Prepare for a career in heritage and conservation management on a programme fully recognised by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). This is the UK's leading body for building conservation practitioners and historic environment experts.
Introduction
This MA challenges you to think about the meanings of heritage. You’ll explore sustainable heritage management in a range of contexts; architectural, urban, social, political, scientific and economic.
We’ll introduce you to the key concepts, principles and practices of sustainable heritage management and examine their application to sustainability, conservation, tourism and regeneration.
You’ll work in partnership with regional, national and international heritage organisations on real-world projects. Gaining practical experience with heritage professionals, you’ll establish valuable industry contacts.
An optional work placement provides the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a library, museum, historic property, or other cultural setting. Our heritage partners include organisations such as National Museums Liverpool, Liverpool Anglican Cathedral, Slate Museum Wales, Victoria Gallery & Museum and Port Sunlight Village Trust.
Learning from leading heritage academics and practitioners, you can further enrich your studies by getting involved in the activities of relevant research groups. These include the Heritage Theme, the ArCHIAM Centre and the Architectural and Urban History Group.
Who is this course for?
This master’s is suitable for graduates from a range of Arts and Design disciplines, including Architecture, Archaeology, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Civil/Structural Engineering, Project Management, Quantity Surveying, and History, who have a passion for heritage and conservation management.
What you'll learn
The concepts, principles and practices of heritage and conservation management
How heritage management can drive sustainable development and regeneration
Research, analytical and interpretative skills
Conventional and innovative ways of showcasing and experiencing heritage assets
The impact of technology on the use, management and preservation of records and archives
Record-keeping structures, traditions and practices around the world
Key concepts and theories in architecture.
Accreditation
This course is fully recognised by the Institute of Historic Building Conservation (IHBC) – the UK’s leading body for building conservation practitioners and historic environment experts – and covers its areas of competence. The programme also follows the education guidelines of the International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS), UNESCO and Council of Europe requirements.
As a graduate of a course fully recognised by the IHBC, you’ll be eligible to apply for full IHBC membership after two years of professional experience instead of the usual minimum of five.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Semester one
Compulsory modules
Heritage Perspectives and Policies (ARCH735)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module introduces heritage as a complex phenomenon with significant values that play a vital role in all cycles of its life, including our current and future eras across the world. It provides the students with a comprehensive understanding of heritage and conservation policies and practice, and what heritage means; besides understanding how different stakeholders, including, policy makers, architects, planners, local governments, practitioners, international and local/ indigenous communities value it. The students will also be able to demonstrate international perspectives as professionals/citizens by being able to locate, discuss, analyse, and evaluate information from both local and international sources; besides considering issues from a variety of cultural standpoints. The students will be given ownership of their research activities and will have the opportunity to discuss their work in lectures and workshops, some of which will be directed by leading heritage professionals. The module also aims to link rigorous academic practices and methodologies to real world and employment-related scenarios. Additionally, the module aims to provide opportunities for the development of presentation, academic writing, and time management skills via variable and flexible activities throughout the semester.
Assessment is based on a coursework assignment and an oral presentation of the research background and methods, analysis findings and discussions.
Heritage Management: Approaches and Methods (ARCH736)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module addresses the need for managing heritage and assessing the international and local factors that affect cultural heritage and its sustainable care and management. This module complements and develops further concepts and approaches outlined in the introductory module and instils methodological approaches and skills to apply heritage management within the context of conservation, architecture and urban design practice. The module equips the students to apply heritage management methods in following modules in semester two.
This module is based on active learning through interactive lectures and workshops. The students will be given the opportunity to apply their learning practically under the same or similar conditions as practitioners outside academia. Students will not only acquire research skills but they will also obtain analytical and interpretative skills of situations and facts towards making appropriate choices and developing effective solutions in relation to heritage management approaches. They will be assessed against both coursework and oral presentation, which give them an opportunity to develop both written and oral literacies.
Optional modules
Architectural and Urban Forms of the Islamic World (ARCH737)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module aims to provide students with a comprehensive knowledge about the urban and architectural forms across a vast geographical region, the Islamic world. Examples from both ‘high’ and ‘peripheral’ Islamic traditions are presented in lectures and interactive seminars and workshops, aiming at providing a thorough understanding of both the distinctiveness and diversity of cultures and their established architectural practices. Examples and cases of integrated restoration and rehabilitation within historical contexts, which bring together preservation and developmental approaches, as well as addressing community engagement, are embraced in this module. This module aims to provide opportunities for the development of presentation, academic writing, and time management skills via variable and flexible activities throughout the semester.
