Master of Conservation

1. Vision
India is a country with rich natural and cultural heritage. The variation in heritage is due to geographical locations, time periods, builders, architectural styles, different sizes and scales of cultural heritage, existing traditional knowledge systems, continuity in traditional practices, and different categories of built heritage ranging from prehistoric, historic and archaeological sites and different typologies from a building to large cultural regions. Today in our country there are around 3600 Centrally Protected Monuments, around 5000 State Protected Monuments, large number of living monuments protected by various religious bodies and a huge amount of built heritage under the ownership of private organizations/ owners. Hence the need of Conservation Architect is felt by all stakeholders. Today not more than 200 qualified conservation architects are practicing in India, making it a profession in demand. The requirement for a qualified conservation professional is more challenging as with technological advancements the society is drastically changing and it is important to understand the meaning of heritage in the present society. The heritage is also vulnerable due to threats like rapid urban growth, industrial and intensive agricultural activities, growing land prices, encroachments, etc.

The location of SPA Bhopal in central India near two world heritage sites including a cultural landscape that provides the institute a unique opportunity to use this heritage as a pedagogical resource. Drawing from the cultural context of central India and myriad of diverse communities, we are inspired to launch a Post Graduate Programme in Conservation.

Conservation Practice requires a professional with skills towards interpretation of heritage values; maintenance and management of heritage; process and knowledge of construction and building; and knows how to use technological advancements and expertise. Hence the Conservation programme is devised in training the students towards theory and philosophies in conservation, process and techniques necessary for maintenance and management of heritage, appropriate use of standards of practice. This training shall facilitate informed decision making and application of acquired skills and techniques.

2. The Programme

The two year Masters Programme in Conservation is designed to impart skills and knowledge and train students in a multidisciplinary and integrated approach of historic conservation. The programme is divided into five modules namely:
The Programme is a two year programme organized in four semesters with practical training in summer vacations for not less than eight weeks.

3. Academic Focus
The programme shall fulfill the objectives of the charter of SPA Bhopal towards imparting quality education inclusive of environmental, social and cultural sustenance. It shall build a Comprehensive Database of India through research and documentation. The Conservation programme aims at developing appropriate management and technical skills for Conservation Practice. Thus the trained professionals shall provide leadership in Conservation Profession.

4. Aspiration
SPA Bhopal aspires to create conservation professionals sensitized about the significance of heritage, having understanding of the role of scientific disciplines and appropriate skills & techniques for conservation practice.