Historic Preservation BA/BSc
Study of how to protect, restore and manage historic buildings, sites and environments.
Is this for you?
This degree could suit you if you:
Are interested in history and heritage
Care about protecting historic buildings
Enjoy research and analysis
Like architecture and conservation
Want a career in heritage management
Popular Career Fields
Heritage & Museums
Government & Public Sector
Architecture & Built Environment
Charity & NGO Sector
Your Personality Might Be:
History enthusiast
Government & Public Sector
Conservation-minded
Research-focused
What is it?
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.
Course Summary
Study of how to protect, restore and manage historic buildings, sites and environments.
What you'll study
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.
Skills You'll Gain
This degree builds a rich mix of technical, professional and creative skills, including:
Understanding and analysing heritage value
Technical competence in building materials and conservation methods
Research, writing and communication
Project planning and management
Sustainability thinking and community awareness
Pathways, Placements and Work Experience
CAREERS
Career Pathways
Graduates in Historic Preservation are well placed for work in:
Heritage management and site conservation
Historic building consultancy and survey
Museums, archives and cultural tourism
Urban regeneration and community heritage projects
Sustainability, architecture and construction consultancy
Further study may lead to specialist roles in conservation science, heritage policy or restoration architecture.
Work Experiences & Placements
Many programmes include:
Placements or project work with heritage organisations, conservation firms or local authority heritage services
Field-based tasks such as inspections, surveys or heritage audits
These experiences help you connect theory with real-world heritage work.
Salary Profile
Coming soon
Qualifications, Personal Satement, What to do Next?
AM I ELIGIBLE?
Entry Requirements
A-levels or equivalent ideally including History, Geography, or a related humanities or social science subject.
Personal Statement Tips
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.
What to do Next
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.
Wider Reading
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.