Call for Applications: International BIP Program - “Autumn University of Architecture – Historical Wooden Structures”
We invite applications from students enrolled in the following programs:
• Master’s (second-cycle) students in Cultural Heritage Conservation (ODK), specializing in conservation studies (specjalność konserwatorstwa),
• Doctoral students in the discipline of Art Studies at the Doctoral School of Humanities, Theology and Arts,
to participate in the recruitment for the international BIP (Blended Intensive Program) “Autumn University of Architecture – Historical Wooden Structures”, organized by the Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava.
Partner institutions
The project will involve lecturers and students from:
• Slovak University of Technology in Bratislava – coordinator
• Technical University of Cluj-Napoca, Romania
• Palacký University Olomouc, Czech Republic
• Nicolaus Copernicus University in Toruń, Poland
• Hochschule Wismar, Germany
• Czech Technical University in Prague, Czech Republic
• Ss. Cyril and Methodius University in Skopje, North Macedonia
Program structure
The BIP consists of two components: a virtual one and an on-site one.
1. Virtual Component – Dates and Topics
• September 18, 2026 – Pre-workshop session
Introductory lecture; presentation of the historic town of Banská Štiavnica (UNESCO World Heritage Site); introduction to the workshop location; context of the workshop topic; explanation of the program.
Duration: 5 hours
• October 9, 2026 – Post-workshop session
Final presentation of workshop results; evaluation of the workshop; short presentations by participants.
Duration: 5 hours
• December 15–16, 2026
Transfer and application of the knowledge and skills gained during the workshop within the study program; interdisciplinary analysis of timber construction; reflective reports.
Duration: 10 hours
2. On-site Component – Dates and Topics
• Date: September 27 – October 3, 2026
• Location: Banská Štiavnica, Slovakia
Program topics
1. Theoretical background related to the fieldwork topic: lectures by recognised specialists (morning and early evening sessions) and professional excursions to historical buildings in Banská Štiavnica.
2. Field assignments: documentation and research related to historical wooden structures (afternoon sessions).
3. Preparation of outputs: presentation-ready documentation of researched objects for exhibition purposes.
Eligibility
Due to the main theme of the summer school – historical wooden structures – this BIP is primarily intended for second- and third-cycle students who have completed coursework in:
• architectural surveying and documentation,
• historical building techniques,
• historical-architectural research exercises (to be completed no later than in the current summer semester, by the end of June).
Language requirements
Both the virtual and on-site components will be conducted in English; therefore, participants must demonstrate a good command of English.
Credits
Participants who successfully complete the program will receive 3 ECTS credits.
Available places
For students from the Faculty of Fine Arts and for doctoral students in the discipline of Art Studies at the Doctoral School of Humanities, Theology and Arts at Nicolaus Copernicus University, there are 4–5 available places.
Application Procedure
Students interested in participating are asked to submit their application by
May 18, 2026 (12:00 noon).
The application must include:
• a short motivation letter in English,
• proof of English proficiency at minimum B2 level, or confirmation of participation in a language course at this level that will be completed in the summer semester (by the end of June),
• a certificate confirming the grade point average from previous studies:
– for BA students of Cultural Heritage Conservation (ODK): after the 3rd year of first-cycle studies,
– for doctoral students: the grade point average from completed Master’s (second-cycle) studies,
• a completed application form:
https://www.umk.pl/wspolpraca/forms/wniosek-studia-dlugo-i-krotkoterminowe/
Applications should be submitted to: mch@umk.pl
In the event of a large number of applications, selected candidates with the highest scores will be invited to an interview, which will take place in May 2026.