Architectural Conservation MSc

Level: Postgraduate taught

Subject: Architecture and Landscape Architecture

Year of entry: 2026

Study options

Mode of study

On campus

Full-time
  • MSc | 1 year | Start date: September 2026

Key facts

School

Edinburgh College of Art

College

College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences

Programme website
Study location

Central Area

Accreditation

Available

Apply now

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About the degree programme

Whether you are approaching the field from an architectural, historical, social or other viewpoint, this programme will guide you through the foundations and challenges of this important means of nurturing cultural identity.

Although based within a school of architecture, the programme is taught from first principles, and is suitable for students from any disciplinary background. You will not require any prior learning experience in architecture, design or built-environment studies, and no portfolios are required as part of the application process.

Our highly regarded Architectural Conservation MSc programme is more than 50 years old. It is the longest-established graduate historic preservation programme in Scotland or its neighbouring nations. The degree provides an in-depth introduction to the key components of built heritage, in a programme suitable for students from all backgrounds.

You will form part of the Scottish Centre for Conservation Studies (SCCS), the University’s specialist historic preservation teaching and research unit, and join a community of postgraduate students from all over the world and from a wide range of disciplinary first-degree backgrounds, including architecture, history, planning, engineering and interior design.

The SCCS provides the depth of expertise and resources that ensures the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, Britain’s official organisation for heritage professionals, recognises this programme.

Thinking about studying MSc Architectural Conservation at Edinburgh College of Art? Discover the programme, and how you'll be taught, and hear from our students about their study experiences with us.

Programme benefits

  • Gain a Masters qualification in historic preservation in a single year, as opposed to two years in many other countries.
  • This degree is officially recognised by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, Britain’s official organisation of architectural heritage professionals.
  • Ours is a first-principles course, suitable for people from many backgrounds, whether from an architectural, historical, social or other viewpoint, and will guide you through all the ways that heritage can nurture cultural identity.
  • Based in the heart of the Edinburgh World Heritage Site - draws on the wealth of academic and intellectual activities associated with a capital city and an internationally-renowned university.
  • We offer diverse volunteering opportunities through our partnerships with the many national and civic heritage organisations based in Edinburgh.
  • You will be part of the Scottish Centre for Conservation Studies (SCCS), a specialist teaching and research unit, enjoying full access to the extensive multi-disciplinary academic infrastructure and facilities of the University of Edinburgh.
  • We are the longest-established graduate historic preservation programme in Scotland, England, Ireland or Wales.

Tuition fees

Tuition fees by award and duration

Tuition fees for full-time and part-time options are listed for one academic year.

Full-time

Graduate discount

If you are a University of Edinburgh graduate, you will be eligible for a 10% discount on your tuition fees for this programme. You may also be eligible if you were a visiting undergraduate student.

Find out how to receive your graduate discount

Deposit

You do not have to pay a deposit to secure your place on this programme.

Costs

Additional programme costs

To fully participate in this programme you are recommended to budget a minimum of £300 on top of the tuition fee for the following costs:

Travel and Accommodation

There are optional travel costs associated with field trips and site visits. 

You will be expected to pay the cost of local, national, or international travel by public transport, car, or air, and the cost of accommodation for 3 to 5 nights.

Equipment and software

Most equipment and software required will be provided by the School, but you will be expected to provide some specialist equipment including, for example, a laptop, headphones, or USB drives.

Materials

Students will be expected to pay for general stationary materials, such as sketchbooks, paper and pens.

Course organisers will support you in meeting intended learning outcomes while keeping material costs to a minimum, encouraging sustainable, responsible sourcing through Free Use Hub.

Printing

Students are expected to pay for occasional A4/A3 printing and booklet binding. This will be optional as all submissions are online.

Accommodation and living costs

You need to cover your accommodation and living costs for the duration of your programme.

We estimate that you might spend £1,167 to £2,330 per month if you are a single student.

Living costs include:

  • food
  • utility bills
  • travel, clothes, books and stationery
  • recreational costs (for example, TV subscriptions and social events)

Living costs

Accommodation costs depend on where you live while studying and the type of accommodation you choose.

University postgraduate accommodation options and costs

Funding opportunities

Funding for postgraduate study is different to undergraduate study, and many students need to combine funding sources to pay for their studies.

Most students use a combination of the following funding to pay their tuition fees and living costs:

  • borrowing money
    • taking out a loan
    • family support
  • personal savings
  • income from work
  • employer sponsorship
  • scholarships

Explore sources of funding for postgraduate study

Search for other funding opportunities

You can find scholarships, bursaries and other funding you might be eligible for on our Scholarships and Student Funding site.

