MCTS–MISMeC double degree: delving deeper into urban regeneration from a sustainability perspective

The dual degree responds to the growing demand from MCTS students who wish to deepen their knowledge in more specific areas such as urban intervention, sustainable building, and the transformation of the built environment. This synergy leverages the complementarity of two programs with strong theoretical foundations and practical applications.

💡 Interested applicants must complete the pre-enrollment through the UPC admissions platform. More information here.

Two master's programs, two converging perspectives

The MCTS trains professionals and change agents capable of understanding and addressing contemporary socio-environmental challenges through a transdisciplinary, scientific, and technological approach. The MISMeC, on the other hand, focuses on sustainable intervention in the built environment—urban spaces, buildings, and infrastructures—with the goal of reducing environmental impact and improving urban and social quality.

Combining both programs offers a unique opportunity to acquire a holistic and critical vision of sustainable development, with advanced training ranging from territorial systems analysis to the practical application of regeneration methodologies.

An international and applied experience

Students from MCTS who opt for the dual degree join the international track of MISMeC, taught in English at the School of Architecture of Vallès (ETSAV). This track is characterized by a holistic, transdisciplinary approach with alternative narratives, and welcomes students from diverse countries and academic backgrounds.

During the first semester, students take six core subjects, including:

• Water and the City: explores urban water management and cultural relationships with water. Taught by Elena Albareda and complements the “Integrated Water Management Systems” course from the MCTS.
• Energy and the City: a technical course taught by Torsten Masseck, linked to ISST projects, and Mariana Palumbo.
• Society and the City: explores social dynamics in urban spaces using participatory and qualitative tools, led by Marta Serra.
• Re_habilitate: technical focus on building transformations, materials, and energy efficiency. Taught by Fabian López and Pablo Garrido.
• Re_inhabit: conceptual reflection on habitability, comfort standards, and social/environmental values of space. Taught by Pere Fuertes, Director of ETSAV.
• Re_generate: uses tools like QGis and focuses on complex territorial processes. Taught by Adolf Sotoca, Director of MISMeC.

The second semester revolves around the Studio, a hands-on group workshop based on a real neighborhood, typically located in the Besòs area. It includes fieldwork, open workshops, and real urban context analysis. Additionally, the course features proximity visits and direct engagement with local residents and community organizations through activities such as interviews with local businesses, actor mapping, urban walks, and photo documentation. This methodology brings theoretical concepts into real-world practice, closely aligned with the MCTS philosophy.

As part of the program, students also take a field trip to a different territory to complement the Barcelona-based case study. In the past two years, this has involved a deep immersion in Valencia, with on-site analysis of the DANA impacts, related territorial processes, and collective memory of the landscape. This experience provides deep, contextual understanding of urban metabolism challenges and territorial vulnerabilities.

Academic recognition and career prospects

This pathway provides access to doctoral studies at UPC, with possibilities to join the PhD program of the Sustainability Institute (ISST). On a professional level, the dual degree opens doors in fields such as:

• Urban sustainability planning
• Infrastructure and public service management
• Urban rehabilitation and revitalization
• Applied research and international collaborative projects

The curricular integration of both programs avoids redundancies, recognizing MCTS electives within MISMeC and facilitating streamlined, coherent, and impactful training.

Want to learn more?
Dual Degree MCTS–MISMeC
MISMeC – International Track