'Back to School'

As the practice has recently witnessed a rapid increase in conservation and sustainable projects and due to recent changes in conservation legislation we have sent two of our team 'Back to School' to extend their knowledge in these fields and therefore develop and strengthen the practice.

Sam is currently studying for an MA in Architectural Conservation (at the University of Plymouth) to help the practice build on its recent successes in conservation projects and Adam is in his second year of an FdSc in Sustainable Construction (at Cornwall College) to help extend the team’s current knowledge and understanding of the sustainability field for future projects.

Course details:

MA (Masters degree) Architectural Conservation (University of Plymouth)
Aim of the programme

This programme consists of two elements – taught modules and a dissertation.The taught modules aim to equip students with the knowledge and skills to undertake the conservation of buildings and places. Satisfactory completion of the taught modules results in the award of a ‘PgDip. Architectural Conservation’ qualification.

Professional accreditationThe programme is validated by the IHBC- the principal professional body for building conservation practitioners and historic environment specialists working in England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, with connections to the Republic of Ireland.

General programme structure

There are seven key objectives to the taught modules:

• to enhance your understanding of the legislative and management framework related to architectural conservation
• to develop your understanding of the philosophies and attitudes underpinning conservation
• to further your skills in observing, recording, analysis, understanding and evaluation of historic buildings and places so that your knowledge of, and sensitivity towards the built environment, particularly in the South West
• to emphasise conservation as a design activity and hone your skills in better judging the nature of intervention, and to increase design awareness of the appropriate professionals
• to extend your knowledge of techniques for care, repair and retrofitting
• to uncover the role of the many experts and specialists in the field of conservation
• to prepare you for professional accreditation in architectural conservation

The MA stage has four key objectives:

• to provide you with the opportunity to pursue a topic of your choice in depth
• to deepen your understanding of the research process via a research project
• to generate research-based knowledge of relevance to architectural conservation, policy and practice within work settings and/or wider community
• to develop the skills enabling you to take leadership roles in relation to research and practice

FdSc (Foundation degree) Sustainable Construction (Cornwall College)Throughout the course you will study construction design, materials, management, services, surveying, energy, the legislative frame work; all with sustainable practice as the core element. You will develop problem solving and practical skills which together with an in-depth knowledge of the drivers towards and options for a low carbon future, will make you highly employable, or a vital employee within your company whilst making a positive impact on the environment.

Students are based at the Camborne campus, benefiting from new facilities and buildings, such as arts and media centre, a student bar, new lecture theatres, making the learning experience one of the best in the south west. Students learn through a variety of methods including lectures, real life projects, demonstrations and research. The tutorial system ensures that the students that the students do not get left behind and support is available on a one-to-one basis where necessary. Assessment is by way of coursework which often simulates actual working practices. the course can be studied part-time one day a week for three years and full time three days per week for two years supported by personal study. The modular structure is almost entirely delivered as course work, and every opportunity is taken to simulate professional working practices within a friendly and mature environment. The course is centred within new purpose built accommodation with the latest facilities, supporting creative thinking, professional practice and critical studies.

The programme is intended to:

1. Provide a course of study that is attractive to anyone wishing to develop understanding of how businesses and individuals can operate in an environmentally sustainable way.
2. Prepare students for a management role in environmentally progressive companies.
3. Develop transferable skills.

We wish them both the best of luck with their degrees and look forward to the practice benefiting from their extended expertise in the future!