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Profile: Design ∙ Build ∙ Preserve

MEng Building Conservation and Construction Work on Existing Buildings

Teil eines restaurierungsbedürftigen Gebäudes mit Holzbalken als Stütze

Construction Work on Existing Buildings currently accounts for about half of the total construction volume in our society - and the trend is rising. The demand for experts in the fields of building preservation, renovation and restoration is therefore constantly increasing.
The concept for the Master's program in Building Conservation and Construction Work on Existing Buildings is conceptually a consecutive Master's program for already trained civil engineers, architects and related professionals.

Degree:
Master of Engineering
Type:
Full time
Part time
Course language:
German
Standard study period:
Full-time: 3 or 4 semesters/ Part-time: at least 4 or 5 semesters, part-time
Start of study:
Summer semester
Application deadline:
15.12. – 15.02. (admission restricted)
Admission requirements:
First professional degree (bachelor or diploma)
Credits:
90 ECTS credits
Module Manuals & Regulations
The Study
Einblick ins Labor Bauingnieurwesen
© Michaela Meier

Responsible handling of existing building fabric

The degree program in  Building Conservation and Construction Work on Existing Buildings provides you with knowledge of historical building structures and materials and focuses in particular on the technical aspects of building conservation. You will work in the context of building preservation: the recording, recognition, preservation and upgrading of buildings. The master's degree will sensitize you to the responsible treatment of existing building fabric in the area of tension between the objectives of monument preservation and modern requirements of use. The study structure and project work with mixed teams of civil engineers and architects promote the teamwork and communication skills necessary for these tasks. The objects of study are buildings, engineering structures and technical installations – mainly from the period from around 1800 to the present day, but also medieval buildings. The technical area is supplemented by topics from the fields of economics and law as well as history and preservation of historical monuments.

Concept

Educational goals

The concept of the degree program is based on the defined educational objectives, which require interdisciplinarity and practical relevance. It includes the teaching of specialized knowledge of different areas of building in existing structures and methodological as well as generic competences.

Profile

In recent years, the program has continuously changed its profile from "research-oriented" to "application-oriented" by strengthening the practical relevance in most modules. The majority of the master's theses chosen so far can also be described as applied research with a practical orientation.

Studyability

The structure of the degree program and the study structure proved to be reasonable. It was shown that the full-time study program can be studied in three semesters. But the flexibility also allows a reasonable course of study to be extended over a four- or more-semester period of study if part-time study is pursued. Many of the students choose this form because there is a great interest in working while studying, sometimes in their own engineering offices. Many of the students also have to take care of family and children and reconcile this with the demands of everyday study.

Specialists from the practice

The teaching, especially in the elective subjects, is supported not only by the professors but also by highly qualified specialists from practice, who often also help to supervise the students as second examiners for the master's theses.

Expertise

In particular, the broad range of electives to be completed according to subject groups as well as the experimental courses in the department's laboratories provide students with excellent, broad scientific and practical expertise. The specialization deliberately allows for individuality in addition to generalist compulsory subjects. Not only the master's thesis, but also course work can be chosen from the students' own professional environment, thus linking practical requirements with theoretical knowledge and practical procedures.

Practical projects

The mandatory projects have a high value in the study program. They are directly related to practice. Due to the nature of the event, the ability to organize and work in a team, to independently organize work, to apply a wide variety of methods, to work scientifically and to document, to speak and to present is particularly promoted. When discussing the project presentations, a stimulating feedback culture is created. In the P1 project, the relocation from the daily work routine at the university to an unfamiliar environment also strengthens social interaction and the ability to deal with conflict. It became apparent that the students' enjoyment of their work and their motivation are particularly high in the projects.

