Repair of Old Buildings Course (Online)

Join us for the online version of our popular Repair of Old Buildings Course.

Presented by leading building conservation professionals, this course explores British and international approaches to the conservation of old buildings. The programme is underpinned by the SPAB philosophy of repair and maintenance, as set out in the SPAB Approach.

Through a series of recorded lectures, virtual site visits and online Q&A sessions you’ll gain an in-depth understanding of the repair, maintenance and conservation of old buildings.

The online format means you’ll benefit from an extended learning period from 28 October until January, so you can study at a time and place that’s right for you. You’ll also be able to interact with the specialists, site visit hosts and other participants via our live, online Q&A sessions throughout the week of 25 - 29 November. 

The Repair of Old Buildings Course is recognised by the IHBC for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and RIBA for Career Learning. 

How the course works 

The bulk of this online course is self-led so you can learn at your own pace, at a place and time that suits you. 

28 October: You'll receive exclusive access to a web platform where you'll find pre-recorded lectures and recorded site visits, plus an online handbook written by specialists in building conservation and repair. These form the bulk of your learning and you should watch these ahead of the live Q&A sessions.

25 - 29 November: You'll be invited to attend a series of live online Q&A sessions with speakers and site visit hosts. This is your chance to ask questions about what you learned during each of the lectures, recorded site visits and readings. 

Each day will have two 90-minute sessions covering different topics (timetable TBC). Live sessions will be recorded and available until early December, in case you're unable to attend on the day.

The course includes one year of membership to the SPAB. If you are not already a member of the SPAB, your new membership will commence shortly after the course finishes. If you are already an individual member, your year of free membership will begin from your next renewal date. 

Who is this course for?

This course is designed for students and professionals interested in deepening their understanding of old buildings. In previous years, this has included architects, architectural technologists, builders, building surveyors, buildings archaeologists, conservation officers and planners, craftspeople, project officers and managers, and structural engineers.

You will learn 

The course includes lectures on the following topics, accompanied by a comprehensive reading list:  

• Conservation principles: The SPAB Approach  
• Historic building controls   
• Construction and performance of traditional buildings  
• Conservation structural engineering 
• Dealing with damp in old buildings  
• The care and repair of historic roofs  
• Plasterwork in historic buildings  
• Historic paints and wallpapers  
• Services in historic buildings   
• Stonework repairs  
• Flintwork repairs 
• Timber repairs 
• Traditional brickwork repairs 
• Metalwork  
• Lime   
• Conservation of stained glass  
• Climate change, sustainability and retrofitting

Programme

This programme is subject to minor changes.

Assessment / Accreditation 

There is no formal assessment for this course. You will receive a Certificate of Attendance upon completion. 

The Repair of Old Buildings Course is recognised by the IHBC for Continuing Professional Development (CPD) and RIBA for Career Learning.

Bursary places

We have a small fund to provide bursaries to people who might not otherwise be able to attend.  

If you would like to apply, please contact education@spab.org.uk with your CV and a cover letter explaining your need for the bursary and how attending the course will support your career. Please note the bursary may not cover the full course fee.  

Deadline: Sunday 13 October 2024.

Bursary places are made possible thanks to the Donald and Patricia Marsh Fund. 

Group booking discounts 

3-5 people: £735 each

6-10 people: £695 each

Accessibility

The online Q&A sessions will take place via Zoom. Anything we can do to make this event more accessible for you? Please email education@spab.org.uk 

In-Person and Online Repair of Old Buildings Course Options

This page is for our online Repair of Old Buildings course.  

Bookings are now open for our in-person Repair of Old Buildings Course, being held at the Museum of the Home in London from Monday 19 - Friday 23 May 2025. 

We may take photos or videos at this event to be used in future promotion, including in print and online.

All bookings are subject to our Terms and Conditions. 

Image © Daniel Bridge