Programme

Course structure

Subject	Year	Semester
Computational analysis of historical buildings and cultural heritage	1	I
I.c. of structural diagnostics for cultural heritage	1	I
Structural dynamics
Seismic behaviour of historical buildings 1
Seismic behaviour of historical buildings 2
I.c. on techniques for historical buildings rehabilitation and restoration	1	I
Renovation, maintenance and conservation of historical buildings
Conservation theory of historical buildings and heritage conservation
Natural and artificial materials for historical buildings and cultural heritage	1	I
Applied acoustics and lighting in cultural heritage	1	II
Close range photogrammetry and 3d laser scanning	1	II
Geotechnical engineering for the preservation of cultural heritage	1	II
Hvac for historic building and cultural heritage	2	I
I.c. of ict in cultural heritage	2	I
Heritage bim
Computer science and intelligent systems
Internship	2	I
Masonry and historical structures	2	I
Structural monitoring and diagnostics	2	II
Two optional courses among:
Geophysical methods for cultural heritage	2	I
Seismic geotechnics for geohazard risk mitigation in cultural heritage	2	II
Mineralogical and petrographical characterization of natural and artificial stone materials	2	II
Planned Maintenance Strategies for Architectural Heritage	2
Urban Design	2
Urban Morphology and Building Typology Consolidation of historical buildings	2
Final exam	2

At the end of each unit the acquired skills are assessed through written or oral exams related to the topics covered, assignments and workshop activities and the execution of specific tasks demonstrating the students’ command of tools, methods and critical autonomy. The grade (expressed in thirtieths) will form an integral part of the final master's degree grade average. 

The final exam consists of a dissertation based on practical or research activities carried out under the supervision of one or more professors. Preparing the dissertation requires students to deepen their technical knowledge through bibliographic research, critical analysis of relevant literature and the study of complex issues in built heritage conservation. It also supports the development of key transferable skills, including problem-solving and the ability to work independently. The dissertation may be based on work undertaken in an academic or professional setting, either at the “G. d’Annunzio” University or with one of the programme’s partner organisations.

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Calendar of current edition

Classes usually start on the last week of September – first week of October.

CLASSES SCHEDULE 2025/26: First year, second year.

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Teaching staff

The Department of Engineering and Geology (InGeo) is composed of scientists belonging to the Engineering, Earth System, Mathematics, Chemical and Physical Sciences fields. It is organised in two sections: Engineering and Geology. Engineering is mostly focused on mechanical, hydraulic and energetic behaviour of structures and their safety. Geology studies earth and planetary systems, natural and anthropogenic hazards, materials, geo-resources and the environment. The InGeo department also includes a strong research group in Biomedical Engineering.

Moreover, each year, internationally recognised experts are invited to contribute as visiting lecturers.

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Facilities

The University d’Annunzio is split in two campuses in the cities of Chieti and Pescara (Italy). Classes and other academic activities are hosted in the Pescara campus (Viale Pindaro 42).

INGEO facilities comprise a suite of state-of-the-art laboratories across a range of disciplines, including structural engineering, digital fabrication, building physics, geomatics, geology, and computer science. The full list of laboratories can be found here.

INGEO laboratories will play a key role in supporting teaching activities and may also host research projects for student theses.

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Extensive network

The Master’s in Engineering Management of Cultural Heritage offers the opportunity to take part in international exchange programmes as well as to undertake thesis projects, summer schools and internships in Italy or abroad.

These experiences are designed not only to strengthen the academic training, but also to enhance career prospects. Involved students will build an international network within the heritage conservation community and gain practical skills that are highly valued in the sector.

The programme has established strong partnerships with leading organisations in the cultural heritage field, including:

• Public and private research centres and universities

• Offices of the Ministry of Heritage and Cultural Activity (MIBAC) and cultural institutions (superintendences, museums, libraries, archives, etc.)

• Professional organisations, private companies and firms

These partners are actively involved in built heritage conservation, including activities such as inspection, assessment, management, restoration and structural strengthening.

Through these collaborations, students can choose the path that best suit their interests and career goals, whether focusing on research or on a more professionally oriented experience.

A range of merit-based scholarships is available to support these opportunities.

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Career opportunities

The conservation and sustainable management of existing structures is one of the most complex challenges in contemporary engineering. It requires multidisciplinary knowledge, a collaborative approach and strong problem-solving skills. As the safeguarding of existing assets is a pressing need in modern society, there is a growing demand for highly skilled professionals, a need this programme is specifically designed to address.

Graduates of the Master’s in Engineering Management of Cultural Heritage are prepared for a wide range of professional roles that combine advanced technical expertise with the management of existing buildings and infrastructure, including cultural heritage assets.

Graduates may pursue careers in national and international heritage organisations, contributing to innovative solutions for the protection, enhancement and sustainable development of built heritage worldwide.