Key competence

The degree program strengthens and builds up the key competencies of the students, on the one hand through the structure of the study program itself, through the anchoring of additional competencies in individual subjects. Certificates of achievement in the form of presentations, project work with mixed teams of civil engineers and architects as well as men and women particularly promote independent action as well as teamwork and communication and presentation skills. In addition to teaching technical skills, the teaching staff increasingly recognizes its task in strengthening the key competencies of the students and is aware of its role model function in questions of teamwork and, above all, in the willingness to network.

Interdisciplinarity

The Master's program in Building Conservation and Construction Work on Existing Buildings does not turn architects into civil engineers or vice versa. However, due to its interdisciplinary approach, the program contributes significantly to a better understanding and cooperation between civil engineers and architects. Accordingly, the master's theses can have a different focus on more engineering calculation or on more design and planning for civil engineers or architects.

Is this course of study a good fit for you?

As a graduate, you will be able to structure, plan, coordinate, manage and implement conversion and reuse projects in a management position. In the degree program Building Conservation and Construction Work on Existing Buildings you will receive training as a generalist with the ability to communicate, with special and methodological knowledge for questions of building maintenance at the state of the art in the field of building maintenance and construction in existing contexts. With the combination of certain elective subjects, you will receive a recognized continuing education qualification as an "energy consultant on site (BAFA)". The ability to work scientifically is just as much a part of the program as the ability to work in an interdisciplinary manner and to lead interdisciplinary teams, as well as the opportunity for personal development.

Kipprinne im Wasserlabor der FH Potsdam
© Axel Schäfer

Laboratories & Workshops of the Civil Engineering Department

Working in the laboratories of the Civil Engineering Department is an integral part of the master's program. Our courses are vividly supplemented with practical laboratory exercises. The laboratories can also be used for final or research projects. The conservation and restoration workshops are also of interest to students of the Building Conservation and Construction Work on Existing Buildings program.

Laboratories & Workshops

Contact

The colleagues at the Advice and Guidance Service for Students provide prospective students, new students, parents, teachers and students with information on all general questions concerning studying. If you have specific questions or concerns regarding the Master's programme in Building Conservation and Construction Work on Existing Buildings, please contact the programme specific advice and guidance.

Programme specific advice and guidance

Professor of Building Construction
Student Advisor Building Conservation and Construction Work on Existing Buildings (M. Eng.)

These degree programs might also interest you

More courses
Department Degree programme Teaching language Start of study Application deadline
Ing•Bau: Preservation and Construction Work in Structural Engineering (MSc) German Summer semester, Winter semester
15/12 – 15/02 and 15/05 – 15/07 (restricted admission)
MEng Building Conservation and Construction Work on Existing Buildings German Summer semester
15.12. – 15.02. (admission restricted)
Career Prospects

Career Prospects

The need for experts in existing buildings is growing more and more and enables graduates of the master's program in Building Conservation and Construction Work on Existing Buildings to pursue practical or scientific activities. Due to its interdisciplinary approach, the program contributes significantly to a better understanding and cooperation between civil engineers and architects. The interdisciplinary orientation qualifies you for management tasks or coordination work as well as for higher service. Setting up a business or freelancing is also a conceivable option with your knowledge.

Possible areas of application

  • Management positions in construction companies
  • Management positions in building authorities
  • Scientific work in applied research
  • Freelance consultant
  • Doctorate

These degree programs might also interest you

More courses
Department Degree programme Teaching language Start of study Application deadline
Ing•Bau: Preservation and Construction Work in Structural Engineering (MSc) German Summer semester, Winter semester
15/12 – 15/02 and 15/05 – 15/07 (restricted admission)
MEng Building Conservation and Construction Work on Existing Buildings German Summer semester
15.12. – 15.02. (admission restricted)
Study Contents

Course of studies

The master's degree program in Building Conservation and Construction Work on Existing Buildings can be studied full- or part-time and concludes with the writing of a master's thesis. Depending on the first degree, the master's degree can be completed full-time in three or four semesters and part-time in four or five semesters. Both study forms allow for a stay abroad.

