Program Overview

Master's Degree in Structural Analysis of Monuments and Historical Constructions (SAHC)

Introduction

The Master's degree in Structural Analysis of Monuments and Historical Constructions (SAHC) provides advanced engineering training in the conservation of historical architectural structures. The course is taught by experts in the fields of architecture, engineering, geophysics, chemistry, and history, and aims to provide a multidisciplinary understanding of the field of structural conservation.

General Details

• Duration and start date: 1 academic year, 60 ECTS credits, starting in September
• Timetable and delivery: Mornings and afternoons, face-to-face
• Language of instruction: English
• Location:
  • Universidade do Minho (Portugal)
  • Czech Technical University in Prague (Czech Republic)
  • Barcelona School of Civil Engineering (ETSECCPB)
• Official degree: Recorded in the Ministry of Education's degree register

Admission

• General requirements: Academic requirements for admission to master's degrees
• Places: 25
• Pre-enrolment: To enrol for an interuniversity master's degree coordinated by a university other than the UPC, you must enrol through the coordinating university: Universidade do Minho (Portugal)

Curriculum

• The curriculum is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of the structural analysis of monuments and historical constructions.

Professional Opportunities

• Europe is a world leader in knowledge generation, methodology, and technology applicable to the conservation and restoration of architectural heritage.
• Substantial investment in recent years has led to significant advances in experimental and numerical techniques applied to the conservation of architectural heritage structures.
• The course will provide education and new prospects to engineers and architects who are seeking to acquire experience and develop their careers in the study, conservation, and restoration of existing constructions, with a focus on architectural heritage and monuments.
• This master's degree is of interest to graduates with Engineering and Architecture degrees who wish to work as consultants, designers, or contractors in the conservation and restoration of structures that constitute architectural heritage.

Competencies

Generic Competencies

• Capacity for innovation and entrepreneurship
• Sustainability and social commitment
• Knowledge of a foreign language (preferably English)
• Teamwork and proper use of information resources

Specific Competencies

• Show knowledge of current criteria and methodologies for the restoration of monuments
• Design, plan, and execute studies of architectural heritage
• Come up with, design, and implement solutions for the conservation and restoration of monuments and historical structures
• Use the technologies and procedures available at the current level of knowledge for the inspection and the material, constructional, morphological, mechanical, and structural characterisation of historical structures
• Research the historical and cultural aspects and contexts of monuments and solve problems relating to different historical construction phases or in new or unfamiliar social, cultural, or economic contexts
• Solve problems and cope with technical and scientific challenges in a structured and rigorous fashion through the application of advanced theoretical and analytical tools
• Develop the engineering process in relation to the decision-making process concerning actions involving architectural heritage
• Work in interdisciplinary teams using shared knowledge and vocabulary
• Develop criteria and technologies that contribute to conceptual, methodological, and technological progress in the analysis, conservation, and restoration of structures that are important as architectural heritage

Other Cross-Disciplinary Competencies

• Exchange ideas and knowledge through active integration into and participation in specialised or interdisciplinary networks
• Know and apply advanced calculation, simulation, and design tools
• Analyse, synthesise, and integrate knowledge, approach complex problems, and make judgements based on incomplete or limited information
• Include the necessary reflections on the social and ethical responsibilities of the application of knowledge and judgements in studies and in practical applications
• Come up with, improve, or innovate solutions or products creatively and generate new ideas relating to the theory, methodology, and techniques of restoration
• Adopt a proactive attitude to changes and improvements in the context of economic development and international competitiveness
• Learn continually and independently through access to sources of information and training and through the critical analysis of personal findings or the findings of others
• Collect and organise relevant information and critically examine the results of personal work or the work of others
• Communicate the results of projects rationally, clearly, and effectively to expert and non-expert audiences
• Develop new sensitivities in terms of cultural, social, and environmental aspects
• Show an ethical commitment to the principles of conservation and restoration of cultural heritage and to the improvement of the living conditions of human beings and to sustainable development
• Carry out research into theoretical aspects (conceptual and methodological) of technology applicable to the conservation and restoration of architectural heritage and generate original ideas or develop new applications
• Show a firm grasp of terminology and the ability to express ideas in the field of the master's course, in English

Quality Accreditation

• Check the degree's main quality indicators in the University Studies in Catalonia portal of the Catalan University Quality Assurance Agency.
• Find information on topics such as degree evaluation results, student satisfaction, and graduate employment data.

Organisation: Academic Calendar and Regulations

• UPC school: Barcelona School of Civil Engineering (ETSECCPB)
• Participating institutions:
  • Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya (UPC)
  • Czech Technical University in Prague (Czech Republic)
  • Universidade do Minho (Portugal) - coordinating university
  • Università degli Studi di Padova (Italy)
• Academic coordinator: Pere Roca Fabregat