MSc Built Environment - Sustainable Heritage (Heritage Science)

UCL (University College London)

The Heritage Science route offers research-led, scientific training to tackle heritage challenges through sustainable solutions. This accredited degree combines hands-on learning with technical knowledge and fieldwork, you’ll engage with methods from physical and social sciences, engineering, imaging and computing, developing the skills to protect and understand heritage through cross-disciplinary practice. Heritage Science is an expanding interdisciplinary field, requiring professionals that have both technical and scientific skills and an understanding of the heritage sector. This degree situates this scientific learning firmly in the context of the realities of the heritage sector. You learn to apply new technical and analytical methods to address fascinating research questions within heritage, from the preservation in museums and collections, through to the historic buildings and natural heritage conservation. As a student you have access to real heritage sites and laboratories, with opportunities to engage with experienced practitioners from the heritage sector, and to apply your classroom learning to real heritage challenges. During your degree you: Learn about the value of heritage, and how to use it as a framework to interpret scientific results. Understand the scientific demands of different heritage challenges across cultural heritage collections, art preservation, natural heritage, and historic buildings. Design and undertake experiments, selecting the most appropriate methods for different heritage scenarios and materials. Learn how material and environmental change can lead to degradation of different heritage materials, gaining strategies for prevention, intervention and risk management. Gain hands on experience of heritage projects, taking part in a live historic building conservation project with a heritage partner. Have access to a wide range of state-of-the-art scientific facilities and labs Deepen your knowledge and career skills through optional modules on climate change, citizen science, inclusivity, sustainable strategies for buildings, collections, and development. Collaborate with Heritage Management and Heritage Data Science students, gaining insight into the interdisciplinary professional collaborations required for successful heritage projects. Students from all backgrounds are welcome to apply. This degree is open to applicants with a physical sciences background such as physics or chemistry, as well as applicants from other disciplines (e.g. conservation, curation, history) that want to develop heritage science skills. This programme is also available on a modular (flexible) basis, with a duration of 5 calendar years.