 

1st semesterMandatory modules: Fundamentals, project module
Elective modules: Flex modules, laboratory
2nd semesterMandatorymodules: Project modules
3rd semesterElective module
Master's examination

Do you have questions about the course of studies, the application or the master thesis? Please read our FAQ.

Study Contents

During your studies, you receive individual support – be it in deciding on elective modules or in writing their master's thesis. The teaching, especially in the elective subjects, is supported not only by the professors but also by highly qualified specialists from the field.

Compulsory part/elective (compulsory) area

The Master's program is divided into a broadly based compulsory part, consisting of the modules Fundamentals, Laboratories, Seminars and Projects, and an elective (compulsory) part, which serves individual specialization and is divided into elective subjects and the Master's thesis.

Basics G1 and G2 (mandatory)

In the basic modules G1 and G2, students receive the basic knowledge required for further in-depth studies in the spectrum of building preservation and planning in existing buildings. Essentially, the courses take place in the form of lectures, supplemented by seminar components as well as excursions and smaller exercises.

Laboratory L (compulsory)

In practical exercises in the laboratories of the department, students gain methodological skills in the use of the necessary technical aids. The focus is on observational learning, but also on imparting action competence and individual experience by performing the practical exercises.

Projects P (compulsory)

In the projects, the knowledge acquired is to be applied in the form of independent practical work and tested on the basis of a complex problem. The three projects are each divided into several work steps. In principle, group work is planned, but individual work is also possible.

Elective module A and elective modules B - E

In the compulsory elective and elective subjects, students have the opportunity to deepen their specialist knowledge in freely chosen subject areas on the one hand, and to acquire basic knowledge and insights into related subject areas as well as general competences on the other. The compulsory electives and the electives are usually offered in the form of lectures, integrated courses or seminars.

Master thesis (mandatory)

The written Master's thesis (MA), together with the Master's colloquium (MK), takes up one third of the total study load.
Suggestions for topics from the students' professional context are explicitly welcome. Students are also particularly encouraged to work on a Master's thesis as part of an R&D project in cooperation with external institutions or companies. There is no entitlement to a specific topic. The program coordinator and the professors involved in the subject support the students here in all technical and organizational questions, for example in establishing contacts with possible cooperation partners, in finding suitable topics, and in clarifying practical and legal questions regarding the implementation. It is possible for two students to work on a master's thesis together.
The colloquium is open to the public. The colloquium also includes the creation of a poster and the presentation of the master's thesis on the department's website.

Master theses

More projects

Building Law and Planning Guidelines for the Realisation of Cultural Events in Former Agricultural Buildings in Brandenburg

An exemplary analysis based on the change of use of two LPG cowsheds to cultural sites

The structural change in agriculture in Brandenburg has led, among other things, to more and more farms being abandoned or lying fallow for years. At the same time, there is a significant lack of cultural offerings in rural areas. The strengthening of cultural offerings is favoured at both municipal and federal…

Refurbishment of an Attic Storey – Bundeswehr Hospital House 1.4

Static calculation and creation and application of a guideline for dealing with harmful substances in existing timber constructions

Investigations on Glulam with Natural-Based Adhesive

The thesis analyses the effects of ageing and installation on the load-bearing capacity of natural-based adhesives on glued laminated timber.

Development of a Methodology for Material-Based Screening and Categorisation of Existing Buildings with Regard to the Circular Economy

The thesis deals with the development of an innovative method for the evaluation of existing buildings that goes beyond the traditional technical approach and can be defined as circular due diligence.

Application & Enrollment

Dates and requirements for your application

The most important deadlines, dates and admission requirements for the Master's programme in Building Conservation and Construction Work on Existing Buildings are summarised here. The next section explains the steps you need to take to ensure a successful application.

