The Master's

The MCMS is a four-semester, researchbased academic degree, spread over two years. The first academic year consists of theo retical courses, of seminars and of project work. The second year consists mainly of the master's thesis, i.e., individual research work in the field of conservation, supported by an ad hoc study programme. The programme is developed and continu ously updated in close collaboration with international organisations, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the World Monument Fund, the Getty Conser vation Institute, and the University of Aachen (RWTH).

The multidisciplinary teaching staff is composed of more than thirty guest professors in addition to the K.U.Leuven faculty. The president of the RLICC is Prof. Arch. Andrea Bruno, a renowned conservation architect based in Turin (Italy). He has worked as an advisor to UNESCO flagship projects in Afghanistan, Iraq, and Bosnia.

My profile

Applicants should be able to demonstrate actual commitment to the conservation of cultural heritage in general. They should be willing to work in a team, and to let ideas from their own backgrounds, training, and cultural contexts be confronted with those of other students.

By successful completion of the programme, students will have acquired and developed sufficient know ledge in all basic fields of conservation and restoration, as well as more specialised knowledge in those conservation and restoration subjects close to their own basic training. As such, they can advance their professional practice or start research in the heritage field.

Study programme

First year

The first year offers a general introduction to the field of the conservation and restoration of monuments and sites. It is primarily devoted to theoretical courses, seminars, and project work. This year is spent in Leuven at the university. The programme is divided into six thematic modules:

• Conservation of architectural heritage: history, theory and practice
• Conservation of urban sites and landscapes: history, theory, and practice
• Analysing, registration, and documentation techniques
• Building materials and conservation techniques
• Conservation policies
• Integrated project work, trips and visits to construction sites, workshops, and institutions

Second year

The second year is devoted to individual research and is not necessarily spent in Leuven. Most of the second-year students work at home; others go abroad. It is also possible to combine professional activity with thesis work. The main elements are:

• Master's thesis
• Internship
• Activities supporting the thesis:
  • Research paper
  • Research seminar
  • Optional activities, such as conferences and specialist courses

Both education and thesis work benefit from the research activities carried out at the RLICC. Its international network facilitates access to research and internships carried out in institutes around the world. Some students do their thesis work within ongoing research projects at the RLICC itself. The level of the master's thesis research is generally high. For some students, this opens up the opportunity of continuing their work in a (possibly shortened) PhD research programme at K.U.Leuven or even at another university.

Application and Admissions

Detailed information on application procedures and admission requirements depends on your preceding qualifications, etc.

• You will find more information on application matters here.

Conservation of Monuments and Sites - Impressionen vom Masterstudium

Übersicht der Masterstudiengänge - KU Leuven

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