The Master’s Degree in Construction and Architectural Renovation is aimed at graduates (or equivalent) who wish to acquire advanced knowledge in the field of construction and/or steer their professional careers or undertake initial research into architectural renovation.

Given the skills to be acquired on this programme will go more in-depth into skills previously acquired by students in construction, those seeking admission to the Master’s Degree in Construction and Architectural Renovation must hold a degree (or equivalent) linked to construction and architecture. Specifically, they should have qualifications geared towards professional architectural or technical architectural practice, including the following:

• Degree in Technical Architecture.
• Degree in Technical Architecture and Construction.
• Degree in Construction.
• Degree in Civil Engineering.
• Degree in Architectural Studies.
• Degree in Architecture.
• Degree in Architectural Foundations • Degree in Architectural and Planning Foundations

Admission Requirements.

Students interested in applying for a place on the master's programme need to submit their pre-registration application within the deadline for each academic year, as set by the UIB Centre for Postgraduate Studies (CEP).

The CEP will analyse and verify that applicants meet the admission requirements, i.e. their degree(s) grant them access to official master’s programmes in accordance with current regulations, and notify the applicants about its decision.

Admission Requirements and Criteria

Once an applicant’s right to admission for the official master’s course is verified, the CEP will pass on their application to the Master's Academic Commission for assessment and decision regarding admission. The CEP will then send applicants a notification of their admission with the dates for students to formally enrol on the programme.

In order to issue the master’s admission decision, the Academic Commission will take into account the following admission requirements and criteria:

Requirements.

Holding one of the qualifications listed in the entry profile.

The teaching languages on the programme are Spanish and Catalan, since both are co-official languages in the Balearic Islands. Lecturers may teach their classes in either language. Candidates seeking admission to the master’s programme should be aware of this.

In this sense, and so as to ensure proper development of academic activities, non-native students must accredit a B2 level of Spanish and Catalan. This level shall be deemed accredited where candidates fulfil one of the following conditions:

1. Having been awarded a degree (or equivalent university qualification) at the University of the Balearic Islands.
2. Having taken basic or university courses in the stated language (Catalan, Spanish or English).
3. Submitting certificates or diplomas equivalent to a B2 level, in accordance with the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages: Learning, Teaching, Assessment (CEFR).

Nonetheless, an exception may be considered. The indistinct use of both languages should not represent a disadvantage with regard to student admissions. For this reason, there will be no impediment to admission of non-native candidates who are unable to accredit the required B2 level of Catalan, since lecturers will be able to adapt to the language requirements of these students. In any event, accreditation of a B2 level in Spanish will be required.

Criteria

The following criteria shall be considered in terms of assessing the merits of applicants wishing to be admitted to the master's programme:

1. Average mark from the academic record for studies granting admission to the programme 2. A CV setting out candidates’ professional experience.

To ensure correct assessment, candidates must submit the required and duly accredited documentation, in accordance with what is set by the admissions body.

Applicants’ merits shall be assessed as per the following weighted percentages:

1. Average mark from the academic record for studies granting admission to the programme (85%)
2. Professional experience in the field (15%).

If there is a tie between candidates after applying the weighting percentages, admissions will be assessed based on the entry qualification for the programme, as per the order set out in section 4.1.a Recommended Entry Profile. If there is still a tie between candidates after applying these criteria, the date on which students’ submitted their pre-registration for the master’s programme shall be considered.

The Master’s Degree in Construction and Architectural Renovation is the only UIB master’s programme to cover advanced aspects linked to construction and architectural renovation (not covered in the Degree in Construction), associated with sustainable and efficient building systems, structural analysis and intervention, safety and universal access, installations and systems and their energy efficiency, and urban planning and project management. The programme specifically aims to provide training for professionals to take on new challenges in architectural renovation, with top-flight specialised knowledge, and scientific and professional skills.

It should be stated that urban growth hugely contributed to economic growth in recent years, up to the 2007 financial crisis. The bursting of the speculative bubble, alongside the end of the real estate growth cycle, has left behind an oversized, and underutilised property inventory which, in many instances, is of questionable quality. The commitment to renovation and regeneration of existing buildings versus constructing a new city is a fundamental challenge in society today. The conundrum is to contribute to economic progress without overlooking sustainable urban development, and where regulations are required to combine a series of factors: the environment, quality of life, energy efficiency, service provision, social cohesion, etc. The need to underpin knowledge on the current Degree in Construction justifies how this programme is structured and delivered. The programme framework will look at current legislation and regulations for regeneration. Students will be trained to produce the necessary documentation and reports for all regeneration procedures, as well as deal with advanced and innovative construction processes.

The Master’s Degree in Construction and Architectural Renovation offers a total of 72 mandatory credits. It is split across five modules. Module 1 (21 ECTS) covers specific construction content regarding building renovations. Module 2 (15 ECTS) covers specific structure content regarding building renovations. Module 3 (15 ECTS) covers specific system and installation content regarding energy refurbishment in buildings. Module 4 (9 ECTS) covers specific regulatory and project management content regarding building renovations. In addition to the 60 ECTS credits from subjects, students must produce a master’s thesis in order to be awarded the degree. The thesis (12 ECTS) comprises an original piece of work on construction and architectural renovation. The work will be a direct result of what has been learnt on the programme and comprise a written project with a set of explanations, theories, ideas, arguments and insights on a specific topic jointly selected by tutors and students. A total of 30 ECTS credits will be taught in each semester to ensure a balanced teaching load. In turn, production of the master’s thesis is planned for the second semester.

The master’s programme ends with the submission and public defence of the master’s thesis. This will take place after all other required subjects have been passed to attain the qualification.

The assessment criteria are set out in the course guide for each subject. These guides are published every year before the start of the enrolment period.

Dr. Juan Muñoz Gomila

Further information on the credit transfer and recognition system, regulations and procedure