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Built Environment: Sustainable Heritage (Heritage Science) MSc

London, Bloomsbury and London, Hackney Wick (Here East)

The Heritage Science route offers research-led, scientific training to tackle heritage challenges through sustainable solutions. This accredited degree combines hands-on learning with technical knowledge and fieldwork, you’ll engage with methods from physical and social sciences, engineering, imaging and computing, developing the skills to protect and understand heritage through cross-disciplinary practice. 

UK students International students
Study mode
UK tuition fees (2026/27)
£21,500
£10,750
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Overseas tuition fees (2026/27)
£39,200
£19,600
Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.
Duration
1 calendar year
2 calendar years
5 calendar years
Programme starts
September 2026
Applications accepted
Applicants who require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 26 Jun 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Applicants who do not require a visa: 20 Oct 2025 – 28 Aug 2026
Applications close at 5pm UK time

Applications open

Apply for this course

Entry requirements

Normally a minimum of a second-class Bachelor's degree from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard. Applicants with degrees of a lower classification but with considerable senior-level professional experience may also be accepted. Please note that a special qualifying examination may be set. Details of this route can be obtained from the department at the email address at the bottom of this page.

The English language level for this course is: Level 2

UCL Pre-Master's and Pre-sessional English courses are for international students who are aiming to study for a postgraduate degree at UCL. The courses will develop your academic English and academic skills required to succeed at postgraduate level.

Further information can be found on our English language requirements page.

Equivalent qualifications

Country-specific information, including details of when UCL representatives are visiting your part of the world, can be obtained from the International Students website.

International applicants can find out the equivalent qualification for their country by selecting from the list below. Please note that the equivalency will correspond to the broad UK degree classification stated on this page (e.g. upper second-class). Where a specific overall percentage is required in the UK qualification, the international equivalency will be higher than that stated below. Please contact Graduate Admissions should you require further advice.

About this degree


Heritage Science is an expanding interdisciplinary field, requiring professionals that have both technical and scientific skills and an understanding of the heritage sector. This degree situates this scientific learning firmly in the context of the realities of the heritage sector.  You learn to apply new technical and analytical methods to address fascinating research questions within heritage, from the preservation in museums and collections, through to the historic buildings and natural heritage conservation. As a student you have access to real heritage sites and laboratories, with opportunities to engage with experienced practitioners from the heritage sector, and to apply your classroom learning to real heritage challenges.

During your degree you: 

  • Learn about the value of heritage, and how to use it as a framework to interpret scientific results. 
  • Understand the scientific demands of different heritage challenges across cultural heritage collections, art preservation, natural heritage, and historic buildings.  
  • Design and undertake experiments, selecting the most appropriate methods for different heritage scenarios and materials.  
  • Learn how material and environmental change can lead to degradation of different heritage materials, gaining strategies for prevention, intervention and risk management. 
  • Gain hands on experience of heritage projects, taking part in a live historic building conservation project with a heritage partner. 
  • Have access to a wide range of state-of-the-art scientific facilities and labs 
  • Deepen your knowledge and career skills through optional modules on climate change, citizen science, inclusivity, sustainable strategies for buildings, collections, and development. 
  • Collaborate with Heritage Management and Heritage Data Science students, gaining insight into the interdisciplinary professional collaborations required for successful heritage projects.

Built Environment: Sustainable Heritage MSc offers three specialist routes: Data Science, Heritage Science and Heritage Management.

Who this course is for

Students from all backgrounds are welcome to apply. This degree is open to applicants with a physical sciences background such as physics or chemistry, as well as applicants from other disciplines (e.g. conservation, curation, history) that want to develop heritage science skills. 

Read about what it takes to study for a Master's at UCL

What this course will give you

Learn from heritage experts and practitioners 
You learn from our academic experts working on impactful research and partnerships at the UCL Institute for Sustainable Heritage in The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources. We have led many influential heritage science projects including 2025 Europa Nostra Award winner Odeuropa on olfactory heritage, IPERION HS building pan-European heritage science infrastructure, and COMPLEX studying the degradation of plastics in collections.  

