose your specialism – you can choose from our wide range of optional modules to explore areas of specialism in depth.
• Learn from experts – you’ll be taught by academics and practitioners, experts in the field, who are involved in publication, research and consultancy for a variety of organisations in the UK and internationally.
• Central London location – our central London location allows you to interact with a wide variety of practitioners and organisations, as well as drawing on the city's huge range of heritage sites.
• Industry links – the School has established links with Historic England, The Twentieth Century Society, SAVE Britain's Heritage, The IHBC and numerous conservation architects and local authorities which will further enrich your learning experience.

* Field trips are offered subject to availability. It is always the University’s intention to run field trips, but there have been instances where this has changed mid-year due to circumstances beyond the University’s control.

The Architecture and Sustainable Heritage MA will establish graduates on a range of career paths, both within the UK and internationally. The specialised options within the course enhance employability by focusing on critical areas of practice, preparing graduates for a range of careers in heritage across a variety of sectors including NGOs, government agencies, public and the private sector. The course structure has also been designed to equip students with the skills needed to continue into doctoral research, should they choose to develop careers within this profession.

This course will prepare you for a variety of roles in a range of present and future industries, including:

• Conservation/sustainability officers
• Conservation architects
• Heritage consultants
• Urban designers
• Property managers
• Community developers
• Urban regeneration professionals
• Historic building inspectors
• Project managers in heritage and regeneration