Architectural and Urban Contemporary Heritage

This study programme will introduce you to 20th-century urban planning and architectural projects, examining them in their historical, technological and sociocultural contexts. Through this programme, you will learn to analyse and evaluate buildings and urban spaces from the modernist period, understand modernisation processes, and contribute to preserving them for future generations. This English-language programme is run in collaboration with a consortium of universities: the University of the Basque Country (Spain), the Polytechnic University of Turin (Italy) and the Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania).

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Programme values

A lecturer leads a session in the modern “Young-Lab” classroom, combining technology and a creative atmosphere. It’s a space where inspiring discussions and new ideas come to life.

Valued by industry leaders

The study programme will equip future specialists and researchers with the knowledge needed to focus on preserving and reusing the architectural and urban heritage of the 20th century.

KTU’s Santaka Valley building – a state-of-the-art research and innovation hub where academia and business collaborate. This is where future solutions are born.

Inspiring learning environment

One study programme, three universities. Each semester, you will study in a different country. You will spend the first semester in San Sebastián (Spain), the second in Turin (Italy) and the third in either Kaunas or Turin.

Students from KTU’s GIFTed program tackle real-world challenges using the mind map method – this is a space for high-potential youth to collaborate, think creatively, and lead with purpose.

Real-world cases

You will study on an international programme with students and lecturers from several different countries. During your studies, you will analyse different historical and cultural contexts, as well as the various aspects of heritage protection.

A student team collaborates on a task – part of KTU’s advanced study programs where learning happens through cooperation and solving real-world challenges.

New Freedom to shape your path

Students have the opportunity to choose the focus of their final projects and where to study for the third semester from the following options: Sustainable new construction in an existing urban heritage environment (final project prepared by POLITO) (1); or
Sustainable renovation and maintenance of existing buildings or urban areas with heritage value (final project prepared by KTU) (2).

Career opportunities

The demand for specialists who can understand, evaluate and revitalise the architectural and urban heritage of the 20th and 21st centuries is growing rapidly. As cities evolve, professionals able to balance cultural value with contemporary functional, environmental and social needs are increasingly sought after. This programme provides the skills to assess modern heritage, use advanced diagnostic and digital documentation tools, and design sensitive yet innovative interventions that contribute to sustainable urban development. Graduates of the Architectural and Urban Contemporary Heritage programme are prepared for diverse career opportunities:

Architectural Conservation Specialist

Possesses in-depth understanding of modern structural materials – from precast concrete to plastics and glazing systems – and applies non-invasive diagnostic methods alongside digital modelling. Assesses contemporary heritage structures and designs sustainable conservation strategies.

Cultural Heritage Specialist

Is employed in organisations focused on preserving the architectural and urban heritage of the twentieth century. Provides consultancy for restoration, conservation and regeneration initiatives, delivers heritage protection measures, and engages in educational and outreach activities.

Adaptive Reuse Architects and Engineers

Work in the reconstruction, restoration, modernisation and maintenance of heritage buildings, integrating new functions while respecting the original design intent. Contribute to innovative architectural and urban interventions, manage construction processes, support the development of structural solutions, and balance technical requirements with heritage protection. Ensure that projects are delivered in line with sustainability, safety and quality standards.

Admission requirements and programme structure

Cycle – second cycle

Field – civil engineering

Form, duration – full-time studies (1,5 yr.)

Study type – day-time, on-campus

Location – Kaunas, Faculty of Civil Engineering and Architecture

Language – English

Degree awarded – Master of Engineering Sciences

Semester

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Buildings and Sites in the 20th Century	3	On-campus learning
Inspection, Diagnosis and Repair of Structures	6	On-campus learning
Survey and Digital Modelling	6	On-campus learning
The Building Envelope: Characterization, Decay, Solutions and Colour Analysis	6	On-campus learning
The Context of Both the Construction and the Architectures of the 20th Century	6	On-campus learning
The Scientific Culture Applied to the Analysis of the 20th Century Built Heritage	3	On-campus learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

Design Seminar and Case Studies	16	On-campus learning
End Users and Citizens Participation	3	On-campus learning
Management, Reuse and Sustainability	4	On-campus learning
Safeguarding and Conservation of the 20th Century Architecture	4	On-campus learning
Urban Needs and Requirements	3	On-campus learning

Module name	Credits	Method of organisation

On-campus learning

learning outcomes

Good to know

Module – a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit – a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus – learning on the university premises.

Module – a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit – a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus – learning on the university premises.

Module – a part of a study programme consisting of several related topics.
Credit – a unit of the volume of a study module in hours.
On-campus – learning on the university premises.

learning outcomes

Admission requirements

University bachelor degree certificate:	Master's degree in civil engineering, architecture, urban planning, or similar fields (candidates must have completed 5 years (300 ECTS) of university studies related to a regulated profession (architects, urban planners, civil engineers, etc.)); Curriculum vitae; Letter of recommendation; Documents proving professional (work) experience (if any).
Proficiency in English:	IELTS ≥ 6.0, TOEFL ≥ 85, CEFR ≥ C1, or previously completed studies in english language.
Transcript requirements:	Obtain a suitable transcript of your master's degree from your school. If unavailable, provide official translations and verified copies of the original documents.
Accepted languages:	English
Document legalisation:	The documents must be legalised (Apostille) by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the country where the documents were issued. This requirement does not apply to the documents issued in the EU and Belarus, Ukraine.

Score structure

	0,9	average grade (CGPA) of University‘s Bachelor’s degree (min. length – 180 ECTS) and its supplement
	0,1	motivation letter and online interview
+	≤ 4	additional points

admission procedure

FAQ

I already have experience working in architecture – is this programme still for me?

Yes. If you’ve already worked in architecture, this programme helps you build on that experience. You’ll deepen your knowledge in areas such as interpreting heritage, reusing it and working on international projects. The course combines theory with hands-on project work, so you strengthen and expand the skills you already have.

How will this programme help me better understand heritage and how to protect it?

By studying at three different universities – in Spain, Italy and Lithuania – you see that there is no single way to deal with heritage. Local culture, how a city has grown, what people expect and its political history all shape decisions. This experience helps you develop a more mature, international view of heritage and respond more confidently to different project situations.