Dates

  • by the 15th of February: submit online application

Entry requirements

First professionally qualifying university degree (240 ECTS credit points, at least 180 ECTS credit points) in one of the following fields:

  • Civil Engineering
  • Architecture
  • Conservation and Restauration (in the preservation of historical monuments)
  • in any other engineering discipline at the discretion of the admissions commission

How to apply

In the following, we will explain which aspects you should consider from the online application to matriculation (enrolment).

Applications for the summer semester can be submitted online via the MyCampus university portal of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam from the 15th of December to the 15th of February.

Documents to be submitted

When applying online, the following documents must be submitted in PDF format via the application portal:

  • University degree certificate(s) or current transcript of records with the ECTS credits and grades obtained so far, if the degree programme has not yet been completed.
     
  • If applicable, proof of relevant professional experience (employment contracts, references or letters of confirmation from your employers are accepted as proof. Internships or jobs during your studies are excluded).

Selection procedure

Applicants who meet the admission requirements take part in the procedure for awarding study places. In the allocation procedure, the following are deducted in advance from the number of study places to be awarded:

  • all applicants who were unable to accept an earlier admission due to service, as well as all applicants who are members of the federal cadre of a federal sports federation of the German Olympic Sports Confederation
  • 11% for applicants with a foreign higher education entrance qualification
  • 3% for applicants who are to be considered according to hardship criteria

90% of the remaining study places are allocated according to the result of a university selection procedure and 10% according to waiting time.

The result of the university selection procedure is determined on the basis of the following criteria (weighting in brackets):

  • grade of the professionally qualifying university degree (40%)
  • mark in the field of civil engineering fundamentals (15 %)
  • mark in the field of material-related construction (10 %)
  • mark in the field of planning and design (10 %)
  • mark in the field of subject-specific expertise in the field of conservation and restoration in the preservation of historical monuments (5 %)
  • relevant work experience (20 %)

Admission

The allocation procedure is carried out following the university selection procedure. Applicants with a high enough ranking in the list receive a temporary admission offer in the MyCampus university portal, which they must actively accept. After accepting the admission offer, you will find your letter of admission in the MyCampus university portal. If you do not accept the admission offer by the deadline, the ranking list will be processed further and the university place will be reallocated.

Have you accepted the offer of admission and received your letter of admission? Then you have the opportunity to apply for enrolment for the summer semester in the MyCampus university portal of the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam.

Once you have submitted your online application for enrolment, please submit the printed and signed application together with all the required documents (as per the application for enrolment) in paper form by the deadline. The date of the matriculation deadline is decisive for the submission of the documents, whereby the date of receipt at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam is decisive.

Do you have questions about the matriculation process at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam? We have compiled frequently asked questions and answers about matriculation and admission.

Further information

The following links provide further information for international applicants on the topics of application and enrolment at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam.

International applicants

Do you want to apply to study for a degree from the first or a higher semester and did you obtain your school leaving certificate and/or university degree abroad? Then you can have your foreign qualifications and achievements recognised and study with us.

Information for international applicants

Application and matriculation procedure

The Application and Student Service provides information and advice on general questions regarding the application process, admission and enrolment at the University of Applied Sciences Potsdam, applying for a higher semester, but also on topics such as disadvantage compensation, part-time studies, waiting semesters and hardship applications.

Application and matriculation FH Potsdam

Contact & Services

The Advice and Guidance Service for Students provides information and advice on general questions concerning the course of study, as well as topics such as choice of degree programme, application, enrolment and study organisation.

For subject-specific questions regarding module content, credit transfer, examinations or specialisations in the degree programme in Building Conservation and Construction Work on Existing Buildings, the programme specific advice and guidance is the right point of contact.

Programme specific advice and guidance

Professor of Building Construction
Student Advisor Building Conservation and Construction Work on Existing Buildings (M. Eng.)

Student Financing

Room 3.02a

Family Affairs Commissioner

Room 026

Office hours

Tue and Thu 9.30 am – 1.30 pm

Commissioner for University Employees with Impairment

Room 201

Office hours

by arrangement