Department of CivilEngineering

Degree Programme
Postgraduate Master in Preserving our Architectural Heritage

Starting in winter semester 2004/05, the University ofWismar will offer a modular postgraduate programme in “Preserving ourArchitectural Heritage“. This new course is aimed at those who have completedBachelor, Diploma or Master’s courses in Architecture or Civil Engineering, andwill be administered by lecturers from the departments of Architecture andCivil Engineering.

Today, the preparation and responsible management of existing building tasksplaces considerable demands on the know-how and capabilities of architects andcivil engineers. In particular, the methods applied in the analysis ofbuildings (from a technical viewpoint and considering the preservation ofhistorical monuments) and the interdisciplinary discussion and selection ofsuitable solutions to rectify damage and renovate historic buildings andconstructions to meet modern-day requirements – whilst taking account ofmonument preservation, design-related and economic factors – call for highlevels of knowledge of civilisation, engineering and science, as well as theability to think and act from the viewpoint of several disciplines. In view ofthe technical dealings with other parties involved in the planning andconstruction process (art historians, restorers, companies performing thebuilding work, etc.), the qualities of teamwork and sureness of manner andcritical analysis are also extremely important. The current options fortraining under consecutive degree programmes cannot fully address all of theserequirements. An advanced postgraduate course to expand and consolidate theknowledge and abilities acquired through the “classical” educational paths ofArchitecture and Civil Engineering is therefore required.

In addition to scientific, historico-cultural and technical analysis, thecontent of this degree programme focuses on the practicalities of working withhistorical structures, particularly in northern Germany and the Baltic region.The course not only covers the tasks involved in preserving historicalmonuments; it examines all aspects worth preserving in our architecturalheritage, and addresses their qualitative and sustainable modernisation.

Final qualification: Master of Engineering

Programme duration: 4 semesters

Start: Every wintersemester

General Admission Requirements:
The prerequisite for admission to the Master’s programme in “Preservingour Architectural Heritage“ is an initial vocational degree qualification(Bachelor, Master, Dipl.-Ing. or Dipl.-Ing. FH) in an Architecture or CivilEngineering discipline with an overall grade of 2.5 or above. An equivalentdegree qualification from a national or international higher educationestablishment is also acceptable.
In addition, practical work experience of not less than one year is recommendedbefore joining the course.
Requisite prior knowledge must be demonstrated at an interview for applicantsat the Department of Civil Engineering. A certificate confirming that thisinterview has been successfully passed must be enclosed with the applicationdocuments. In individual cases, the Board of Examiners has the final decisionon the equivalence of comparable qualifications and other exceptions.

Basic curriculum:
1st and 2nd semester: Compulsory modules such as the history ofbuilding, protection and preservation of historical monuments,commencement/documentation/detailed planning of existing building work,historical constructions/physics of building, wood preservation, repairingsupporting structures, diagnostics/protection of buildings. In the 2ndsemester, a number of elective modules expand and consolidate the knowledge andabilities acquired.

3rd semester: A number of compulsory modules (concrete and stoneworkrestoration, paint finishing and plastering, urban renewal, renovation costsand procedures) along with field trips and elective modules; completion of awide-ranging, practically-oriented and interdisciplinary project in which thecourse content and working methods learned are applied to example situations. Itis possible (indeed desirable) to link this to a period spent abroad.

4th semester: Master’s dissertation and final examination (can be performedabroad).

Main curriculum:

Areas of application:
- Architectural and engineering offices
- Building administration
- Building contractors
- House building companies
- Construction research and historical monument preservation
- Valuation work

For further information, contact Prof. Frank Braun (PhD Eng):
Tel. 03841-753-205

Detailed information available on the internet in early 2004.

Link to Department ofCivil Engineering