Program Overview

Introduction to the Master's Degree in Structural Analysis of Monuments & Historical Constructions (SAHC)

The Master's Degree in Structural Analysis of Monuments & Historical Constructions (SAHC) is a program coordinated by Universidade do Minho and with the cooperation of UPC BarcelonaTech. It provides advanced engineering training in the conservation of historical architectural structures, taught by experts in architecture, engineering, geophysics, chemistry, and history.

General Details

• Academic year starts in: Fall semester (Q1): September, Spring semester (Q2): February
• Duration: 1 year
• Study load: 60 ECTS (including the Master's Final Thesis)
• Delivery: On-campus
• Language: English
• Places: 25
• Official degree: Master's Degree in Structural Analysis of Monuments & Historical Constructions by the Universitat Politčcnica de Catalunya (Spain), Czech Technical University in Prague (Czech Republic); Universidade do Minho (Portugal) & Universitŕ degli Studi di Padova (Italy)
• Fees: Information available upon request
• Participating universities:
  • Universidade do Minho (Portugal)
  • Universitŕ degli Studi di Padova (Italy)
  • Universitat Politčcnica de Catalunya (Spain)
  • Czech Technical University in Prague (Czech Republic)
• Academic coordinator: Pere Roca

Admission

Specific Admission Requirements

Students from the following degrees may apply:

• Degrees in the field of Civil Engineering
  • Bachelor's Degree in Civil Engineering
  • Bachelor's Degree in Public Works Engineering
  • Bachelor's Degree in Geological Engineering
  • Degree in Civil Engineering
  • Degree in Public Works Engineering
  • Degree in Mining Engineering
  • Degree in Geological Engineering
• Degrees in the field of Industrial Engineering
  • Bachelor's Degree in Industrial Technology Engineering
  • Bachelor's Degree in Mechanical Engineering
  • Degree in Industrial Engineering with concentration in Mechanics or Building
• Degrees in the field of Architecture
  • Bachelor's Degree in Architecture
  • Bachelor's Degree in Architecture Studies
  • Bachelor's Degree in Architectural Technology and Building Construction
  • Degree in Architecture
  • Degree in Technical Architecture
• Other degrees: The Academic Commission will analyze the academic records to determine potential access and additional training needed.

Admission Criteria

Admission is subject to approval by the Master's Degree's Board of Directors, based on:

• Capability and motivation of the applicants
• Letters of recommendation
• Language proficiency in English

Ranking of Applicants

Eligible applicants will be ranked based on:

• Previous higher education studies and quality of the institutions
• Relevant work experience
• Letters of recommendation
• Motivation and draft of future thesis
• Additional information (publications, awards, etc.)

Application

To enroll, students must apply through the coordinating university, Universidade do Minho (Portugal). There are three application calls: in January, May, and July.

Objectives & Career Opportunities

Objectives

The aim of the International Master's Degree in Structural Analysis of Monuments and Historical Constructions is to train highly specialized experts in the study and conservation of the structures of monuments and historical buildings.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can work as:

• Professionals in the analysis of structural security and resistant problems of monuments and historical constructions
• Institutions or companies related to the conservation and restoration of heritage
• Consulting companies
• Direction of works of marked historical or monumental character
• Construction companies
• Administrations and public companies associated with structural analysis and the resistant behavior of historical heritage
• Technological and research centers and universities
• Self-employed professionals

Curriculum, Calendars & Regulations

Courses

The program includes compulsory courses and a dissertation:

• Module 1 (Compulsory courses, Fall semester):
  • History of construction & of conservation
  • Structural analysis techniques
  • Seismic behaviour & structural dynamics
  • Inspection & diagnosis
  • Repairing & strengthening techniques
  • Restoration & conservation of materials
  • Integrated project
• Module 2 (Dissertation, Spring semester):
  • Dissertation

Program Structure

The SAHC program has a duration of one academic year (60 ECTS credits) and is held on a rotating basis among partners. Coursework (September March) is concentrated at the University of Minho, and dissertation work (April July) can be performed in any of the involved institutions.

Faculty Members

• Cornadó Bardón, Cňssima
• Gönen, Semih
• Molins Borrell, Climent
• Pelŕ, Luca
• Roca Fabregat, Pedro

Master's Final Thesis

The Master's Thesis is an original exercise done individually, presented and defended before a university panel, synthesizing and integrating the competences acquired on the course.