Postgraduate funding opportunities

These entry requirements are for the 2026-27 academic year and requirements for future academic years may differ. Entry requirements for the 2027-28 academic year will be published on 1 Oct 2026.

Qualifications

A UK 2:1 honours degree, or its international equivalent, in a relevant subject.

We also welcome applicants who do not meet academic entry requirements but demonstrate relevant professional experience.

You must submit a personal statement as part of your application. Please ensure your statement addresses the following points: 

  1. Architectural conservation: why and how are you interested in it? Please explain your specific interests within this broad field.
  2. How do you envisage that the programme will support your future ambitions in career and life?
  3. Which aspect of the advertised MSc Architectural Conservation programme description, or which other considerations, made you decide to apply for the programme?

International qualifications

To find international equivalent qualifications, select where you studied from the country or region list.

English language requirements

You must prove that your English language abilities are at a high enough level to study this degree programme.

This is the case for all applicants, including UK nationals.

You can meet our English language requirements with one of the following:

  • an English language test
  • a degree that was taught and assessed in English
  • certain professional qualifications

English language tests we accept

We accept any of the following English language tests, at the specified grade or higher:

  • IELTS Academic: total 7.0 with at least 6.0 in each component We do not accept IELTS One Skill Retake to meet our English language requirements.
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition): total 100 with at least 20 in each component We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements.
  • C1 Advanced (CAE) / C2 Proficiency (CPE): total 185 with at least 169 in each component.
  • Trinity ISE: ISE III with passes in all four components.
  • Oxford ELLT: total 8 with at least 6 in each component.
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced: total 155 with at least 135 in each component.
How old your English language tests can be
Tests no more than two years old

The following English language tests must be no more than two years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality:

  • IELTS Academic
  • TOEFL-iBT (including Home Edition)
  • Trinity ISE
  • Oxford ELLT
  • Oxford Test of English Advanced
Tests no more than three and a half years old

All other English language tests must be no more than three and a half years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts, regardless of your nationality.   

Degrees taught and assessed in English

We accept an undergraduate or postgraduate degree that has been taught and assessed in English in a majority English-speaking country, as defined by UK Visas and Immigration.

UKVI list of majority English speaking countries

We also accept a degree that has been taught and assessed in English from a university on our list of approved universities in non-majority English-speaking countries (non-MESC).

Approved universities in non-MESC

How old your degree can be

If you are not a national of a majority English-speaking country, then your degree must be no more than five years old on the 1st of the month in which your programme starts.

This time limit does not apply to your degree if you are a national of a majority English-speaking country.

Find out more about our English language requirements

Find out about other English language qualifications we accept, including professional qualifications.

English language requirements

What you will study

The Architectural Conservation MSc programme focuses on a wide range of topics – in all cases taking advantage of Edinburgh’s position as a UNESCO World Heritage city, and the physical location of the SCCS in the heart of the World Heritage Site.

In Semester 1, the courses offered cover:

  • conservation history, theory, and criticism
  • in-depth historical/archaeological analysis of historic buildings
  • World Heritage studies.

In Semester 2, the courses offered cover:

  • urban conservation and planning
  • conservation technology and building pathology
  • the history of historic construction techniques.

Following the taught courses, you will research and write a dissertation of around 14,000 to 15,000 words on an aspect of architectural conservation, selected in consultation with teaching staff.

Find courses for this programme

Find out what courses you can study on this programme and how each of them are taught and assessed.

The courses on offer may change from year to year, but the course information will give you an idea of what to expect on this programme.

Full-time

We link to the latest information available. This may be for a previous academic year and should be considered indicative.

Field trips

We offer a wide range of optional field trips across Scotland and England, as well as walkabouts within the Edinburgh World Heritage Site and elsewhere in Edinburgh and Glasgow.

All these, in combination, will give you the chance to explore conservation issues in other settings, and the year normally culminates with a study tour to Germany, focusing on critical issues in 20th-century heritage.

Placements

There is provision for work placements and volunteering through our partnerships with Edinburgh’s many national and civic heritage organisations, allowing you to flex your skills in a practical setting.

Teaching and assessment

Teaching

Teaching is delivered through a mix of group field projects, seminars, lectures, and site visits. Importantly, the programme does not involve any design project work, and thus there is no need for prior familiarity with design software such as CAD. Training is provided for any technical skills required for project work, such as GIS map-based analysis.

In recent years, the programme has been significantly enhanced through the way in which our longstanding in-person teaching has been augmented by additional online lectures and copious electronic literature resources.

