Architectural History and Heritage

Architectural History and Heritage involves the study of buildings and places. Our undergraduate degree in this subject is the only degree programme at this level in the UK. It is a small, diverse programme taught by specialist, research-active staff.

We are interested in the built environment as a work of design. More importantly, however, we also ask what the built environment can tell us about wider social, cultural and political themes in history. In addition, we consider issues in contemporary architectural heritage.

In exploring the history of the built environment, we use a range of sources:

* the evidence of standing buildings

* architectural plans and drawings

* written sources

* films

* photographs

Our teaching mixes:

* lectures

* tutorials

* seminars

* site visits (drawing not least on the rich resources of Edinburgh)

* independent study using the extensive library collections of the University

We work closely with local heritage organisations, including Historic Environment Scotland and the National Trust for Scotland, and usually can offer placements within the heritage sector as an element of our Year 3 and 4 teaching.