Applied Building Repair and Conservation (P.Grad.Dip.)

Overview

This one-year postgraduate course is designed to provide a solid knowledge of materials and built fabrics, both modern and traditional, the causes and mechanisms of failure and the traditional as well as the most advanced ways to repair and preserve them. In addition, on completion of the Diploma, the student is expected to successfully complete a research project and produce specifications for conservation work. The student is expected to develop an understanding of how to manage a conservation project. This course has been approved by Engineers Ireland as meeting its requirements for continuing professional development. This course is recognised by the RIAI (Royal Institute of the Architects of Ireland) in connection with the RIAI Conservation Accreditation System.

Course Organisation:

This is not an online course and attendance is compulsory.

The course comprises approximately 86 hours of core lectures, 18 hours of practical lectures and case studies, 18 hours of laboratory work and 9 hours of site visits. These are normally held on Friday 7-10 p.m. and Saturday 9.30 a.m.-12.30 p.m. each week throughout the two semesters (September to April). In addition, the student, working individually, shall complete a research project.

Course Content:

    Research and Documentation.
    The Built Heritage. Archaeology. Vernacular Architecture. Legislation.
    Building Surveying and Recording. BIM for Historic Structures.
    Building Stone. Ceramics. Metals. Timber. Thatch and Mudwall.
    Building Limes and Cements. Concrete.
    Heat and Moisture. Retrofitting for Energy Performance.
    Construction Technology and Project Management. Repairs. Case Studies.
    Structural Damage. Repairs to Masonry Fabrics and Building Elements. Structural Case Studies.
    Research project.

The award of a Postgraduate Diploma in Applied Building Repair and Conservation is based on a combination of the results of two examination papers and a research project. Each paper constitutes one third and the project the remaining third of the overall assessment. Students must pass each paper and the project. There is no system of compensation. The pass mark for the examinations and the project is 40%. A Distinction is awarded to those who obtain an overall average mark of 70% or more in both the project and two papers combined at the summer examinations. The annual examination will be held in April, with a supplemental examination in August. All students are required to sit the annual examination in April, unless permission to defer is received from the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Recommended texts: Please refer to the Course website

Career Opportunities 

Graduates from this programme have pursued diverse careers in areas including conservation project management, policy, and consultancy.

Click Here for further information on modules/subject.