Gain hands-on experience for your future career 
During your degree you undertake live projects with our partner organisations, putting classroom knowledge into practice on fieldwork visits. Watch Instagram reels of Narmin’s experience completing fieldwork at Lamport Hall and Aki’s experience on a field trip at Villa Portelli in Malta. You also have project placement opportunities with leading heritage organisations. You are introduced to practicing heritage professionals, with much of the teaching led by practitioners from prestigious organisations.

Study at a world-class university in a historic city 
London is a city full of culture and history, offering opportunities to deepen your appreciation of heritage during your studies. London is ranked the best city for students in the UK and Europe, and holds third place worldwide (QS Best Student Cities 2026). We are #1 in the world for Architecture and Built Environment studies (QS World University Ranking 2025 by Subject), as well as a world top 10 university (QS World University Rankings 2025).  

Read about what you'll get out of a graduate programme
Making an impact
Two researchers using swabs to undertake experiments on an ancient Egyptian sarcophagus

Using our senses to understand mummification

Learn how we’re putting heritage science into action by using the sense of smell to better understand ancient Egyptian mummification processes.

The foundation of your career

Students on the Heritage Science route of the Sustainable Heritage MSc graduate with an in-depth understanding of the heritage sector, along with strong scientific expertise to investigate and analyse heritage buildings, collections, and sites. 

Previous sustainable heritage students from The Bartlett School of Environment Energy and Resources have gone on apply heritage science at prestigious heritage organisations such as the British Museum, Historic England and the National Museum Institute of History of Art, Conservation and Museology in India (HESA Graduate Outcomes Survey 2017-23). Others have gone on to a PhD.

We’ve gathered experiences from graduates from our master’s programmes. Find out more about their learning experiences, careers opportunities, and more on our master’s graduates' experiences page. 

Employability

You develop skills in the use of scientific methods in a cultural heritage context, including practical laboratory-based skills. You also learn how to evaluate and communicate the results of scientific studies and to transform their findings into practical actions that can support decision-making and change in the heritage sector. 

There is an opportunity to work closely with a heritage organisation or practice during the degree which is facilitated through the professional networks of the academic staff, including our guest lecturers, many of whom come from prestigious heritage organisations. 

All students will gain access to an extensive alumni network of professionals who have taken the course and are now leaders in the field. 

Networking

We offer many opportunities for networking. Invited speakers and external lecturers from leading heritage organisations teach in our modules and supervise student dissertations. We organise regular invited lectures, which are followed by networking opportunities. The course has been developed in close collaboration with leaders of the heritage sector, ensuring its relevance to employers. The MSc has many connections to industry, thanks to our privileged location at the heart of Bloomsbury, the wide network alumni, and long-standing research and teaching collaborations that span decades. 

Accreditation

The Sustainable Heritage MSc and all its routes are accredited by the Institute for Historic Building Conservation (IHBC). Our IHBC accreditation allows students to accelerate their progress towards becoming a Full Member of the IHBC, its highest level of accreditation, reducing the length of the process from 5 to 2 years.

This degree is currently undergoing its regular reaccreditation process with the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS). Taking a RICS accredited course is a step towards becoming a Chartered Surveyor which would give you international recognition of professional status. It also provides access to a global network of built environment professionals. 

Teaching and learning

The taught modules are delivered through a combination of modules taught via weekly classes and other block taught modules, usually consisting of intensive 1-week blocks of teaching. For each module, you need to complete pre-session reading and preparation using an online learning environment and traditional literature sources. 

We teach using a variety of media and strategies including problem-based and lab-based learning, fieldwork, discussion groups, project work, exercises, coursework, and reports. Assessment is through written individual and group assignments and the 10,000-word dissertation. Other assessment methods depend on the optional modules chosen, and include diverse scientific outputs such as posters, presentations and technical notes. 

Full-time students study the equivalent of a full-time job. In terms one and two full-time students can typically expect between 8 and 12 contact hours per teaching week through a mixture of lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials. During block teaching modules the week’s contact hours are 35-40 hours. Outside of lectures, seminars, workshops and tutorials, full-time students use their remaining time (approximately 22-29 hours) for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments. In term three and the summer period students will be completing their own dissertation research, keeping regular contact with their dissertation supervisors.

Modules

You will take a series of taught modules and a research project leading to a dissertation. 