ARCHITECTURAL THEORIES FROM 1900 TO THE PRESENT (ARCH712)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The module provides an introduction to key architectural concepts, themes and theories that have been influential in the field of architecture globally from 1900 onwards. It also introduces a framework for the understanding of the ongoing discourses in the field. It engages with a wide range of written texts on architectural theory – whether these originate from within architecture or from other disciplines – as well as architectural designs that have been informed by those ideas.
VIRTUAL ENVIRONMENTS FOR ARCHITECTURE (ARCH708)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
With the rapid development of Virtual Reality (VR) and Virtual Environments (VE), costs have now fallen to the point where it is feasible and practical for architects to consider integrating VR/VE in their design workflow. This module aims to give a theoretical and practical grounding in VR and VE to equip students with the tools to use this technology.
Students will be introduced to the historical context of virtual environments and virtual reality, and different related concepts such as augmented reality and mixed reality. They will experience different ways of interacting with the virtual environments through modelling, editing, visualising, immersing and walkthroughs.
Students will be able to explore profoundly different VR systems through a comparative study. They will be introduced to various software specialised in advanced 3D modelling and visualisation, and will be able to practice using this software through developing a detailed model for an existing space.
URBAN DESIGN (ARCH731)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
This module aims to help students develop in-depth knowledge on urban design and enhance their design skills to address the complex urban challenges of our age. It intends to prepare students to become creative and problem-solving professionals. To do so, this module will introduce students to a wide range of urban design theories, design principles and processes which underpin the discipline of urban design. Students will have the opportunity to study and debate key issues in urban design, the disciplinary foundations of urban design, various topics about public spaces, the application of urban analytical techniques and methods for practice, as well as urban design governance in relation to the planning system. The module will draw examples or case studies from both the local and international contexts and encourage students to think critically about possible design interventions in different urban environments towards sustainable development and place-making.
Since this module is taught together with ARCH406 Urban Design which is a compulsory module for the accredited MArch programme in Architecture, ideally students who select this module need to have some design skills from previous training in Architecture, Planning or Landscape Architecture.
AESTHETICS (PHIL716)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 1
The module intends to facilitate in-depth understanding of central themes of aesthetics and art theory, especially questions about aesthetic judgement, aesthetic experience and aesthetic value. Students will be able to further their knowledge of the history of philosophy as well as the connection between theory and artistic practice. The module is taught by seminar 1 hour per week; students are also advised to attend the PHIL 306 Aesthetics lecture 1 hour per week. Assessment is via a 3,000 essay. Students also take it in turns to give one 10-15 minute presentation in class, formative assessment.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Semester two
Compulsory modules
Heritage Management and Sustainable Development (ARCH738)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module introduces the students to the practice of cultural heritage management as a driver of sustainable development, reconciling conservation requirements with local development needs and integrating heritage protection into urban and regional planning. The module provides comprehensive multidisciplinary understanding of the methodological and practical aspects of heritage management planning in the context of sustainable development. These include field documentation, analysis of primary and secondary data, design interventions, and review of international heritage policy and best-practice towards assessing heritage values, identifying protection requirements, priorities and measures, producing conservation and development guidelines, and devising appropriate awareness raising and dissemination strategies.
Upon completion of this module the students will be able to: a) recognise and leverage the potential of material and immaterial heritage assets to contribute to all dimensions of sustainable development; b) devise principles, strategies, methods and approaches for their conservation and management that are aligned with broader sustainable development objectives; c) showcase said heritage assets to the wide spectrum of stakeholders, including government and policy makers, cultural institutions, practitioners, local communities and the general public.
Working on real-life cases and interacting with peers as well as staff with world-leading expertise in heritage management and development, students will develop an international and multidisciplinary outlook as professionals/citizens and an ability to appraise and respond to issues from a variety of cultural perspectives.
The module is delivered through lectures, Q&A sessions and workshops. Lectures and workshops will focus on the application of methods, approaches and strategies for heritage management in the context of sustainable development. Q&A sessions will provide a vibrant interactive platform to debate subject-specific matters with peers, staff and visiting experts.
Assessment is based on a group coursework assignment consisting in a heritage management plan, and a group oral presentation of the research background and methods, analysis findings and heritage management propositions.
