This advanced master programme is an intensive international and interdisciplinary experience. The programme is ideal for students fascinated by conservation and restoration techniques in the field of built heritage preservation. It is taught at the beautiful Arenberg Castle in the historic city of Leuven. The renowned Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation (RLICC), established in 1976, focuses on interdisciplinary collaboration and intercultural dialogue both in an education and research environment.

About this programme:

Cultural heritage is a valuable resource for sustainable development of the environment we live in. For more than 40 years the Raymond Lemaire International Centre for Conservation has trained graduates with diverse professional backgrounds in valuing and managing cultural heritage.

The Master of Conservation of Monuments and Sites programme is well-known for the international and interdisciplinary content which is taught using a well established methodology that prepares students for a variety of exciting career and research opportunities.

Strenghts:

• We offer an international environment in which students are taught in small groups in close contact with professors and guest lecturers.

• You will obtain knowledge through a variety of lectures, site visits and project works.

• Students will build close working relationships with staff, renowned experts and foreign guest lecturers each covering a broad range of expertise.

• 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, and other national and international organisations as well as through our vast alumni network.

• You will widen your career opportunities in conservation practices, international and national heritage bodies or academic research.

Programme Master of Conservation of Monuments and Sites:

The Master in Conservation of Monuments and Sites (Master of Science, 90 ECTS) programme is a three-semester research-based academic degree. During the first and second semester we provide a common theoretical and methodological framework. The theoretical knowledge is put into practice during various workshops and projects dealing with the different aspects of a conservation project.

The last semester is flexible and can be carried out entirely abroad. It will mainly consist of the writing of the Master Thesis, an individual research work in the field of conservation. A professional internship, which aims to introduce the student to the world of heritage practices, completes the semester.

Student profile:

Applicants should be able to demonstrate real 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.

Ideally, upon entering the programme, you will possess:

• An initial Master's degree in a field related to built heritage or 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 qualifying them for a professional career as an architect or engineer in their country are also eligible to apply. Motivated candidates with a Master of Science degree in another relevant discipline may also be eligible to apply, but they should contact the programme office before applying.

• A special interest and, preferably, a demonstrable commitment to the cause of the conservation of cultural heritage in general;

• A willingness to work in a team and to confront concepts/opinions/methods from your own background and cultural context with those of other students with different background, training and cultural context;

• Professional and/or international experience is an additional asset;

Career perspectives:

Alumni from this programme are currently working as independent professionals in preservation, restoration and management of built cultural heritage as well as in leadership and policymaking positions in conservation institutions such as UNESCO, ICOMOS and the Council of Europe. Others proceed towards a career in academia (PhD).

More than 900 students from 71 countries all over the world and with different professional and educational backgrounds already graduated from the programme since it was first organised by the RLICC.