Cities breathe history in their walls. The ARURCOHE Erasmus Mundus program is a 90‑ECTS Joint Master funded by the EU, dedicated to the preservation, reuse, and safeguarding of 20th‑century architectural and urban heritage. Led by the University of the Basque Country, it spans three first-rate European universities—San Sebastián, Turin, and Kaunas—each bringing unique academic flavors to the table.
Geared toward architects, engineers, conservationists, and passionate students alike, this 18‑month, face‑to‑face program blends rigorous coursework with real-world heritage projects, and concludes with a Master’s dissertation—earning you full access to doctoral pathways
Project Status
- Status: Ongoing
- Start date 01-10-2022
- End date 01-11-2028
- Action Type: Erasmus Mundus Joint Master
- Universities Involved
- Countries Involved
The ARURCOHE Erasmus Mundus program offers a Master’s in Architectural and Urban Contemporary Heritage across leading European universities, focusing on the preservation, reuse, and management of 20th-century built heritage.
| University of the Basque Country |
| Politecnico di Torino |
| Kaunas University of Technology |
| Spain |
| Italy |
| Lithuania |
This cross-border collaboration allows students to gain an international perspective while studying and researching in the heart of Europe’s academic and industrial hubs.
Description of the ARURCOHE Erasmus Mundus Program
A premier Erasmus Mundus Master focusing solely on 20th‑century architectural and urban heritage. Through coursework, seminars, and field workshops, students are immersed in the challenges and strategies of conservation and adaptive reuse
Key features of the ARURCOHE Erasmus Mundus Program
- 90 ECTS credits over 18 months, full‑time
- Joint diplomas from UPV/EHU & KTU and separate diploma from Polito
- Exclusive focus on contemporary built heritage—unlike any other Erasmus Mundus EMJM
- Hands-on workshops, field visits (e.g. Madrid heritage tours)
Mobility tracks of the ARURCOHE Erasmus Mundus Program
- Semester 1: UPV/EHU, Donostia‑San Sebastián (Spain)
- Semester 2: Politecnico di Torino (Italy)
- Semester 3: Finish Dissertation at Polito or KTU (Italy or Lithuania)
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor’s/master’s degree in architecture, urban planning, civil engineering, etc. (minimum 300 ECTS or 5 years)
- Strong academic record, CV, letters of motivation, letters of reference
- English proficiency (usually B2/C1)
How to apply for ARURCOHE Erasmus Mundus Program
To apply for the ARURCOHE Erasmus Mundus program, follow these steps:
- Visit the official application portal: Go to the Applicants Section on the ARURCOHE website.
- Create an account on the application platform to begin your submission.
- Prepare and upload the required documents, which typically include:
- Academic transcripts and degree certificates
- Curriculum Vitae (CV)
- Letter of motivation
- Two letters of recommendation
- Proof of English proficiency (usually IELTS/TOEFL or a medium-of-instruction certificate)
- Passport or valid identification document
- Ensure all documents are submitted in English (or accompanied by certified translations).
- Submit the application and keep track of your email for any communication from the program coordinators.
- Wait for the selection results, which are shared after the evaluation process.
Application Timeline
| Date | Milestone |
|---|---|
| Feb 3, 2025 | Opens for non-EU |
| Mar 31, 2025 | Closes for non-EU |
| Apr 30, 2025 | Closes for EU & USA |
| After | Selection process and notifications |
Curriculum Structure of the ARURCOHE Erasmus Mundus Program
Block 1 (Semester 1 at UPV/EHU): Intro to contemporary heritage, theory, policy, design.
Block 2 (Semester 2 at Polito): Deep dives—conservation tech, legal frameworks, adaptive reuse strategies.
Block 3 (Semester 3): Independent Master’s Thesis at Polito or KTU.
Coordinator Contact
- Program Director: Prof. Santiago Sánchez Beitia (UPV/EHU)
- Co‑coordinator (KTU): Jūratė Kamičaitytė, KTU
- Secretariat: arurcohe@ehu.eus, +34 943 018413
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
hat makes the ARURCOHE Erasmus Mundus Program unique?
It’s the only Erasmus Mundus master devoted entirely to 20th‑century architectural and urban heritage
Can I access a PhD after completing ARURCOHE Erasmus Mundus?
: Absolutely—its 90‑ECTS joint diploma gives direct access to doctoral studies in Europe
Which universities participate in the ARURCOHE Erasmus Mundus Program?
The ARURCOHE Erasmus Mundus Program is jointly offered by the University of the Basque Country (Spain), Politecnico di Torino (Italy), and Kaunas University of Technology (Lithuania).
Does the ARURCOHE Erasmus Mundus Program offer scholarships?
Yes, the ARURCOHE Erasmus Mundus Program offers full scholarships that cover tuition, travel, installation costs, and a monthly stipend for selected students.
What language is the ARURCOHE Erasmus Mundus Program taught in?
The ARURCOHE Erasmus Mundus Program is entirely taught in English, and proof of proficiency is required during the application process.
