An urge to study

[vicky whitworth]

Hello,
I have been reflecting on life, and have decided I would like to explore doing some studying in something like building conservation, historic buildings, landscape. I don't realistically see that I would get employment in any of these sorts of areas as a result of my studies but I'd like to have a new focus in my life. I'm currently an human resource manager and have been all my career.
I live in east Devon, and don't want to move house, nor to stay away from home overnight (I do too much of that already), and it would need to be part time as I'd have to keep some paid employment going in order to pay my bills.
Does anyone have any ideas or suggestions for courses? I think Bournemouth Uni does an Msc in building conservation and Plymouth in conservation architecture and I will investigate these but I'd appreciate any other suggestions anyone might have.
Thanks, Vicky

 

[Juju]

I think there are some distance learning courses eg Reading University, Leicester Uni, and the Ironbridge Institute/Birmingham Uni . There are lots of one-off courses too - might be worth trying those before committing to the huge expense of a Masters? When I decided to change career - I started volunteering for the National Trust (still there 3 years later in a much expanded role) and also did a few one-off courses with English Heritage/Oxford Uni.

I gave up my job 2 years ago and am starting to get paid work now but it's tough out there - I used to walk into jobs reasonably easy in my old career. Not now! And they're low paid... But I like being self-employed and having different things to do.
Juju

 

[plasticpigeon]

If it is for interest and not for a career change, is there a reason why you would want to do a course, and not just use facilities such as academic and local libraries? Courses might include a lot of work that doesn't interest you, and are very expensive!

 

[chidcp1]

The College of Estate Management in Reading, do a distance learning course, that can be a 2 year diploma or a 3 year MSc (awarded by Reading Uni). The full MSc is RICS and IHBC accredited - if you wanted to take things further. See - http://www.cem.ac.uk/our-courses/po...conservation-of-the-historic-environment.aspx

I did the course about five years ago, after having a non-professional interest in period building renovation for over a decade. It's not cheap, but the course is good and I thoroughly enjoyed it - I actually ended up getting a distinction for the MSc and 'Best Overall Student', which given I was up against qualified surveyors and the like, I was pretty chuffed!

While it is still not my 'main profession', I do some ad-hoc consultancy in building conservation and the course certainly helped give me the confidence to undertake such work.

Let me know if you want any specific details on the above course - or you can always contact the course director Henry Russell with any questions you may have, he is most approachable and helpful.

Clive

 

[DJH]

I'd love to do that Clive although I'm maybe too long in the tooth nowadays and if I want a new hip before I pop off £12k might just cover the op..... :lol:

Doug