Bachelor of Applied Science (Building Conservation) (Honours) (Co-op)

Revitalize the past to craft a sustainable future.

  • This program is designed to address a need in the industry that bridges the gap between academic training and heritage skills competence required in the labour market
  • Three (3) paid co-op work placements provide over 1,260 hours of hands-on real world experience
  • Provides an ideal location for training and job opportunities after graduation

Program Availability and Schedule

Availability

Open

Closed

Waitlisted

Start Term

Availability

International
Availability

Competitive?

Fall 2025

No

Schedule

Data is currently unavailable for this program. Please take a moment to report this via our Website Feedback Form. Thank you!

Program Summary

Credential

Honours Degree (4 Years)

Program Delivery

Program Code

Area of Interest

Construction and Skilled Trades

School

Algonquin College Heritage Institute

Campus

Perth

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Building Conservation) (Honours) program, within the Algonquin College Heritage Institute, prepares you for a career as a specialized professional promoting the understanding, stewardship and sustainability of our built environment and cultural heritage resources, while reflecting on the knowledge, skills and techniques of the crafts and trades people who created them. This degree affords you flexibility in your career path through application of these rigorous standards in a heritage setting or in the broader fields of renovation, rehabilitation, or general construction. In this program you develop:...(read more)

Overview

Revitalize the past to craft a sustainable future.

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Building Conservation) (Honours) program, within the Algonquin College Heritage Institute, prepares you for a career as a specialized professional promoting the understanding, stewardship and sustainability of our built environment and cultural heritage resources, while reflecting on the knowledge, skills and techniques of the crafts and trades people who created them. This degree affords you flexibility in your career path through application of these rigorous standards in a heritage setting or in the broader fields of renovation, rehabilitation, or general construction. In this program you develop:

  • technical proficiency and craft in skilled trades, focusing on techniques and practices used in the care of traditional and heritage buildings
  • a comprehensive understanding of the theory, principles and practices of heritage conservation (including preservation, restoration and rehabilitation), that is contemporary, holistic, respectful of the environment, people-centered and inclusive of all cultures
  • critical skills for research and analysis, including practice-based methodologies

Explore traditional and contemporary techniques incorporating a variety of media and materials, including traditional bench joinery, masonry, timber framing, and log building. Develop hand and digital drawing techniques and fundamental business practices with professional standards. Apply theory, planning and conservation practices while exploring the social, environmental, legal and ethical aspects of the field. Take advantage of multiple opportunities to work with industry partners during applied theory and practical research projects, guest lectures and site visits.

Students also gain real-world experience through a paid co-operative education (co-op) work term(s) (see Additional Information for more details). Please note that places in the co-op work term(s) are subject to availability and academic eligibility. Please note admission to a co-op program does not guarantee a co-op placement.

Graduates may find employment in a variety of public/private, profit/not-for-profit areas including, but not limited to:

  • heritage consultancy, government and conservation organizations
  • materials-based craftwork such as carpentry and millwork in high-end custom carpentry fields
  • stewardship, conservation, and interpretation of cultural heritage
  • the renovation and construction industry

Graduates may also choose to pursue masters-level education in Building Conservation or a related field.

SUCCESS FACTORS

This program is well-suited for students who:

  • Have an appreciation and respect for history, traditional building and crafts, and cultural diversity.
  • Are willing to work as a member of interprofessional teams.
  • Have strong observation and analytical skills.
  • Enjoy using creative, strategic, and critical thinking skills to solve problems.
  • Are detail-oriented without losing sight of the big picture.
  • Value the economic, social, and environmental benefits of sustainable practices.
  • Wish to combine the fulfillment of constructing and creating with one`s hands, with academic pursuits.

Courses

Programs at Algonquin College are delivered using a variety of instruction modes. Courses may be offered in the classroom or lab, entirely online, or in a hybrid mode which combines classroom sessions with virtual learning activities. Upon registration, each full-time student is provided an Algonquin email account which is used to communicate important information about program or course events.

