Course Information
- Sep 2025
Course Overview
The Master of Science in Conservation [MSc(Conservation)] empowers students to develop innovative approaches to the conservation of historic sites and cultural resources through rigorous scientific inquiry and robust technical training.
The programme emphasises the integration of sustainability in conservation planning, management and design, to address the growing risks and challenges posed by climate change, disasters, and various pressures from urbanisation, gentrification and tourism development. Through a combination of dedicated seminars, studios, training workshops and elective courses, students will gain theoretical and practical insights into the latest policies, methodologies and best practices and apply their knowledge to real-life projects.
With its internationally recognised expertise in planning, architecture and building construction with established connections to professional practice, the Faculty of Architecture at HKU provides an ideal interdisciplinary setting for educating well-rounded conservation professionals and future heritage leaders.
MSc(Conservation) is supported by the Built Heritage Research Collaborative (BHRC), a research lab established within the HKUrban Labs with a mission to facilitate knowledge exchange and collaborative projects amongst heritage researchers across HKU and other academic and professional institutions.
Application Deadline
Main Round:
12:00 noon (GMT +8), January 02, 2025
Part Time (two years) *Part time will be available if a minimum quota of 8 successful applicants has been reached. Part time is only available to students with residency status in Hong Kong and Macau.
What You’ll Learn
Programme Highlights
- Understand heritage as a key driver and enabler for sustainable development.
- Learn about the latest policies, frameworks and methodologies for the conservation of tangible and intangible heritage.
- Acquire theoretical and practical insights into heritage conservation projects in Hong Kong, Greater China, and Southeast Asia through site visits and experiential learning.
- Develop innovative approaches and strategic solutions for heritage conservation through individual and team-based studio works.
- Become an effective advocate for heritage conservation by developing the necessary communication skills for productive dialogue between stakeholders and policy makers.
- Travel to outstanding heritage sites to learn about the impacts on heritage and approaches to conservation from site managers, stakeholders, professionals and regional experts.
Career Prospects
Graduates may take up professional positions in governments, NGOs, architectural and planning practices as well as heritage consultancies in Hong Kong, Mainland China and beyond. Graduates may also pursue further studies in the MPhil and PhD programmes at HKU and other reputable universities around the world.
Entrance Requi