Conservation of Monuments and Sites, M.Sc.

Overview

The master of Conservation of Monuments and sites offers an intensive international and interdisciplinary collaboration, run by the RLICC (Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation). The RLICC has more than 40 years of experience in training, research and consulting in the field of the preservation of constructed heritage.

Programme outline

The Master in Conservation of Monuments and Sites is a three-semester research-based academic degree. You will acquire sufficient knowledge in all basic fields of conservation and restoration and specialised knowledge in conservation and restoration subjects. You will gain the necessary common language needed for interdisciplinary communication in a restoration or heritage management project. You will obtain this knowledge through a variety of lectures, site visits and project works.

• During the first and second semester you are trained in a common theoretical and methodological framework. The theoretical knowledge is put into practice during various workshops and integrated projects dealing with the different aspects of conservation. You are taught in small groups in close contact with professors, renowned experts and foreign guest lecturers each covering a broad range of expertise.

• The third semester consists mainly of the master’s thesis, i.e. individual research work in the field of conservation, supported by an ad hoc study programme. This semester concentrates on research training with seminars, including a thematic week (open to first and second year’s students), supporting the writing of the master’s thesis. It is completed with a professional internship, which aims to introduce students to the world of heritage practice.

Strengths

• You study in an international and interdisciplinary environment and have a global perspective led by international professors and professionals systematically participating in lecture series, studio juries and workshops.

• You will master the necessary common language, critical perspective, research methodologies and practices used in conservation of monuments and sites as reflected in international guidelines, charters and literature. This will allow you to proceed towards a research career (PhD) or high level professional career in official organisations or as self-employed specialist.

• You will have the opportunity to study at the KU Leuven, the most innovative university in Europe. Discover the unique historical city of Leuven that includes two World Heritage Sites within the city centre.
• You will gain vital working experience across the globe thanks to our close relations with UNESCO, ICOMOS, EUROPA NOSTRA and other national and international organisations as well as through our vast alumni network. 

Objectives

The master after master programme offered by the Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation aims at educating young professionals in the conservation and restoration of immovable heritage (buildings, structures and sites), both into the tradition of the discipline and into the new scientific methods.

• Graduates of the MCMS have acquired and developed skills that allow for the necessary interdisciplinary research, communication and collaboration between the various disciplines involved in the restoration of architectural heritage as for example : archaeology, history, urbanism, architecture, engineering, human sciences, conservation and restoration sciences, .... 
• They have learned to use relevant source material, to approach a problem in a scientific way, to understand the approaches and possibilities of other disciplines than their own, and they have developed the necessary common terminology, methodology and skills to carry out research and to prepare jointly restoration studies, projects, and long-term programs. 
• They have learned to reflect critically about ongoing concepts and debates on heritage preservation. 
• Based on the above they have acquired the necessary common language and they master with a critical attitude the research methodologies and practices used in conservation of monuments and sites, as reflected in international guidelines, charters and literature. 
• They have obtained knowledge and experience (through project works) that strengthens them to be part of interdisciplinary research and to communicate in a restoration team.

Career perspectives

Graduates master the necessary common language, critical perspective, research methodologies and practices as are to be used in the conservation of monuments and sites by the international guidelines, charters and literature.  Employment options for graduates from the RLICC are numerous and widespread.

Alumni are currently working in cultural heritage institutes and organisations as well as independent professionals. They display highly appreciated professional experience in private architecture and restoration offices as well as in leadership and policymaking positions in regional, national and international conservation institutions such as 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.

Questions about student life in Belgium, life at KU Leuven or more information about a specific course? Chat with our students: www.kuleuven/be/chatwithourstudents.