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

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:
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 thesis.

Course Content:
Research and Documentation
Introduction. The Built Heritage. Legislation and Economics.
Research and Documentation. Building Surveying and Recording.
Building Stone. Ceramics. Metals. Timber. Thatch and Mudwall.
Building Limes and Cements. Concrete.
Construction Technology and Project Management. Management Case Studies.
Structural Damage and Repairs to Masonry Fabrics and Building Elements. Structural Case Studies
Research thesis

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 thesis. Each paper constitutes one third and the thesis the remaining third of the overall assessment. Students must pass each paper and the thesis. There is no system of compensation. The pass mark for the examinations and the thesis is 40%. A Distinction is awarded to those who obtain an overall average mark of 70% or more in both the thesis and two papers combined at the summer examinations. The annual examination will be held in May and June, with a supplemental examination in September. All students are required to sit the annual examination in May/June, unless permission to defer is received from the Dean of Graduate Studies.

Recommended texts:
Please refer to the Course website.