Research Methodology (ARCH707)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
Research methods training for MA/MSc thesis
Optional modules
Heritage Documentation, Digitisation and Presentation (ARCH739)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The module provides students with knowledge of conventional and innovative ways of recording, digitizing, visually presenting and virtually experiencing different heritage assets. These come in different forms and shapes from architectural to archaeological sites and artefacts, and from movable heritage to oral history. Students will produce a fieldwork report, including images and text. Therefore, along with digitisation and IT skills specific to heritage contexts, students will acquire heritage drawing, communication and teamwork skills. Hands-on workshops with heritage experts will enhance students’ experience and employability skills. Assessment is based on an oral presentation of the findings and a coursework assignment consisting of fieldwork report.
Professional Placement (ARCH740)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module enables students to gain valuable experience within a wide range of heritage organisations. Students will also have the opportunity to do a work-related dissertation or research-led design project, which enables them to work on real-life and applied research/design topic developed in collaboration with an external partner. Students will be able to apply practical, vocational, pedagogical, theoretical and other knowledge within a heritage professional context relevant to the delivery and progress of the placement tasks and activities. Students will be able to reflect and report on the relationship between the two. This module aims to enhance the students’ personal and employability skills.
There is an element of flexibility in how the placement is scheduled, based on the needs of the organization, and taking into consideration individual timetable.
DIGITAL RECORDS: THEIR NATURE, USE AND PRESERVATION IN THE INFORMATION SOCIETY (HIST566)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The module introduces students to ways in which information and communication technologies have affected, and will continue to affect, the management and exploitation of records and archives, and the consequences of these changes both for professional practice and for users.
INTERNATIONAL RECORD KEEPING (HIST561)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
The module provides an overview of record keeping developments from an international perspective. It introduces students to record-keeping structures, traditions and practices throughout the world, and to the legislative, cultural and political traditions which affect those practices. In doing so it enables students them to approach record-keeping theory and practice in their home country both critically and comparatively. The module considers the role that records and archives have played over time, particularly, from 1945, in the area of human rights.
PHILOSOPHY OF FILM (PHIL757)
Credits: 15 /
Semester: semester 2
This module considers what it is to think philosophically about the nature of film. It critically discusses philosophical approaches to the medium. It examines the thinking of philosophers, critics and filmmakers on vital issues encountered when discussing film as art. It considers the importance of film and its relation to other art forms. It familiarises students with works by key filmmakers, and encourages students to engage with these works. The module will enhance students’ abilities to think critically about fundamental issues surrounding film, and about what philosophers, critics and filmmakers have said about the medium. It is taught through weekly seminars (1 hour per week) and film screenings. Assessment is by one 3,000 word essay.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
Final project
Optional modules
Thesis: Dissertation (ARCH721)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
A primary aim of this module is to offer the opportunity to submit a conventional written dissertation on an individual, approved topic related to the student’s degree topic.
Thesis: Research by Design (ARCH722)
Credits: 60 /
Semester: summer
A primary aim of this module is to offer the opportunity to submit a ‘ Research by Design’ thesis which combines a thorough piece of research culminating in a design project. This should respond to current research agendas in the fields of architecture, sustainability, computational design, history, heritage or BIM and in particular the idea of design-led research. It is expected that the majority of students will work individually but, with the prior agreement of the Programme Director, students undertaking a Research by Design Thesis may be permitted in pairs where the project is of sufficient complexity. Clear demarcation of individual contributions to the project must be evident in the final submission.
Any optional modules listed above are illustrative only and may vary from year to year. Modules may be subject to minimum student numbers being achieved and staff availability. This means that the availability of specific optional modules cannot be guaranteed.
How you'll learn
The majority of the modules will be taught within the Liverpool School of Architecture (LSA), with four elective modules taught within the departments of History and Philosophy. The programme is designed to allow equal opportunities for students both with and without prior specialist architectural training, as it is open to students from different background with interest in heritage.
In addition to the mandatory modules, all students can select from a range of optional modules that provide deeper knowledge of a specific topic or area in heritage studies. The modules are taught in a variety of ways – traditional lectures centred on fundamental principles and heritage applications, group discussions in workshops, flipped classroom, guided independent study, tutorials, hands-on workshops, discussions with heritage specialists and practitioners, learning from case studies and field trips.
Additionally, the placement opportunities with different heritage institution will help the studnets to develop their work skills.
How you're assessed
The assessment strategies for the modules incorporated in this MA programme reflect the variety of teaching approaches used, and include poster submissions, analytical reports, essays, sustainable heritage management plan, heritage design project, oral and practical presentations, and a research dissertation or a design project led by research.
Liverpool Hallmarks
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
Course options
Studying with us means you can tailor your degree to suit you. Here's what is available on this course.
