Historic Preservation BA/BSc
Study of how to protect, restore and manage historic buildings, sites and environments.
YOUR PERSONALITY MIGHT BE:
History enthusiast
Detail-oriented
Conservation-minded
Research-focused
POPULAR CAREER FIELDS
Heritage & Museums
Government & Public Sector
Architecture & Built Environment
Charity & NGO Sector
Is this for you?
Historic Preservation BA/BSc
Is this for you?
WHAT IS IT?
Study of how to protect, restore and manage historic buildings, sites and environments.
CAREER OPTIONS
CURRENT APPRENTICESHIPS, INTERNSHIPS & WORKPLACES
Internships
Apprenticeships
Uni Open Days
FIND OUT MORE
About the Course
What is a Historic Preservation degree?
Historic Preservation focuses on the care, interpretation and management of buildings, landscapes and heritage resources. You’ll explore how the past connects to the present, how structures are maintained and how heritage values are preserved for future generations.
Why study Historic Preservation?
If you love history, architecture, community and sustainability, this degree offers a unique mix of practical, academic and creative skills. You’ll help shape how we preserve heritage and make places meaningful today.
Most Historic Preservation degrees cover:
History and theory of the built environment and heritage sites
Materials, building technology and conservation techniques
Heritage legal and policy frameworks
Site assessment, condition surveys and building diagnostics
Sustainable practice and adaptive reuse of historic structures
Project management and heritage economics
Later in your course you may specialise in, for example: heritage tourism, museum curation, architectural conservation, or community heritage projects.
Degree types
BA (Bachelor of Arts): Emphasises the historical, cultural and management aspects of heritage.
BSc (Bachelor of Science): May place more emphasis on materials, technical conservation, building science and science-based management.
A-levels or equivalent ideally including History, Geography, or a related humanities or social science subject.
Show your passion for history, buildings and heritage.
Mention visits to historic sites, drawing or detailing work, or issues of conservation you’ve explored.
Reflect on how you care about protecting places and making them meaningful for communities.
Give examples of research, volunteering or projects you’ve done related to heritage or the environment.
Conservation Principles, Policies and Guidance by Historic England — sets out the framework for managing the historic environment. Historic England
The Architecture of Happiness by Alain de Botton — how buildings influence how we feel and live.
101 Things I Learned in Architecture School by Matthew Frederick — simple design ideas you’ll appreciate in heritage work.
How to Read a Building by Jean Rost — a hands-on guide to understanding building components and history.
Visit open days or attend virtual sessions to explore heritage labs and conservation facilities.
Try visiting historic buildings or landscapes and think about how they’ve been preserved or adapted.
Look up short courses or workshops in heritage conservation, surveying or building materials.
Read about how heritage and environment link into urban planning, architecture and sustainability.
Conservation Officer - Conservation officer, historic buildings officer, listed buildings officer, conservation advisor
Heritage Consultancy - Heritage consultant, conservation consultant, historic environment consultant, heritage impact assessor
Museums & Collections - Museum curator, collections manager, museum conservation officer, heritage collections curator
Planning & Development - Heritage planning officer, conservation planning specialist, historic environment planner, archaeological planner
Conservation Architecture - Conservation architect (with further qualification), architectural conservator, restoration specialist, heritage architect
Heritage Management - Heritage manager, historic sites manager, heritage project manager, cultural heritage officer
Survey & Recording - Historic buildings inspector, buildings archaeologist, heritage surveyor, recording specialist
Policy & Advocacy - Heritage policy advisor, conservation policy officer, heritage protection specialist, heritage advocacy officer
Do You Need a Masters?
Yes, if you want conservation officer roles, heritage consultancy, specialist conservation architect/surveyor work, or museum curator positions.
No, if you're going into heritage assistant roles, visitor services, heritage education, or general property management.
Popular Masters Options
Historic Building Conservation (MA/MSc) – 1 year Technical conservation, repair techniques, materials. £26,000-£42,000 careers.
Conservation Studies/Cultural Heritage Conservation (MA) – 1 year Broader heritage management, museums, collections, archives.
Architectural Conservation (MSc) – 1 year Conservation architecture, listed buildings. RIBA Conservation Registration route.
Heritage Management (MA) – 1 year Visitor attractions, heritage sites, interpretation. National Trust, English Heritage.
Museum & Gallery Studies (MA) – 1 year Curating, collections management, museum careers.
Archaeology (MA) – 1 year If interested in archaeological conservation, excavation, research.
Conservation of Historic Buildings (MSc – SPAB/Architectural Association) – 1 year Prestigious, technical focus. Top heritage consultancies.
Professional Qualifications
IHBC (Institute of Historic Building Conservation) Membership – Professional pathway Conservation officer roles, chartership route.
RICS Building Conservation Accreditation – Specialist pathway Heritage surveying premium rates.
ACR (Accreditation of Conservator-Restorers) – Professional registration Hands-on conservation work.
Without a Masters
Entry routes available:
Heritage Assistant (£20,000-£26,000)
Conservation Officer (local authority, often requires Masters, £28,000-£38,000)
Museum Assistant (£18,000-£24,000)
Heritage Visitor Services (£18,000-£24,000)
Archives Assistant (£20,000-£26,000)
Historic Properties Administrator
Heritage Education Officer (£22,000-£28,000)
Money Talk
Masters: £10,000-£20,000 (SPAB/AA course: £20,000+). Heritage sector competitive and modest salaries initially. Masters almost essential for conservation officer roles. Chartered heritage consultants earn £35,000-£55,000+, but takes years to build expertise.
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