This course is part of a broad programme of heritage and maritime post-graduate courses based in the award-winning Grade II* Boathouse No 6 built in 1843 and located in the world-famous Georgian and nineteenth-century area of Portsmouth Historic Dockyard. Teaching takes place both there and in the University's Portland Building completed in 1997 and itself the winner of a Civic Trust award.

In addition to the Dockyard with its historic buildings, museums and ships, Portsmouth is well endowed with many important buildings, structures and sites. These include:

• the whole historic harbour area
• Romano-Medieval Portchester Castle
• nineteenth century sea and land forts on the approaches to Portsmouth
• Henry VIII's Southsea Castle
• De Gomme's city fortifications
• plus many other eighteenth and nineteenth century buildings

In the hinterland are:

• the cathedral cities of Chichester, Winchester and Salisbury
• National Trust properties such as Petworth House and Uppark, Carisbrook Castle and Osborne House on the Isle of Wight
• The Weald and Downland Museum in West Sussex

All of these provide stimulating visits and case study material for students. There are also close links to several UK heritage conservation institutions like the Salisbury Cathedral Conservation Team, as well as conservation organisations and universities elsewhere in Europe and in Turkey.

Course Aims

• To develop an understanding of the theoretical, practical and management aspects of the conservation of historic monuments, ensembles and sites in Britain, Europe and elsewhere in the world.
• To develop an appreciation of the development of philosophical and ethical principles relating to heritage and its conservation, of the use of historical and technical knowledge, research and analysis as the basis for conservation, of architectural and archaeological theory and design issues and of the necessary professional, legal, craft, management and administration skills.
• To reinforce and apply that understanding and appreciation through the undertaking of case studies of buildings and sites within central southern England, and, where possible, through fieldwork elsewhere in Europe or beyond.

Professional accreditation
The course follows the Education Guidelines of ICOMOS (The International Council on Monuments and Sites), UNESCO and Council of Europe Requirements. It is recognised by the IHBC (Institute of Historic Building Conservation) Areas of Competence and is accredited by RICS (Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors). It prepares architects and surveyors to English Heritage/ Heritage Lottery Fund accreditation standards (AABC/RIBA and RICS Building Conservation Forum).