Double degree MCTS - MISMeC

We offer the possibility of pursuing a double degree between the Master's Degree in Science and Technology for Sustainability (MCTS) and the Master's Degree in Sustainable Intervention in the Built Environment (MISMeC) at the Technical School of Architecture of Vallès, with a total duration of 2 academic years and 150 ECTS.

Interested applicants must complete the pre-registration process through the admissions platform. Check the information here.

1. Justification of the proposal based on academic criteria

The proposal for a double degree between MCTS and MISMeC arises from the increasing demand from MCTS students, who seek specific academic interests related to architecture and sustainable construction, as addressed in MISMeC. The learning objectives of both programs include:

• The Master's Degree in Science and Technology for Sustainability aims to provide an interdisciplinary and advanced education to understand the interactions between society, economy, and the natural environment. It also explores scientific and technical trends to address the major sustainability challenges of current socio-environmental systems. This master’s program trains entrepreneurs and change agents for sustainable development. Depending on their specialization in biodiversity, the natural environment, the built environment, services, or the productive system and information management, graduates will be able to design, implement, and evaluate sustainable solutions across different engineering and technology fields, working transdisciplinarily in diverse cultural and professional contexts.

• The Master's Degree in Sustainable Intervention in the Built Environment focuses on training and reorienting professionals through intervention projects in urban spaces, buildings, and infrastructure. The objective is to enhance the sustainability of social metabolism by reducing resource consumption and waste generation while increasing territorial productivity. This contributes to a more responsible urban model based on transforming existing cities. The program offers an integral and transversal approach that extends beyond technical solutions, enabling students to address urban challenges through the reuse of buildings and spaces, revitalization of urban fabrics, and social impact considerations.

Thus, the alignment of objectives within different domains logically supports the establishment of this double-degree framework, facilitating mutual academic benefits and fostering collaboration in research and shared projects between both academic programs.

2. Justification of the proposal based on additional criteria

• Scientific: Both academic programs provide access to UPC doctoral studies, with research projects led by faculty members from either master's program or within the UPC Sustainability Institute’s PhD program.

• Professional: Offering this double-degree option significantly expands career opportunities for students interested in this specialized field.

• Program Integration: MISMeC incorporates the specialized training in sustainable building, previously part of the original MCTS curriculum. The structure of MISMeC was designed to integrate smoothly with MCTS, eliminating redundant coursework by recognizing MCTS elective subjects while maintaining MISMeC’s mandatory training.

3. Definition of the academic curriculum pathway

The degrees awarded are: Master's Degree in Science and Technology for Sustainability and Master's Degree in Sustainable Intervention in the Built Environment. To obtain the double degree, students must complete 150 ECTS, as outlined below:

FIRST TERM (Q1)

SECOND TERM (Q2)

THIRD TERM (Q3)

FOURTH TERM (Q4)

In the case of the TFM, the student will have to prepare and defend a TFM of 45 ECTS that encompasses the skills associated with both degrees, MCTS and MISMeC. Regardless of whether a single TFM is prepared, it is mandatory to register and evaluate both master's degrees, since this cannot be recognized in any case. This is an essential requirement for obtaining both degrees.

REMEMBER: The process for registering the offer, monitoring and depositing the TFM is the same as for the MCTS (see the corresponding section "Master Thesis"). Given the teaching load of this double diploma, the particular structure of the study plan and the need to have the summer months available to prepare the TFM, the administrative process of requesting a defense for the extraordinary call in October (via application in June) is especially important if it cannot be carried out in the ordinary call in July.

4. Recognition table for each study plan

MCTS will recognize the compulsory credits taken in MISMeC as elective credits, as indicated in the table below.

 
5. Specific regulations for students

The specific regulations for double-degree students concerning minimum performance, withdrawal from the double-degree pathway, etc., will be in accordance with the regulations of both MCTS and MISMeC master’s programs, as well as the UPC Master's Academic Regulations.

The regulations for the Master's Thesis within this MCTS–MISMeC double degree can be found here.

6. Issuance of the Double Degree

IMPORTANT: As this double degree is not a joint program but rather two separate master's degrees, students must pay the corresponding fees for both degrees separately when applying for their issuance at each academic management unit. This includes the Technical School of Civil Engineering in Barcelona and the Technical School of Architecture of Vallès.

REMEMBER: Administrative management throughout the entire double degree program (except for degree issuance) is handled by the Undergraduate and Master’s Management Unit of the Technical School of Civil Engineering in Barcelona (masters.camins@upc.edu).