Building conservation masterclasses

The programme

The programme of Building Conservation Masterclasses (BCMs) at West Dean provides technical and practical skills in the repair and maintenance of historic structures.  These intensive short courses have been designed and are delivered by leading practitioners in the field of building conservation.

Aimed at those who need to develop practical skills and those who need to understand, specify and supervise these skills, the BCMs are relevant for craftsmen, conservators, conservation officers, architects, surveyors, planners, construction managers, specifiers, specialist contractors and archaeologists. A new Professional Development Diploma can be achieved through the successful completion of 10 BCMs and the submission of a final essay.

West Dean's building conservation programme has its origins in the work of English Heritage. The organisation's training base at Fort Brockhurst in Hampshire was transferred to West Dean in 1997 following an agreement between English Heritage, West Dean College and the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum.

The facilities

The provision of a first class physical environment at West Dean College and in the nearby Weald & Downland Open Air Museum provides a base in a rural location with many different historic buildings within easy reach.

The unique ruinette at West Dean - on which students can practise conservation and repair techniques - is a purpose-built structure exhibiting many of the problems found on historic buildings. Courses in timber conservation are based at the adjacent Weald and Down Open Air Museum.

Accreditations

West Dean College's building conservation courses have been accredited by an English Heritage panel and are run in conjunction with the Weald and Downland Open Air Museum. English Heritage advises the government on the protection of the historic environment, its primary aim being the conservation of England's historic sites, monuments, buildings and areas. In addition, the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) has approved West Dean as one of its official CPD providers. West Dean courses are worth double CPD points to RIBA members. The Construction Industry Training Board (CITB) approves West Dean's building conservation courses, many of which are eligible for CITB grants. Many ICON members find that West Dean courses are an invaluable contribution towards meeting the learning objectives they set themselves as part of the process of continuing professional development.

Bespoke Courses

West Dean College is able to design and tailor specific conservation short courses for organisations on request. Drawing on a wide range of expertise amongst our tutors, a comprehensive range of training can be offered.

Enquiries

Liz Campbell t +44 (0) 1243 818219 e liz.campbell@westdean.org.uk