The twenty-five years of the MUBC programme's existence have seen a growing awareness of the cultural, social and economic importance of conserving the built heritage of buildings and urban areas. In this country and internationally, there is a growing demand for the knowledge and skills required to maintain and manage the wide range of buildings that form the material culture of society. We have also seen the development of the legislative environment, giving effect to Ireland’s ratification for the Convention for the Protection of the Architectural Heritage Europe. There is now an expectation that the care of historic buildings will meet the highest international standards. The conservation of buildings and the conservation of towns and urban areas are distinct but related concerns. They share a requirement for specialist knowledge and skills, usually require the collaboration of a range of disciplines, and make special demands on the theoretical frameworks and knowledge base of each discipline.
The programme in Urban and Building Conservation was established in UCD in 1986 in recognition of the growing need for expertise in architectural conservation. It forms part of a broad-ranging programme in UCD Architecture which seeks to prepare students and the profession for changing roles in architecture, and particularly, for an enlarging role in the rehabilitation and restoration of buildings and towns. UCD Architecture has taken on the responsibility of creating a centre of expertise for the study of conservation in Ireland. The MUBC programme attracts professionals from both private and public offices. Its participants have included architects, urban and regional planners, engineers, archaeologists, surveyors, historians and other associated disciplines.
The programme for the MUBC is conducted for the most part on the Richview campus, which adjoins the main University campus at Belfield. The Library at Richview is an essential resource for the programme, which has its own studio in an adjoining building.
The aim of the programme is to provide a high quality learning environment and an academic structure for research and development of ideas – a methodological framework which could inform and improve the decisions of practice. The programme is also intended to act as an introductory vehicle for those wishing to pursue further research at PhD level.
Past graduates have gone on to become international or national experts in their selected fields. Many of these graduates have changed the way that Ireland's designed environment is perceived, planned, protected and developed. Many have gone on to do the same in more international contexts.
Difference between MUBC and M.Arch.Sc. (Conservation & Heritage) Programmes
The principal difference between the MUBC programme and the M.Arch.Sc programme is the scope and ambition of the thesis requirement. The thesis for the MUBC degree must contain research warranting the award of 60 credits. The MUBC programme requires four semesters full-time attendance for completion. The thesis content of the MUBC programme is spread over semesters two, three and four.
MUBC Course Structure
Core & Elective Modules:
- ARCT 40300 Research Methods for the Designed Environment (5 ECTS) Semester 1
- ARCT 40170 Conservation History, Theory and Policy (5 ECTS) Semester 1
- ARCT no. TBC Postgraduate Architecture Studio (15 ECTs) Semester 1
- ARCT 40290 Case Studies and Reflective Practice (5 ECTS) Semester 2
- ARCT 40310 Materials, Technology and the Environment I (5 ECTS changed from 10 ECTS) Semester 2
- ARCT no. TBC Materials, Technology and the Environment II (5 ECTS) Semester 2
- ARCT no. TBC Building Study Studio (15 ECTs) Semester 2
- One Elective module (5 ECTs)
- Thesis Module (60 ECTs) Semesters 2, 3 & 4
University/College Requirements for the Programme
Candidates for the Degree must obtain the permission of the Faculty before entering on the course. A candidate who is a holder of the Degree of Bachelor of Architecture, or of an equivalent qualification in Architecture or a degree in a related discipline, shall be eligible to obtain the Degree of Master of Urban and Building Conservation on the following conditions
(a) The Degree of Master of Urban and Building Conservation (MUBC) will be taken through a full-time course of study.
(b) The duration of the full-time course of study is four semesters.
(c) The Degree of Master of Urban and Building Conservation may be obtained by thesis (Mode I). A candidate must carry out a research project under the direction of the supervisor appointed by the Head of the School. The thesis presented by the candidate is to embody the result of this research project. A candidate may be required to pass an oral examination on the subject matter of the thesis if the examiners so decide.
For further information please contact (opens in a new window)the School Manager, Mr. Adam Trodd.