REMH06-Management of Heritage Assets

Module Provider: Real Estate and Planning
Number of credits: 20 [10 ECTS credits]
Level:7
Terms in which taught: Summer term module
Pre-requisites:
Non-modular pre-requisites:
Co-requisites:
Modules excluded:
Current from: 2023/4

Module Convenor: Mr Henry Russell
Email: h.j.g.russell@henley.reading.ac.uk

Type of module:

Summary module description:

This module is about understanding the cultural, architectural and historic importance of a site and its management in terms of protection, conservation, presentation, education and commercialisation. It is about understanding the issues and tensions between competing interests and identifying creative and sustainable solutions. The module is a mix of site visits, lectures, seminars and self-directed learning.

Aims:

The aim of this module is to provide the student with an understanding and knowledge of the approaches to the management of historic buildings and sites. The aim of this module is to provide the student with the knowledge of how organisations can manage their historic buildings effectively, taking full account of the needs of the historic environment. The further aim of this module is to provide the student with an understanding of the issues around presenting historic buildings to the public and the tensions this can create. 

Assessable learning outcomes:

On successful completion of this module, students should be able to: 

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  demonstrate an understanding of the architectural and historic importance of a site through the appropriate interpretation of conservation plans, with special regard to identifying the vulnerabilities of the site and determining priorities in repairing and conserving the building fabric; 

  
  


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  create maintenance and management plans which evidence a comprehensive interpretation and application of the knowledge and information contained in the conservation plan; 

  
  


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  implement maintenance plans, and update them on a regular basis; 

  
  

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  demonstrate a full and critical understanding of the principles underlying the management of historic buildings and sites open to the public;

  
  


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  demonstrate a critical understanding of the economic and financial aspects of opening a historic building to the public;

  
  


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  demonstrate an understanding of the complex and dynamic nature of the relationship between the conservation needs of the building and the damage that can occur through public access. 

  
  

Additional outcomes:

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  Enhance oral and communication skills through discussions and presentations in seminar sessions; 

  
  

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  Develop academic report writing skills through the module assignment. 

  
  

Outline content:

• Facilities management of historic buildings 

 

• Managing historic estates 

 

• Conservation management planning 

 

• Preparing and implementing maintenance plans 

 

• Managing the presentation of historic buildings open to the public 

Brief description of teaching and learning methods:

The module is delivered in a block release format that involves a four day face to face teaching block with pre-course preparation plus online post-teaching support. The module is taught in an interactive format through seminars and workshops. An assessed individual project is the consolidating and integrating vehicle for the taught material. Students are encouraged to share information via Blackboard in the extended online support period which follows the face to face ele ment. An online discussion of the case studies between tutors and students supports the assessment in this module.

Summative assessment- Examinations:

Summative assessment- Coursework and in-class tests:

A major project, assesses all the learning outcomes of this module. Guide length 5,000 words. 

Assignment Submission Deadline: Week 44 – Out of term time  

Formative assessment methods:

Penalties for late submission:

Penalties for late submission on this module are in accordance with the University policy. Please refer to page 5 of the Postgraduate Guide to Assessment for further information: http://www.reading.ac.uk/internal/exams/student/exa-guidePG.aspx

Assessment requirements for a pass:

The pass mark for this module is 50%.

Reassessment arrangements:

Reassessment utilises the same method as that used for the module's original assessment requirements, subject to variation by the Examination Board where appropriate.

Additional Costs (specified where applicable):

Last updated: 30 March 2023