As members of the Scottish Centre for Conservation Studies (SCCS), students have access to our annual series of Architectural Conservation Masterclasses, which feature leading national and international figures from a wide spectrum of disciplines.

As well as the Masterclasses, we also often host and participate in conferences, seminars and exhibitions, including in collaboration with partner organisations.

Assessment

The programme is assessed through a carefully-balanced mix of assessment methods, tailored to the diverse teaching approaches:

  • individual written papers
  • group projects
  • individual and group presentations
  • report writing.

There are no examinations in this programme.

Learning outcomes

To complete your studies, you must demonstrate your familiarity with:

  • the historical and theoretical foundations and challenges of historic preservation, both of individual buildings and urban areas
  • the techniques of recording and research
  • the technologies of building repair.

You will also develop more general practical and intellectual skills, in areas such as:

  • project organisation
  • historical research
  • graphic and oral communication.

Support for your studies

You will have access to a range of support services if you need them throughout your degree.

We will assign you to a student adviser, and this should be the first person to contact if you need help. They can guide you to other University service teams depending on what support you need.  

How we support you

Our academic staff

Staff on the programme include:

  • Prof Miles Glendinning
  • Dr Ruxandra-Iulia Stoica
  • Dr Dimitris Theodossopoulos

Where you will study

Study location

The teaching base of the programme, Minto House at 20 Chambers Street, is located in the heart of the Edinburgh Old Town. 

With its blend of medieval, neo-classical and modern architecture, and its unique concentration of national cultural institutions, Edinburgh is the ideal city in which to develop postgraduate skills in historic preservation.

You will benefit from learning in a programme based in the heart of the Edinburgh World Heritage Site, and from the wealth of academic and intellectual activities associated with an internationally-renowned university.

ECA are excited to be undertaking a capital redevelopment of ECA’s Lauriston Campus over the next 3 years, from April 2024 to April 2027.

The project aims to maximise the use of existing space, improve accessibility, and create a vibrant campus that fosters collaboration and innovation.

The project involves refurbishing and repurposing various spaces across the Lauriston campus, including technical facilities, student and teaching spaces, and the relocation of the Reid School of Music from Alison House to the Lauriston Campus. New social spaces, seminar rooms, and studios are being created to accommodate our growing community.

You can find more about the project at the below link:

Building work starts at ECA’s Lauriston Campus | Edinburgh College of Art

Academic facilities

In addition to the dedicated conservation teaching rooms, Minto House also contains a range of facilities such as an art and architecture library, a computer lab and workshops (used, for example, in the History of Construction course in Semester 2).

Other academic facilities, cafes and social facilities are located in the adjacent University central area around George Square and Middle Meadow Walk, including the 24-hour-access main University library.

Virtual tour

You can take a closer look at the Edinburgh College of Art and explore our facilities and campus with our virtual tour.

Take a virtual tour of Edinburgh College of Art

Accreditation

The programme enjoys recognition from the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, the professional body for building conservation practitioners and historic environment experts in Britain.

Career opportunities

This programme aims to provide students with the broad base of knowledge and skills necessary to embark on a career in one of the many professional sub-disciplines of historic preservation: these range from heritage management to conservation-specialist architectural practice.

In pursuing a conservation-related career, your qualification will be extremely well-regarded thanks to its recognition by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation, Britain’s official organisation of architectural heritage professionals.

Further study

After completing this programme, you may wish to consider applying for a PhD or other research programme.

Applying for research degrees

Moving on to a PhD (advice from the University's Careers Service)

Careers Service

Our Careers Service can help you to fully develop your potential and achieve your future goals. 

The Careers Service supports you not only while you are studying at the University, but also for up to two years after you finish your studies. 

With the Careers Service, you can: 

  • access digital resources to help you understand your skills and strengths
  • try different types of experiences and reflect on how and what you develop
  • get help finding work, including part-time jobs, vacation work, internships and graduate jobs
  • attend careers events and practice interviews
  • get information and advice to help you make informed decisions 

Visit the Careers Service website 

How to apply

You apply online for this programme. After you read the application guidance, select your preferred programme, then choose 'Start your application' to begin.

If you are considering applying to more than one programme, you should be aware that we cannot consider more than 5 applications from the same applicant.

When to apply

Programme start date Application deadline
14 September 2026 29 June 2026

We encourage you to apply as soon as possible so that we have enough time to process your application. This is particularly important if you are also applying for funding or will require a visa. Applications may close earlier than published deadlines if there is exceptionally high demand.