The taught modules are delivered in Term 1 and Term 2. Three of the core taught modules are shared with all Built Environment: Sustainable Heritage MSc routes, giving you the opportunity to work with students studying sustainable heritage from different perspectives. These are:  

  • Sustainable Heritage: Management, Science and Foresight 
  • Sustainable Heritage in Practice 
  • Policy Advice and Evidence for Heritage 

In addition, each route has three modules that are specific to the route which students must complete, with a focus on technical skills. For the Heritage Science route, these are:   

  • Introduction to Heritage Science 
  • Preventive Conservation of Heritage Materials and Assemblies 
  • Analytical Methods in Heritage Science 

There are several optional modules available, all in Term 2. Students should choose two optional modules, including at least one of those provided by the Built Environment: Sustainable Heritage MSc. Students can choose a second also, or take another module from elsewhere at UCL, pending approval from the Course Director. 

You will complete a research project leading to a dissertation throughout Term 3 and the summer. 

You will take a series of taught modules and a research project leading to a dissertation over two years 

The taught modules are delivered in Term 1 and Term 2 of both years.  Three of the core taught modules and shared with all Built Environment: Sustainable Heritage MSc routes, giving you the opportunity to work with students studying sustainable heritage from different perspectives. 
   
For the shared taught modules, part-time students will start Year 1 with the module:  

  • Sustainable Heritage: Management, Science and Foresight. 

In Year 2 you will take: 

  • Sustainable Heritage in Practice 
  • Policy Advice and Evidence for Heritage 

In addition, each route has three modules that are specific to the route, with a focus on technical skills.   

For part-time students, in Year 1, the following modules are compulsory for the Heritage Science route: 

  • Introduction to Heritage Science 
  • Analytical Methods in Heritage Science 

There are several optional modules available, all in Term 2.  Students should choose two optional modules, including at least one of those provided by the Built Environment: Sustainable Heritage MSc.  Students can choose a second also, or take another module from elsewhere at UCL, pending approval from the Course Director.  Students should take one optional module in Year 1 and one in Year 2. 

In Year 2, part-time students should complete the following module: 

  • Preventive Conservation of Heritage Materials and Assemblies 

You will complete a research project leading to a dissertation in Year 2 throughout Term 3 and the summer. 

You will take a series of taught modules and a research project leading to a dissertation over the course of five consecutive academic years. 

The taught modules are delivered in Term 1 and Term 2 of each year. Three of the taught modules are core and shared among the three routes. These are:  

  • Sustainable Heritage: Management, Science and Foresight 
  • Sustainable Heritage in Practice 
  • Policy Advice and Evidence for Heritage 

In addition, each route has three modules that are specific to the route which students must complete, with a focus on technical skills. For the Heritage Science route, these are:   

  • Introduction to Heritage Science 
  • Preventive Conservation of Heritage Materials and Assemblies 
  • Analytical Methods in Heritage Science 

There are several optional modules available, all in Term 2. Students should also choose two optional modules, including at least one of those provided by the Built Environment: Sustainable Heritage MSc. Students can choose a second also, or take another module from elsewhere at UCL, pending approval from the Programme Leader. 

Students should also take the dissertation module either in the year in which they complete the final taught modules or the year after they have completed all taught modules, as long as this is not more than five consecutive years after they first enrolled 

In addition, flexible students will be recommended to consider the following: 

  • Take the module Sustainable Heritage: Management, Science and Foresight before completing any of the other taught modules. 
  • Take at least one module in each academic year they are enrolled on the MSc. 

Flexible students will be encouraged to discuss their plan for completing the Masters with the Course Director. It is anticipated that this plan will be reviewed at the beginning of each academic year.

Compulsory modules




Heritage Materials and Assemblies (UK)

Policy Advice and Evidence for Heritage




Optional modules







Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Built Environment: Sustainable Heritage (Heritage Science).

Fieldwork

The teaching of one of the core modules, Sustainable Heritage in Practice, shared among all routes, takes place over a week-long piece of fieldwork.

Several fieldwork options are offered, and students can choose which one to attend. Fieldwork typically takes place during week-long residential, self-catered trips. Previous destinations have included historic properties in the UK and Malta, including historic houses, museums and archaeological sites. In this dynamic module, the destination and the heritage challenges tackled by students change year to year, as we identify sites of high interest that have not been studied before in our course. 

