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Conservation of the Historic Environment - Short Courses

Currently viewing course to start in 2025/26 Entry.

Birmingham City University is offering workshops in Conservation of the Historic Environment which can be attended individually as elements of CPD training accredited by the IHBC (Institute of Historic Building Conservation)....

  • Level CPD
  • Study mode Short Course
  • Award N/A
  • Start date October 2025 onwards

This course is:

Overview

Birmingham City University is offering workshops in Conservation of the Historic Environment which can be attended individually as elements of CPD training accredited by the IHBC (Institute of Historic Building Conservation).

What are they?

There are two-day workshops on a range of topics related to Conservation of the Historic Environment - sustainability, conservation legislation, conservation planning, the history of British Buildings, project management and urban design, disaster management and heritage management, and so on. There are also more practical two-day workshops on lime, stone, timber, ferrous and non-ferrous metals, ceramic building materials, twentieth-century building materials, building recording, historic interiors, traditional estate management and canal heritage.

Who are they for?

They are for anyone who wants to deepen their knowledge of the management of the historic environment in a particular area. Or for those who want to refresh their skills. Or for those who want to do a short course as a taster before deciding whether to commit to a longer post-graduate programme.

How much do they cost?

£210 for each two-day course. Some courses have limited capacity.

What do they come with?

Each participant gets an attendance certificate and an extensive collection of resource material – reading list, articles and guidance.

Fees & How to Apply

Cost

Each two-day course costs £210; occasionally it may be possible to undertake one day at a reduced cost, although priority will be given to those booking for two days.


For any information about any of these courses please contact Katriona Byrne at the details below for online enrolment information.

Katriona Byrne BA, MA, MUBC, Post-grad Dip.

katriona.byrne@bcu.ac.uk

Tel: 01212 028526

Course in Depth

Course Timetable


Defects and Remedial Measures

Date: 17-18 October 2025
Location: Parkside Building, Birmingham City University B4 7BD

Aim of the course:

To understand the problems with historic buildings, especially relating to structural defects and decay. How to manage damp is a key topic. The maintenance of historic buildings is also considered. A site visit to a major local site is included.

Book your place for Defects and Remedial Measures


Understanding British Buildings

Date: 31 October-1 November 2025
Location: School of Art, Margaret Street, Birmingham and Parkside Building, Birmingham City University B4 7BD

Aim of the course:

To understand the problems with historic buildings, especially relating to structural defects and decay. How to manage damp is a key topic. The maintenance of historic buildings is also considered. A site visit to a major local site is included.

Book your place for Understanding British Buildings


Sustainability and Adaptation

Date: 4-15 November 2025
Location: Parkside Building, Birmingham City University B4 7BD and site visits nearby

Aim of the course:

So you have an empty or underused building - what would you like to do with it – and what is the reality of what you can do with it – bearing in mind current legislation and planning policies.

The reuse of historic buildings has been proven time and again to aid regeneration, but will what you want to do with the building destroy its historic character or damage its fabric? After the capital works have been completed how are you going to ensure the building earns its keep and that you can afford to maintain it? How can you incorporate ‘green’ building technologies? Explore ‘Fabric-first’ vs ‘People-first’ approaches. Come to this two-day workshop to thrash out all these conundrums.

Book your place for Sustainability and Adaptation


Conservation Ethics and Philosophy

Date: 28-29 November 2025
Location: Jewellery Quarter, Birmingham and Parkside Building, Birmingham City University B4 7BD and site visits nearby

Aim of the course:

A look at the history of Conservation, its conflicts, the tension between fabric and character. What makes your asset - building/ site/ landscape - SIGNIFICANT? What are the most important things about it - only if you know this can you understand what to do with it. Learn the current way of ascribing Significance and experience how to apply this to real buildings and sites.

Book your place for Conservation Ethics and Philosophy


Facilities & Staff

city centre research

Our Facilities

When you join Birmingham City University, the first thing you will notice is the exceptional quality of our campuses. With an investment of over £400 million across our buildings and facilities, we are committed to giving you the very best learning environment to help shape your experience.

You will be based in our multi-million pound Parkside building – a state of the art facility located within our City Centre Campus.

Our staff

Katriona Byrne

Senior Lecturer in Conservation of the Historic Environment

Katriona's BA in History of Art led her to work on the Pevsner Architectural Guide for Dublin and on the National Inventory of Ireland. The Historic Heart of Dublin European project led to a postgraduate Diploma in Architectural Inventorying and Recording. Katriona then worked for about 10 years as a local authority...

More about Katriona

Enquiries

For detailed programmes and information about any of these courses please contact Katriona Byrne at the details below for online enrolment details.

Katriona Byrne BA, MA, MUBC, Post-grad Dip.
katriona.byrne@bcu.ac.uk
Birmingham City University