Building on the legacy of the Architectural Conservation Programme (ACP), the Master of Science in Conservation [MSc(Conservation)] cultivates a new generation of forward‑thinking practitioners and scholars to lead innovation in heritage conservation by integrating state‑of‑the‑art technologies with rigorous scientific inquiry and robust technical training.
The programme embeds sustainability throughout conservation planning, management and design to address escalating risks from climate change and disasters, and pressures arising from urbanisation, gentrification and tourism. Through dedicated seminars, lectures, studios, fieldwork, hands‑on technical workshops and elective courses, students gain a strong theoretical, technical and practical grounding in current policies, methodologies and best practice, and apply this learning to real‑world projects. Students engage directly with advanced tools—including 3D laser scanning and photogrammetry, GIS and heritage BIM, materials characterisation and diagnostics, and data analytics—to support research‑led, evidence‑based decision‑making. With internationally recognised strengths in architecture, building construction and planning, and close links to professional practice, the Faculty of Architecture at HKU offers an ideal interdisciplinary setting for educating well‑rounded conservation professionals and future heritage leaders. The MSc(Conservation) is supported by the Built Heritage Research Collaborative (BHRC), a research laboratory within HKUrban Labs that facilitates knowledge exchange and collaborative projects among heritage researchers across HKU and with academic and professional partners. Programme highlights - Position heritage as a driver of sustainable development, climate resilience and inclusive growth - Engage with the latest policies, frameworks and methodologies for conserving both tangible and intangible heritage, and apply them in context. - Build theoretical, technical and practical proficiency through research‑led studios, fieldwork, site visits and hands‑on workshops, applying state‑of‑the‑art technologies to real projects across Hong Kong, Greater China and Southeast Asia. - Generate innovative, evidence‑based approaches and strategic solutions through individual and team‑based studio projects, underpinned by rigorous scientific inquiry and robust technical training. - Develop effective advocacy and communication skills to inform policy and enable constructive dialogue among communities, stakeholders and decision‑makers. - Undertake study trips to World Heritage and regionally significant sites to investigate contemporary challenges and test novel conservation strategies through direct engagement with site managers, practitioners and local partners. Career Prospects Graduates may take up professional roles across government, NGOs, architectural and planning practices, and heritage consultancies in Hong Kong, Mainland China and internationally. They may also progress to advanced research through MPhil and PhD programmes at HKU or other leading universities worldwide.
A strong command of the English language is essential.
A bachelor’s or master's degree in a built environment-related discipline (architecture, landscape architecture, urban studies, urban planning, urban design, surveying, engineering, archaeology, etc.) Or A bachelor’s or master's degree in social sciences, geosciences, humanities or law. Motivated applicants from other disciplines and with relevant professional experience may also be eligible and should contact the programme admissions advisor before applying. Applicants may select one of the following streams as their preferred specialisation in the application, but final allocation is subject to applicant numbers, the quality of supporting materials and interview performance: ‧ Conservation Planning and Management ‧ Design for Conservation