Improper handling or renovation of architectural heritage and listed buildings may cause irreversible damage. In Hungary, in addition to tens of thousands of protected monuments, countless historic buildings are registered. The proper maintenance, renovation, or adaptive reuse of these structures requires the application of 21st-century diagnostic methods that enable the examination of building structures with minimal intervention.

In the field of heritage conservation, there is therefore an increasing demand for highly trained professionals with an innovative, holistic, and project-oriented mindset, who are capable of applying the fundamental principles of monument preservation in everyday practice. Recognising this need, the Faculty of Engineering and Information Technology of the University of Pécs (UP FEIT) launched its Postgraduate Specialist Training in Historic Building Diagnostics and Rehabilitation six years ago, unique in Hungary, particularly due to its focus on non-destructive testing and diagnostics of heritage structures.

The program provides professionals working in building rehabilitation and heritage conservation with specialised methodological, technical, and practical knowledge. Over four semesters, participants gain the expertise to conduct historical and heritage research and diagnostic investigations. They acquire practical experience in preparing and managing heritage restoration projects and building rehabilitation investments, including planning, implementation, and project execution.

Graduates are also equipped to apply their knowledge across various domains of the built heritage sector, including education and training at different levels, as well as professional writing and media activities focused on architectural heritage. Alumni consistently highlight the programme’s practice-oriented approach, broad scope, and engaging learning experience as key strengths.

The programme is supported by a highly diverse teaching staff: architects, structural engineers, archaeologists, art historians, and scholars of auxiliary historical disciplines all contribute, alongside practising conservation designers and construction professionals. The organisers also collaborate with relevant professional training institutions in Budapest and across Hungary, including vocational schools specialising in monument maintenance and restoration.

A strong emphasis is placed on addressing real-world challenges in renovation projects. Students analyse these issues on-site and learn directly from experienced professionals involved in ongoing restorations, who possess in-depth knowledge of specific techniques and technologies. Through this hands-on approach, participants acquire essential traditional and modern methods in diagnostics, surveying, building pathology, research, and restoration, which they can apply in preparation, design, construction, and educational activities within their professional practice.

In connection with the program, UP FEIT organises a national professional forum on the Restoration of Historic Buildings each year. This event is accredited as a professional training course by both the Chamber of Hungarian Architects and the Hungarian Chamber of Engineers. The 2026 forum focused primarily on architectural design and structural issues, while also opening discussions on the relationship between historical and contemporary approaches.

Sándor Dévényi, Kossuth Prize-winning architect from Pécs and Artist of the Nation, emphasised that the challenges of monument restoration can take many forms. The materials and structural solutions applied, as well as the technologies used, may create tensions in preserving the values, authenticity, and integrity of historic buildings. Similarly, functional changes, efforts to improve comfort, and compliance with modern structural requirements may also pose significant challenges.

Each year, the programme brings leading experts from the field to its students, while also aiming to enrich the curriculum through site visits and both domestic and international study trips, thereby broadening participants’ professional perspectives.

Applications are open until mid-August 2026 for the four-semester postgraduate program in Historic Building Diagnostics and Rehabilitation, starting in early September. The program welcomes professionals working in heritage conservation with degrees in architecture, civil engineering, landscape architecture, restoration, humanities, or other related fields of higher education.