Programme Content

Aims of the Programme

The programme analyses urban conservation and related tourism issues in a European context.

The aims of the course are:

• to provide a sound understanding of urban conservation issues in the UK and other EC countries against a background of international practice;
• to examine the importance of building preservation in planning and economic terms;
• to produce graduates who are well equipped to work in public and private agencies concerned with urban conservation and heritage tourism.

Programme Content

The programme consists of six elements which include taught courses and a research project:

The Theory and practice of Urban Conservation

Aims:

• to examine the theoretical basis for urban conservation in a town planning context;
• to develop an understanding of the main conservation and urban design issues in historic towns;
• to investigate current planning practice in major conservation areas;
• to examine the roles played by national and local agencies.

European Conservation Practice

Aims:

• to examine the similarities and differences in the approaches to urban conservation in the European Community;
• to analyse in depth the practice of urban conservation in selected European countries.

Building Preservation

Aims:

• to examine the evolution of listed building legislation in the UK;
• to assess the strengths and weaknesses of the current legislative framework;
• to investigate the various methods used to fund building restoration projects and enhancement programmes;
• to analyse the technical implications of building conservation.
• to develop an understanding of the development process and the management of projects.

Heritage Management

Aims:

• to explore the evaluation of cultural significance of heritage resources;
• to assess management issues related to heritage properties;
• to examine the technical issues related to built heritage preservation;
• to analyse the heritage tourism industry and its impact on cultural heritage;
• to investigate the problems related to the protection and enhancement of historic gardens.

Computer Skills

• Aims:
  • to introduce students to the use of the computer in the planning process;
  • to introduce students to the nature of information systems for policy planning in local government;
  • to examine the potential use of the computer in conservation planning.

Analysing Architecture

Aims:

• to analyse the formal complexities of architectural design with which conservation officers must be familiar.
• to review the main international styles of architecture commonly used in major development projects.
• to investigate the types of regional variations in architectural form encountered in small development projects.

Research Project

Aims:

• to allow the student to study in depth one aspect of the course;
• to create a research design related to the chosen subject;
• to prepare a dissertation which integrates a literature review with analysis of research findings.