Careers & Pathways

Careers

Graduates of the program may pursue opportunities as a cultural heritage specialist, heritage carpenter, materials conservator, historic site supervisor, heritage conservation consultant, conservation contractor, restoration artisan, cultural heritage researcher, cultural resource manager or support, Main Street/Business Improvement Area staff member.

Pathways

Please use our Pathways tool to search for pathway options.

Learning Outcomes

The graduate has reliably demonstrated the ability to:

  1. Research, analyze, and apply craftsmanship theory and best practices to ensure that projects are informed by past interventions and reflect current interdisciplinary innovations and practices.
  2. Document and communicate the values of cultures, places and communities informed by oral and written historical research, empirical investigations of heritage resources and the crafts and trades that created them.
  3. Restore, repair, recreate, construct, and install elements related to structures and resources according to regulations, standards and guidelines, local and historical practices and traditional and contemporary construction and craft techniques.
  4. Select and apply artisanal techniques using traditional and contemporary materials and methods to support conservation, revitalization, and renovation projects.
  5. Apply critical thinking and research skills to solve problems, formulate strategies, and interventions for the conservation and re-use of structures and resources.
  6. Prepare and defend proposals and decisions using clear messages, research, and technical presentations in multiple formats appropriate to external and internal stakeholders.
  7. Contribute to the on-going economic viability of conservation and renovation projects through the application of principles of estimating, accounting, finance, and cost controls to keep projects on time and within budget.
  8. Guide client and stakeholder expectations and respond to emerging challenges for projects, in alignment with regulations, standards and guidelines, conservation principles and practices, and ethical and professional standards.
  9. Organize, coordinate, complete, and communicate information to ensure all projects comply with health and safety practices and procedures; established professional and technical standards; and, applicable cultural practices, legislation, and regulations.
  10. Manage the progression of projects and sites by applying basic principles and strategies of project management and risk management in collaboration with interprofessional partners and stakeholders.
  11. Develop strategies for lifelong learning to adapt to changes in the field, in cultures and societies to ensure relevance and foster inter-disciplinary and inter-professional collaboration.
  12. Use leadership skills to promote and advance the body of knowledge in the field through research, partnerships, and on-going dialogue with stakeholders.
  13. Identify and apply discipline-specific practices that contribute to the local and global community through social responsibility, economic commitment and environmental stewardship.

Tuition & Fees

Get an idea of how much each semester will cost with our Tuition and Fee Estimator.

2024/2025 Academic Year

Tuition and related ancillary fees for this program can be viewed by using the Tuition and Fees Estimator tool at www.algonquincollege.com/fee-estimator.

Further information on fees can be found by visiting the Registrar`s Office website at www.algonquincollege.com/ro.

Fees are subject to change.

Additional program related expenses include:

  • Books and academic supplies cost approximately $1,000 in the first year and $400 in the second year.
  • In addition, students are required to purchase trade-specific personal protective equipment and tools at a cost of $800 - $1,500 in the first year and $300 - $500 in the second year.
  • Books for the third and fourth year cost $450 - $750 each year.
  • Students are advised not to purchase tools before attending class.
  • Students are required to have safety footwear and eye and ear protection on the first day of classes.

Admissions Requirements

All applicants must satisfy both College Eligibility and Program Eligibility requirements.

College Eligibility

  • Ontario Secondary School Diploma (OSSD) or equivalent.
  • Mature students status (19 years of age or older and without a high school diploma at the start of the program). Mature students applying for Degree programs satisfy College Eligibility by having demonstrated academic abilities equivalent to those of Ontario high school graduates, verified by successful completion of at least one full-time term at the post-secondary level (minimum five courses taken concurrently in an academic program of study).

Program Eligibility

Direct entry and or mature student applicants for the proposed program must demonstrate achievement of the admission requirements outlined in the table below as per the benchmarks.

