Multi-Heritage2024: From Design to Distinction — An Erasmus Mundus Joint Master Ready for Launch
The Multi-Heritage2024 consortium is pleased to announce the successful completion of its Erasmus Mundus Design Measures (EMDM) action and its full readiness to proceed to the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) stage.
Project: Heritage – A Multidisciplinary Approach for Better Preservation (Multi-Heritage)
Project No.: 101180427 – ERASMUS-EDU-2024-EMJM-DESIGN
Coordinator: Valahia University of Târgoviște (Romania)
Consortium:
Valahia University of Târgoviște (RO), Instituto Politécnico de Tomar (PT), Università degli Studi di Camerino (IT), Jihočeská univerzita v Českých Budějovicích (CZ), Trnavská univerzita v Trnave (SK), Stopanska Akademia “D. A. Tsenov” (BG), Adana Alparslan Türkeş Science and Technology University (TR)
Between October 2024 and January 2026, the Multi-Heritage2024 partnership advanced with purpose and poise from initial mobilisation to the approval of a complete, quality-assured 120-ECTS Joint Master’s degree. Across a carefully choreographed sequence of meetings—both presencial and online—the consortium agreed upon governance, accreditation strategy, curriculum architecture, mobility pathways, admissions rules, and quality assurance arrangements, culminating in a fully endorsed EMJM package.
The programme now stands academically complete, administratively robust, and QA-ready, with accreditation under the European Approach formally initiated and the EMJM funding application scheduled for submission before 12 February 2026.
From Mobilisation to Maturity
Early Coordination and Foundations (Q4-2024)
The action commenced with an EMDM Information & Management Meeting (19 November 2024), followed by a consortium kick-off shortly thereafter. Governance alignment, timelines, and digital infrastructure were swiftly put in place, including the launch of the shared management environment and the public programme hub at multiheritage.eu.
Strategic Decisions in Sinaia (February 2025)
Meeting in Sinaia, the consortium reached decisive agreement on:
- a streamlined single-accreditation strategy,
- the award of a joint diploma signed by all rectors,
- a two-year, modular curriculum delivered collaboratively across the partnership,
- structured multi-country mobility and co-supervised thesis arrangements, and
- targeted capacity-building through Blended Intensive Programmes.
Methodology and Best Practice (May 2025)
In Tomar and Porto, attention turned to academic depth and coherence. A research-forward pedagogical model was confirmed, alongside a comprehensive Best Practices Manual addressing learning outcomes, assessment integrity, faculty roles, thesis governance, and QA-aligned curriculum review. The programme’s visual identity was formally adopted, ensuring a unified outward presence.
Academic Consolidation (November 2025)
At Rybník, the consortium approved the full 120-ECTS curriculum, structured over four semesters and delivered entirely in English, following a clear progression from foundations through methods and tools to applied practice. All course syllabi were validated, co-teaching arrangements confirmed, and governance and quality assurance mechanisms consolidated in line with EHEA and ESG standards.
Capstone Approval (January 2026)
The final online meeting marked the formal approval of the complete EMJM package, encompassing governance, admissions, student services, mobility rules, financial management, joint degree policy, and quality assurance. Signature procedures were agreed, with entry into force upon completion by all partners.
Accreditation and Quality Assurance
Multi-Heritage follows a single, integrated accreditation under the European Approach for Joint Programmes, coordinated by the University of Camerino in dialogue with the Italian quality assurance agency ANVUR. The self-assessment dossier and supporting evidence have been prepared, with formal uploads under way to maintain the agreed EMJM timeline.
Visibility, Engagement and Outlook
The consortium now operates under a shared visual identity, with aligned communications across partner websites and stakeholder channels. Strong links with museums, archives, NGOs and heritage-sector actors underpin opportunities for internships, applied projects and field-based learning.
Next Steps (Q1-2026)
- Completion and archiving of all formal signatures
- Finalisation of the accreditation submission
- Submission of the EMJM funding application before 12 February 2026
- Activation of the outward-facing communications pack announcing programme readiness
In Closing
Multi-Heritage has moved, with deliberation and distinction, from concept to a fully designed and quality-assured Joint Master’s degree. With curriculum approval secured, accreditation under way, and timelines firmly respected, the consortium now stands well-positioned for external evaluation and the forthcoming launch of an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master dedicated to the thoughtful, multidisciplinary preservation of Europe’s shared heritage.
Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or EACEA. Neither the European Union nor the granting authority can be held responsible for them.