Master of Science in Conservation of Monuments and Sites

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Fact sheet

The Master's

 The MCMS is a four-semester, research-based academic degree, spread over two years. The first academic year consists of theoretical courses, seminars and 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 continuously updated in close collaboration with international organisations, such as the UNESCO World Heritage Centre, the World Monument Fund, the Getty Conservation Institute and the University of Aachen (RWTH).

The multidisciplinary teaching staff is composed of more than thirty guest professors in addition to the staff of KU Leuven. The president of the RLICC is Prof. Minja Yang, a renowned cultural heritage management consultant. She is the former director of the UNESCO Office in New Delhi and had key responsibilities at the World Heritage Centre. The honorary president of the Centre is Prof. Andrea Bruno, a celebrated architectural conservator known for his exemplary architectural projects.

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. Upon successfully completing the programme, you will have acquired and developed sufficient knowledge in all basic fields of conservation and restoration, as well as more specialised knowledge in those conservation and restoration subjects close to your own basic training. As such, you can advance your professional practice or start research in the heritage field.

Admission requirements

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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 at the university in Leuven. 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, while 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 KU Leuven or even at another university.

To a detailed overview of the programme

Assets

Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation

 The Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation (RLICC) offers an advanced Master's programme through the Faculty of Engineering of the KU Leuven. The Centre was established by Professor Raymond Lemaire († 1997) in 1976, on the initiative of the International Council of Monuments and Sites (ICOMOS) and within the framework of the College of Europe in Bruges.

The RLICC is jointly organised by the Department of Architecture, Urban and Regional Planning and the Department of Civil Engineering. Its advanced international and interdisciplinary study programme in the conservation and restoration of historic monuments and sites is a two-year programme leading to the degree of Master of Conservation of Monuments and Sites (MCMS).

The RLICC has more than thirty years of experience in training, research and consulting in the field of the preservation of constructed heritage. Its founder, Prof. Lemaire, was one of the authors of the Charter of Venice, which established the doctrine for the conservation of architectural and urban heritage in 1964. He was also a well-known advisor to the European Union, the Council of Europe and UNESCO. He established the centre, which took his name, to strengthen interest in the preservation of cultural heritage worldwide through interdisciplinary training and to promote further reflection on the best possible integration of heritage in today's society for tomorrow's generations. In this spirit, more than 600 students have already graduated from the RLICC. Many of them have leading positions in national or international heritage organisations, have founded their own private consultancy offices or work for public authorities in the field of conservation.

Career prospects

Potential areas of employment for graduates from the RLICC are numerous and widespread. Alumni are working as independent professionals in conservation and restoration of architectural heritage all over the world. They display highly appreciated professional experience in private architecture and restoration offices as well as in leadership and policy-making positions in regional, national, and international conservation institutions, like UNESCO, ICOMOS, and the Council of Europe. All levels of the heritage administration, be they regional, national, or international, count RLICC Alumni among their ranks.

Registration fee

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Admission requirements

Candidates should have an initial Master's degree in fields related to the built heritage or to cultural resource management, such as architecture, design, (construction) engineering, archaeology, (art) history, urban planning or cultural studies. Candidates with a five-year Bachelor's degree giving access to the professional career of architect or engineer in their country can also apply. Motivated candidates with a Master of Science degree in another relevant discipline can be accepted, but they should contact the office of the programme in advance. Each application is judged individually on its merits concerning the candidate's academic level (study results) and/or professional experience. Both young, motivated students and practitioners with more experience may be accepted. The selection committee also aims to select a multidisciplinary and international student population. The programme limits its first-year intake to a maximum of thirty students. Consequently, it is of utmost importance to provide a complete application file with a portfolio documenting past experience and studies.

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Application

Application instructions and form

More information