Postgraduate courses in Architectural History

Architectural history requires you to have an interest in two areas. You guessed it – architecture and history!

This area combines both and will allow those working in this discipline to look back at architecture from years and centuries previous. 

There are many courses in this area that might suit you if you are looking to take your career in this direction. Have a look and see if your career begins or develops right here. 

What is architectural history?

Architectural history refers to the consideration of the questions, answers and problems put forward by architectural historians from the beginning of this discipline dating back to the 19th century. 

What work is involved?

As an architectural historian you will have a great interest in both history and architectural trends from past eras. Your daily tasks may differ from project to project but duties and tasks that you may carry out in this position include: 

• Carry out surveys, archival research, assessment of historic building
• Prepare cultural, social and economic elements of historic context statements 
• Prepare and review reports for environmental compliance
• Look at the effects and significance on historic properties
• Create plans for mitigation measures and management measure for buildings
• Carry out field studies
• Oversee data 
• Plan, prepare and oversee different aspects related to permitting, mitigation plans, due diligence surveys and project monitoring
• Use aerial photographs, GPS units, topographic maps and many other tools
• Manage projects and clients
• Present research findings to colleagues
• Lead external workshops
• Carry out collaborations with project opportunities and business opportunities

Courses

There are many courses on offer in the area across the UK. Some courses offer the opportunity to study either part time or full time. Universities may have certain restrictions in place due to Covid-19 and may offer courses online. Courses available include:

History of Architecture

Postgraduate courses in the history of architecture allows students to delve into the world of architecture. Students will look at built and designed objects, their social, economic and political contexts, their connections to culture and thought and their urban and landscape settings. In most of these courses, you can choose particular areas of your interest to study. Some modules might include Histories and Theories of Art, Architecture, Photography and Museum Cultures aside from a research project. Course material will differ from course to course. 

Historic Building Conservation

Postgraduate courses in historic building conservation will allow students to look at strategic analysis as well as gaining a knowledge of core techniques in the field. Students will gain skills and knowledge to add to their career including knowledge of law, policy and regulation frameworks that apply to heritage buildings in the UK and Europe. Other focuses include regeneration and conservation of historic environments as well as defects, pathology, repair and renewal. Specific content may differ from course to course.

History of Art and Architecture of Islamic Middle East and Intensive Language

Courses in this area will provide students with expertise, knowledge and skills in the History of Art and/or Archaeology of Asia, Africa and the Middle East. There are many different areas covered while specific areas covered may differ depending on the course or University you are studying in. 

Entry requirements 

Entry requirements may differ from course to course or university to university. Therefore, it is important to research your specific course in detail to ensure you meet the entry requirements. As these courses are postgraduate courses, you will need a bachelor’s degree. Some courses may accept a 2.2 degree while others will require a 2.1. A degree in a relevant area is preferred

Salary

Your salary can depend on your experience and your employment, ie. who you are working for and what size the company is. It is believed that as an architectural historian in the UK, you may earn anything from around £42,000 to £68,000. 

Skills and requirements 

Skills and requirements helpful in this area include:

• Strong communication skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Ability to carry out and interpret research 
• An interest in history and architecture
• Organisation skills
• Time management skills 
• Presentation skills 
• Ability to use different tools needed to carry out research 
• IT skills
• Attention to detail 
• Ability to work well with others
• Critical thinker
• Observation skills