MSc Sustainable Building Conservation

Postgraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants should have successfully completed a bachelor's degree or its equivalent from a recognized institution with a minimum overall score of 60% or equivalent.

English language proficiency:

• IELTS: A minimum overall score of 6.5 or 7.0 with no individual component below 6.
• TOEFL: A minimum overall score of 100.
• PTE Academic: A minimum overall score of 76.
• Some postgraduate programs may have specific subject prerequisites or additional requirements.

Cardiff University offers a range of scholarships to support international students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate studies. These scholarships are designed to attract high-achieving students from around the world, easing the financial burden and recognizing academic excellence. 

Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship: Cardiff University’s Vice-Chancellor’s International Scholarship is a merit-based award that provides partial funding for exceptional international undergraduate and postgraduate students. This scholarship rewards high academic achievement and study, making it ideal for students with strong academic backgrounds.

Global Wales Postgraduate Scholarship: This scholarship offers substantial funding to international postgraduate students from certain countries, including the USA, India, Vietnam, and EU nations. The scholarship covers part of the tuition fees and is awarded based on academic merit and potential for success.

Chevening Scholarship: Offered in collaboration with the UK government, the prestigious Chevening Scholarship is available to international students who demonstrate leadership potential and academic excellence. The award covers tuition fees, living expenses, travel costs, and other allowances, supporting future leaders and influencers in various fields.

Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships: For students from Commonwealth countries, the Commonwealth Master’s Scholarships provide funding for postgraduate students who would otherwise be unable to study in the UK. The scholarship includes full tuition, living expenses, and airfare, ensuring accessibility for students from developing nations.

British Council GREAT Scholarships: Cardiff University partners with the British Council to offer the GREAT Scholarships for students from specific countries, including China, India, Malaysia, and Thailand. These scholarships provide financial assistance for tuition fees and are intended to encourage bright students to pursue postgraduate studies in the UK.

Subject-Specific Scholarships: Certain academic departments at Cardiff University offer additional scholarships tailored to specific fields of study, such as engineering, business, and life sciences. These scholarships provide partial funding and are aimed at attracting talented students to specific programs.

Financial Aid and External Scholarships: In addition to Cardiff University scholarships, students can explore external funding options such as loans, grants, and scholarships provided by their home countries or private organizations. The university’s financial aid office offers guidance to help students find external financial support.

Graduates of the MSc Sustainable Building Conservation program from Cardiff University are well-positioned to pursue a variety of career paths in the conservation, architecture, and heritage management sectors. With a strong foundation in both conservation principles and sustainable practices, they can work in numerous industries that require expertise in preserving cultural heritage while addressing environmental challenges. 

Heritage Consultant: Heritage consultants provide expert advice on the conservation and management of historic buildings and sites. They work with government agencies, private clients, and conservation organizations to ensure that projects comply with conservation standards while promoting sustainability. Graduates can work independently or within consultancy firms that specialize in heritage conservation.

Conservation Architect: As a conservation architect, graduates apply their knowledge of sustainable building practices to restore and preserve historic buildings. They work on projects that involve retrofitting historic structures to improve energy efficiency and meet modern environmental standards while maintaining their historical integrity. These professionals work in architectural firms, government agencies, and non-profit organizations dedicated to heritage conservation.

Building Surveyor (Heritage Focus): Building surveyors with a focus on heritage conservation inspect and assess the condition of historic buildings. They advise on conservation strategies, including repairs, restoration, and maintenance, to ensure that buildings remain functional and safe while preserving their architectural significance. Graduates can find opportunities in surveyor firms, government departments, or construction companies involved in heritage projects.

Sustainability Consultant (Heritage Sector): Sustainability consultants in the heritage sector specialize in implementing environmentally sustainable practices for the conservation of historic buildings. They assess the energy performance of heritage sites and recommend strategies for improving their sustainability, such as introducing renewable energy systems, energy-efficient retrofitting, and sustainable materials. These roles are often found in consultancy firms and architectural practices that focus on heritage conservation.

Conservation Project Manager: Conservation project managers oversee the planning, design, and execution of conservation projects for historic buildings and sites. They coordinate with architects, engineers, contractors, and stakeholders to ensure that projects meet conservation standards and sustainability goals. Graduates can work for government bodies, heritage trusts, private firms, or as independent project managers.

Environmental Heritage Policy Advisor: Graduates can work as policy advisors, providing guidance on environmental and heritage conservation policies. They assist governmental and non-governmental organizations in creating legislation and policies that balance heritage preservation with sustainable development goals. These roles can be found in governmental agencies, international organizations, and think tanks focused on heritage and environmental policy.

Urban Conservation Specialist: Urban conservation specialists work to integrate sustainable practices into urban development projects that involve historic or heritage buildings. They ensure that urban regeneration projects respect historical contexts and meet environmental sustainability standards. These professionals work with municipal governments, urban planning firms, and architectural practices involved in city redevelopment projects.

Cultural Heritage Manager: Cultural heritage managers are responsible for overseeing the preservation of historical and cultural sites. They may work with museums, cultural institutions, and non-profit organizations to protect and manage heritage assets, including historic buildings, monuments, and landscapes. These roles often involve strategic planning, fundraising, and public engagement in the conservation process.

Environmental Impact Assessor (Heritage Projects): Environmental impact assessors focus on evaluating the potential environmental consequences of heritage-related development projects. Graduates in this field assess how conservation and development work will impact both the natural environment and cultural heritage, recommending mitigation measures to reduce any adverse effects. These roles can be found in environmental consultancy firms and governmental bodies.

Conservation Technician: Conservation technicians assist in the physical preservation and restoration of historic buildings, working with conservation architects and construction teams to implement conservation strategies. They may be involved in surveying, monitoring, and documenting the condition of buildings, as well as applying sustainable materials and techniques in restoration work. These roles are often found in construction companies, heritage trusts, and research institutions.

Museum Curator (Conservation Focus): Museum curators with a focus on conservation are responsible for managing and preserving the collections of cultural artifacts, artworks, and historical objects. They work to ensure that collections are properly conserved and displayed in environmentally controlled settings. Graduates can work for museums, galleries, and heritage centers, with responsibilities that include developing conservation strategies and managing sustainable practices for exhibitions.

Building Conservation Educator: Graduates with a passion for education can become instructors or trainers in the field of building conservation, sharing their expertise with future generations of professionals. They may work in universities, colleges, or training centers that offer courses in heritage conservation, sustainable building practices, and related fields.

Architectural Historian: Architectural historians study the historical development of buildings and structures, offering expertise on their preservation and significance. These professionals may work in academic settings, museums, or as consultants to conservation projects, ensuring that buildings are preserved with respect to their historical and architectural context.

Environmental Compliance Officer (Heritage Sites): Environmental compliance officers in heritage sectors ensure that conservation projects and heritage sites meet environmental regulations and sustainability standards. They monitor construction and restoration activities to ensure that they comply with legal frameworks aimed at protecting cultural heritage and minimizing environmental impact.