BLOCK 3: Master dissertation

The Master Dissertation will be co-directed by two professors of different partners. Its preparation in teams of a reduced number of students of different origins and academic background will be encouraged. The Master Dissertation will come within, or include, several of the following scenarios:

1.- Contribute to the contemporary architectural register.

2.- Create the conceptual framework that contextualises, in historic and social terms, the manifestations of contemporary architecture and cultural heritage overall.

3.- Fostering research studies in the field of conservation methodology and techniques for this specific heritage.

4.- Fostering research transfer activities in the field of contemporary heritage (spin-offs).

5.- Fostering the protection of contemporary cultural heritage under sustainability criteria.

6.- The study of new protection strategies.

7.- Policies and investments for the conservation of modern heritage assets.

8.- Disseminate examples of good practice in the preservation and reuse of modern heritage.

TWO OPTIONAL PATHS ARE FORESEEN

Special activity within Block 3 (13-18 months): the "Two Weeks Seminar" at ETSASS partner in month 16 (see next figure) 

General rules

Two Paths for Master Dissertation will be optional to the students. Path 1 will be focused to the "Sustainable new constructions in an existing urban heritage environment" whereas Path 2 approaches "Sustainable refurbishment and maintenance of existing buildings or urban places with heritage values". By the last weeks of Block 2 the students will propose the Master Dissertation works according the following rules:

1.- Students and teachers will propose by consensus to the Academic Committee the foreseen works for the Master Dissertation.

2.- Academic Committee will revise the involved proposed topics, according the scenarios mentioned in the Project Description. The Committee can propose some modifications based in the general objectives of ARURCOHE.

3.- The maximum number of scholarship and non-scholarship students by Path in Master Dissertation will be of 13 students. This parity balance does not affect to the self-funded students.

By the end of Block 2, a summary of every Master Dissertation proposal will be notified to the involved agencies and associated partners. The objective is to connect each student with an external member to promote future collaborations between them. An external member can show interest in a Master Dissertation knowing the progress and conclusions (in agreement with the student and through the ARURCOHE staff). This interest can be materialized in the future integration of the students in either an agency or a company.

Alternatively, an agency or associated partner can propose to ARURCOHE staff before the end of Block 2 a specific Master Dissertation to be developed in Block 3. ARURCOHE staff and the Student Committee will select from among the interested students which of them will be assigned to the proposed work. The students with the best scores (on average) in all the Courses will have got priority in the selection. Within the Two Weeks Seminar in month 16 (Block 3), this interrelation will be shown. 

Evaluation and resit

The assessment of the Master Dissertation shall be carried out through the evaluation of the manuscript and the oral defence that will take place first week of Month 18 in POLITO or KATUFCEA depending the Path selection. Two Examination Boards (one per Path) will be conformed before start ARURCOHE. Each of them will be expertise in several topics of the Path and composed by three teachers with different experience and "point of view" on the urban and architectural contemporary heritage. Master Dissertation is orally defended by the author in one of the two Examination Boards upon decision of the Academic Committee. The individual contribution on a Master Dissertation team will be detected and evaluated. The dissertation can only be defended if the students have passed all the Courses in Blocks 1 and 2 and the coordinators of each Master Dissertation give the authorization. The Examination Board can decide on behalf of the Academic Committee on awarding the degree or not in a justified decision attending the general quality of the manuscript and oral defence. Before making the final decision, the Examination Board will meet with the student to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of his or her manuscript and oral defence. In the case of a poor quality the students can repeat the dissertation by ends of month 18 on the same Examination Board (Academic Committee can select another Examination Board in very special cases). The Examination Board can decide on behalf of the Academic Committee not awarding the degree in a justified decision. Before making the final decision, the Examination Board will meet with the student to discuss the strengths and weaknesses of his or her manuscript and oral defence.

Note: In very specific cases (relevant circunstances) and in agreement with the students and with the Official and/or Associated Partners the location may be modified under the direction of the Path coordinator.