The Liverpool School of Architecture benefits from comfortable, well-lit studio, work and seminar/review spaces, including a ‘hi-tech’ design studio, to which you will have 24-hour access.
Our facilities include a Print Media Design Suite, computing labs, workshops, a laser suite, a CNC router room, 3D printers, computing labs and research labs. A team of dedicated technicians will help you to get the most of these facilities and to realise your ideas.
Support for students with differing needs from the Disability advice and guidance team. They can identify and recommend appropriate support provisions for you.
Why study Architecture at Liverpool?
Established in 1894, the Liverpool School of Architecture was the first university in the UK to award a RIBA-accredited degree in Architecture
As one of the UK’s premier centres for architectural research and education, the Liverpool School of Architecture is the ideal place to pursue your architecture studies
We are ranked 3rd in the UK for Architecture (The Guardian University Guide 2025) and 7th in the Times and Sunday Times Higher Education Good University Guide 2025.
In the latest Research Excellence Framework assessment (REF 2021), we were rated 5th in the sector for overall research classified as world leading (4*) or internationally excellent (3*).
We are strongly focused on research, and have many leading architectural experts based amongst our teaching staff
Our membership of the School of the Arts and wider University presents intriguing specialist opportunities, in fields such as autonomous building systems, arts and building design, and climate change risk mitigation
Work is underway on a major refurbishment of our premises, which will comprise a new-build addition of more than 2,000M. The £23 million scheme has been designed by Dublin-based architects O’Donnell + Tuomey, and is expected to be completed by 2024.
Sustainable Heritage Management student Amber shares her experience of studying at Liverpool
Careers and employability
Providing the students with a clear career path, this programme will offer multidisciplinary and inter-disciplinary research and practice options and open opportunities for placement at a variety of institutes and locations, nationally and internationally. This programme will provide graduates with a critical understanding of both the theoretical and operational aspects of heritage, and an informed use of lessons from the past to enhance the present. The interdisciplinary and multidisciplinary nature of sustainable heritage management studies leads to creativity and enterprise.
Graduates will have an acute awareness of the moral and ethical issues that are inherent in heritage, which contributes to skilful negotiation of contested matters. These abilities are valued by employers, both academics and heritage agencies. The breadth of this programme widens the spectrum of employment opportunities. This programme is designed to meet the training requirements to equip the students with the skills and knowledge for further study towards an MPhil/PhD. Additionally, the full recognition by the IHBC and placement opportunities enhance the student’s ability and their profile to work in a wide range of professional roles. Recent graduates of similar programmes have gone on to work in the heritage policy field and/or project related-areas for national and international organisations, such as IHBC, RICS, English Heritage, the National Trust, ICOMOS and UNESCO
Career support from day one to graduation and beyond
Potential career pathways include, but are not limited to, the roles of:
Conservation officer.
Conservation architect.
Heritage consultant.
Building surveyor.
Heritage crafts.
You could apply to work for UK government agencies, such as English Heritage and Historic Scotland.
International opportunities also abound, working for heritage organisations in their respective countries, or international heritage charities such as:
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).
International Council on Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS).
The Council of Europe.
International Centre for the Study of the Preservation and Restoration of Cultural Property (ICCROM).
The programme also equips you with the skills and knowledge needed to continue your studies and work towards an MPhil or PhD.
Fees and funding
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Tuition fees
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland)
Full-time place, per year
£11,700
Part-time place, per year
£5,850
International fees
Full-time place, per year
£26,600
Part-time place, per year
£13,300
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about fees and funding.
Additional costs
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Architecture (or a closely related subject e.g. Archaeology, Arts, Landscape Architecture, Urban Design, Civil/Structural Engineering, Project Management, Anthropology, Geography, Sociology, Languages and Literature, Tourism and Hospitality, Quantity Surveying, Art History or History). A minimum of two years’ work experience is desirable but not necessary.
Applicants with degrees of a lower classification but who have considerable senior-level professional experience may also be accepted. For those applicants without a first degree or full professional membership, but with relevant and substantial work experience in the field, a special qualifying examination/interview may be set.
International qualifications
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
English language qualification
Requirements
IELTS
6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0
TOEFL iBT
88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted.
Duolingo English Test
120 overall, with no component below 105
Pearson PTE Academic
61 overall, with no component below 59
LanguageCert Academic
70 overall, with no skill below 65
PSI Skills for English
B2 Pass with Merit in all bands
INDIA Standard XII
National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English.
WAEC
C6 or above
PRE-SESSIONAL ENGLISH
Do you need to complete a Pre-Sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-Sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Contact us
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