For an application to be reviewed, it must be a complete application by the application deadline with all supporting documentation uploaded, including your transcripts.

If you already have evidence that you meet the English language entry requirements, such as via an approved English language test, please upload this evidence at the time of your application. If you have not already met your English language requirements, we will still review your application and issue a decision providing it is otherwise complete.

Application fee

There is no fee to apply to this programme.

What you need to apply

As part of your online application, you will need to provide: 

You will also need to submit some or all of the following supporting documents:

When you start your application, you will be able to see the full list of documents you need to provide.

References

You do not need to provide a reference when you submit your application for this programme.

There may be certain circumstances when a reference will be required, for example if we need to verify work experience. If that is the case, we will contact you after we have reviewed your application to request a reference.

Personal statement

As part of the application process, you must submit a personal statement. Please ensure your statement addresses the following points: 

  1. Architectural conservation: why and how are you interested in it? Please explain your specific interests within this broad field.
  2. How do you envisage that the programme will support your future ambitions in career and life?
  3. Which aspect of the advertised MSc Architectural Conservation programme description, or which other considerations, made you decide to apply for the programme?

Apply

Select the award, duration and delivery mode you want to study. Then select the start date you want to apply for.

After you apply

Once you have applied for this programme, you will be able to track the progress of your application and accept or decline any offers.

Checking the status of your application

We will notify you by email once we have made a decision. Due to the large number of applications we receive, it might take a while until you hear from us.

Receiving our decision

What to do if you receive an offer:

What our students say

What is it really like to study here? Our students share their experiences on our social media. 

You can find out what a day in the life is like for an Edinburgh College of Art Student, from late nights in the library to their favourite walks around the city!

Instagram: Edinburgh College of Art

Our community

At Edinburgh College of Art (ECA) we bring together creative practices that shape the world around us.

We deliver innovative teaching, research and public engagement in an inclusive and sustainable environment with outstanding services and facilities to support your ambitions.  

With degrees in Art, History of Art, Music, Architecture and Landscape Architecture, and Design, you’ll be joining a diverse community of artists, art historians, designers, academics, researchers, architects, landscape architects and musicians.

ECA is a rich, textured, and inclusive learning environment. Diverse practices co-exist as the embodiments of an individual and collective pursuit of knowledge, for the betterment of humankind and our planet.

Our approach is explicitly inclusive, future facing and interdisciplinary, embracing of bold innovation and continuous enhancement.  

Find out more about the Edinburgh College of Art community

Accommodation

We guarantee an offer of University accommodation for all new, single postgraduate taught students from outside the UK and new, single postgraduate research (typically PhD) students who:

  • apply for accommodation by 31 July in the year when you start your programme
  • accept an unconditional firm offer to study at the University by 31 July
  • study at the University for the whole of the academic year starting in September

University accommodation website

Accommodation guarantee criteria

We also offer accommodation options for couples and families.

Accommodation for couples and families

If you prefer to live elsewhere, we can offer you advice on finding accommodation in Edinburgh.

Accommodation information from the Edinburgh University Students' Association Advice Place

Societies and clubs

Our societies and sports clubs will help you develop your interests, meet like-minded people, find a new hobby or simply socialise.

Societies

Sport Clubs

The city of Edinburgh

Scotland's inspiring capital will form the background to your studies — a city with an irresistible blend of history, natural beauty and modern city life. 

Find out more about living in Edinburgh

Our vibrant capital is a blend of culture, history, nature and modern city life. A fantastic place to live, it is also the perfect location to study your subject.  

Edinburgh’s dynamic cultural scene boasts the largest collection of historic buildings, museums, art galleries and theatres of any city in Scotland.

The University of Edinburgh’s museums and galleries include: 

  • the Talbot Rice Gallery
  • the Centre for Research Collections
  • St Cecilia’s Hall: Concert Room and Music Museum

Edinburgh is home to several major annual festivals, each bringing talent from around the world to our streets and stages, making the celebration of diversity an intrinsic part of the city’s culture. These include the:

  • Festival Fringe
  • Film Festival
  • Art Festival
  • Book Festival
  • Jazz and Blues Festival

Some of our students even participate in our annual festivals. 

Health and wellbeing support

You will have access to free health and wellbeing services throughout your time at university if you need them.

The support services we offer include: 

  • a student counselling service
  • a health centre (doctor's surgery)
  • support if you're living in University accommodation
  • dedicated help and support if you have a disability or need adjustments

Health and wellbeing support services 

Disability and Learning Support

General enquiries

Contact our enquiry team about your eligibility or how to apply.

Contact us

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