Master's Degree Programme in Architectural and Cultural Heritage (MAC)

This master's programme builds on the rich cultural heritage of Bernburg and the surrounding region, using nearby historic sites — including UNESCO World Heritage examples — as living case studies. Teaching combines design-oriented and technical approaches to the conservation of built heritage while placing those methods within a broader, international framework of monument preservation practice.

The curriculum places strong emphasis on learning by doing: students take part in practical training modules and site-based field excursions that reinforce classroom theory. Alongside hands-on work, the programme explores the philosophical underpinnings and analytical methods needed to evaluate, document and make informed decisions about monumental heritage.

For international students this means a balance of practical skills and critical reflection: you will gain experience in conservation design and technical intervention, learn analytical techniques for assessing historic fabric, and study conservation theory within both regional and global contexts.

Key facts & practical notes

• Language of instruction: English
• Degree awarded: Master of Arts (MA) in Architectural and Cultural Heritage
• Location: Bernburg / Saale — local and regional heritage sites (including UNESCO World Heritage examples) are integrated into teaching and fieldwork
• Academic focus: design and technical conservation, analytical methods, philosophical/theoretical foundations, and practical training through excursions and hands-on projects
• Exact admission requirements and application procedures are set by the university — consult the programme’s official page for up-to-date entry criteria and documentation details

This master’s programme combines architectural practice with the study and stewardship of cultural heritage. It brings together methods from design, construction and conservation alongside historical and archaeological perspectives to equip students to document, analyse and care for built and landscape heritage. Coursework balances studio and field skills (drawing, surveying, materials) with planning, urban landscape thinking and contemporary debates in heritage management.

The curriculum also emphasises research, communication and professional competences: students learn research methods, technical and digital tools, construction principles, and restoration techniques, while developing language and presentation skills through German and Technical English courses, public speaking, and interdisciplinary seminars. The programme culminates in an independent Master’s thesis supported by seminars and interdisciplinary study options.

Key modules (core components)

• Research Methods and Practice
• Architectural Drawing and Surveying
• Inorganic Building Materials
• Organic Building Materials
• Garden and Landscape Planning
• Urban Planning
• Cultural Heritage
• Archaeology, Conservation, Curation, and Restoration
• Landscape, Urban Landscape, Urbanism
• Historical and Contemporary Issues
• Architectural Construction
• Computer Technology
• Tourism and Management
• Public Speaking and Communication
• General and Interdisciplinary Studies
• German I / II / III
• Technical English I / II
• Seminar
• Master’s Thesis

Learning outcomes

• Ability to conduct independent, methodologically sound research in architectural and cultural heritage leading to a Master’s thesis.
• Practical skills in architectural drawing, surveying and digital documentation for recording historic buildings and sites.
• Technical understanding of both inorganic and organic building materials and how they inform conservation and restoration decisions.
• Competence in architectural construction principles and the use of computer technologies relevant to design, analysis and heritage documentation.
• Knowledge of planning, landscape and urbanism frameworks for integrating heritage into broader spatial contexts.
• Understanding of archaeological, conservation, curation and restoration practices and their ethical and practical implications.
• Skills in communicating complex ideas clearly to diverse audiences, including public speaking, technical English and German language proficiency.
• Awareness of tourism and management aspects relevant to cultural heritage and the ability to work across disciplines.

Graduates are prepared for professional roles in monument conservation, heritage management, restoration and curation, as well as positions in urban and landscape planning where heritage considerations are central. Typical employers include conservation offices, restoration firms, museums, cultural heritage organisations, consultancy practices and public sector planning authorities.

The programme also equips students for further academic research or doctoral study in heritage-related fields, and for roles in cultural tourism and project management where technical conservation knowledge and communication skills are required.