A choice of fieldtrips may be offered, with different destinations but identical learning objectives. Enrolment on the fieldwork is on a first come, first served basis. You will need to cover subsistence costs such as meals. 

Accessibility

The department will endeavour to make reasonable adjustments for students with disabilities, including those with long-term health conditions, neurodivergence, learning differences and mental health conditions. This list is not exhaustive. If you're unsure of your eligibility for reasonable adjustments at UCL, please contact Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

Reasonable adjustments are implemented on a case-by-case basis. With the student's consent, reasonable adjustments are considered by UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services, and where required, in collaboration with the respective department.

Details of the accessibility of UCL buildings can be obtained from AccessAble. Further information about support available can be obtained from UCL Student Support and Wellbeing Services.

For more information about the department and accessibility arrangements for your course, please contact the department.

Where you'll study

Two students looking into St Paul’s Catacombs in Malta, gathering fieldwork information

UCL Institute for Sustainable Heritage is part of The Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources, home to four specialist sustainability-focussed institutes. We deliver sustainable solutions to real-world cultural heritage problems through ground-breaking, cross-disciplinary research and innovative teaching for future heritage leaders.

Find out more

Fees and funding

Fees for this course

UK students International students
Fee description Full-time Part-time
Tuition fees (2026/27) £21,500 £10,750
Tuition fees (2026/27) £39,200 £19,600

Programme also available on a modular (flexible) basis.

Additional costs

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a fee deposit will be charged at 2.5% of the first year fee.

For full-time and part-time offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a fee deposit will be charged at 10% of the first year fee.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of UK, a £350 deposit will be charged.

For modular/flexible offer holders with a fee status classification of Overseas, a £500 deposit will be charged.

Further information can be found in the Tuition fee deposits section on this page: Tuition fees.

Students are expected to cover the travel and subsistence costs of site visits within London. For the compulsory fieldwork, students are only expected to cover subsistence costs such as meals, which should be approximately £20-£30 per day. 

For in-person teaching, UCL’s main teaching locations are in zones 1 (Bloomsbury) and zones 2/3 (UCL East). The cost of a monthly 18+ Oyster travel card for zones 1-2 is £119.90. This price was published by TfL in 2025. For more information on additional costs for prospective students and the cost of living in London, please view our estimated cost of essential expenditure at UCL's cost of living guide.

Funding your studies

The Ecclesiastical Insurance Bursary available for study on the Sustainable Heritage MSc. Additional funding available from our Institute and Faculty are advertised on the UCL Institute for Sustainable Heritage scholarships page and The Bartlett's scholarships page. 

For a comprehensive list of the funding opportunities available at UCL, including funding relevant to your nationality, please visit the Scholarships and Funding website.

See all the ways you can fund your studies

Bartlett Promise Sub-Saharan Africa Masters Scholarship

Deadline: 28 March 2025
Value: Fees, stipend and other allowances (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: EU, Overseas

Bartlett Promise UK Master's Scholarship

Deadline: 31 May 2025
Value: Tuition fees plus £15,864 maintenance/yr (Duration of programme)
Criteria Based on financial need
Eligibility: UK

Ecclesiastical Insurance Bursary

Deadline: 21 July 2025 at 5pm
Value: £27,000 (to cover the cost of fees and a stipend) (1 year)
Criteria Based on both academic merit and financial need
Eligibility: UK

Next steps

There is an application processing fee for this course of £90 for online applications. Further information can be found at Application fees.

When we assess your application we would like to learn: 

  • why you want to study Heritage Science at graduate level 
  • why you want to study Sustainable Heritage at UCL 
  • what particularly attracts you to the chosen route 
  • how your academic and professional background meets the demands of this challenging course
  • where you would like to go professionally with your degree 

Together with essential academic requirements, the personal statement is your opportunity to illustrate whether your reasons for applying to this course match what the course will deliver. To support you in the application process we’ve written a guide on writing a personal statement for a heritage degree.

Please note that you may submit applications for a maximum of two graduate courses (or one application for the Law LLM) in any application cycle.

Choose your programme

Please read the Application Guidance before proceeding with your application.

Year of entry: 2026-2027

Apply for this course

Got questions? Get in touch

Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources
Bartlett School of Environment, Energy and Resources

bartlett.pg-bseer@ucl.ac.uk

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