  • Six Grade 12 university (U) or university/college (M) courses with a minimum of 60% in each course and a minimum 65% average including: - One Grade 12 U English course, with a minimum grade of 65%.
  • Additionally, applicants require: Grade 12 C mathematics.
  • Applicants with international transcripts must provide proof of the subject-specific requirements noted above and may be required to provide proof of language proficiency. Domestic applicants with international transcripts must be evaluated through the International Credential Assessment Service of Canada (ICAS) or World Education Services (WES).
  • IELTS-International English Language Testing Service (Academic) Overall band of 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each band; OR TOEFL-Internet-based (iBT)-overall 88, with a minimum of 22 in each component: Reading 22; Listening 22; Speaking 22; and Writing 22; OR Duolingo English Test (DET) Overall 120, minimum of 120 in Literacy and no score below 105.

Application Information

BACHELOR OF APPLIED SCIENCE (BUILDING CONSERVATION) (HONOURS) (CO-OP)
Program Code 6900X03FPT

Applications to full-time day programs must be submitted with official transcripts showing completion of the academic admission requirements through:

ontariocolleges.ca
60 Corporate Court
Guelph, Ontario N1G 5J3
1-888-892-2228

Students currently enrolled in an Ontario secondary school should notify their Guidance Office prior to their online application at www.ontariocolleges.ca.

Applications for Fall Term and Winter Term admission received by February 1 will be given equal consideration. Applications received after February 1 will be processed on a first-come, first-served basis as long as places are available.

International applicants please visit this link for application process information: https://algonquincollege.force.com/myACint/.

For further information on the admissions process, contact:

Registrar`s Office
Algonquin College Heritage Institute
7 Craig Street
Perth, ON K7H 1X7
Local: 613-267-2859
Toll-free: 1-800-565-4723
TTY: 1-866-620-3845
Fax: 613-267-3950
www.algonquincollege.com/perth

Additional Information

Program Resources

Algonquin College has been granted consent by the Minister of Colleges and Universities to offer this applied degree for a seven-year term starting March 17, 2023. The College shall ensure that all students admitted to the above-named program during the period of consent have the opportunity to complete the program within a reasonable timeframe.

The Bachelor of Applied Science (Building Conservation) (Honours) program is a physically demanding program of study. Students can expect to spend extended blocks of time in both shop and outdoor environments with controlled exposure to noise and dust.

CO-OP INFORMATION:
Co-operative education (Co-op) allows students to integrate their classroom learning with a real-world experience through paid work terms. Two academic terms prior to the cooperative education work term, students are required to actively participate in and successfully complete the self-directed co-op course, readiness activities and workshops.

Students must actively conduct a guided, self-directed job search and are responsible for securing approved program-related paid co-op employment. Students compete for co-op positions alongside students from Algonquin College and other Canadian and international colleges and universities. Algonquin College`s Co-op Department provides assistance in developing co-op job opportunities and guides the overall process, but does not guarantee that a student will obtain employment in a co-op work term. Co-op students may be required to relocate to take part in the co-op employment opportunities available in their industry and must cover all associated expenses; e.g., travel, work permits, visa applications, accommodation and all other incurred expenses.

Co-op work terms are typically 14 weeks in duration and are completed during a term when students are not taking courses. For more information on your program`s co-op level(s), visit the courses tab on your program`s webpage.

International students enrolled in a co-op program are required by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) to have a valid Co-op/Internship Work Permit prior to commencing their work term. Without this document International students are not legally eligible to engage in work in Canada that is part of an academic program. The Co-op/Internship Work Permit does not authorize international students to work outside the requirements of their academic program.

For more information on co-op programs, the co-op work/study schedule, as well as general and program-specific co-op eligibility criteria, please visit www.algonquincollege.com/coop.

Successful completion of all courses, including mandatory cooperative education (Co-op) Work Terms, is a requirement for graduation.

Contact

Jack Hollinger

Program Coordinator

Get Started


Get More Information