The Department of Built Heritage was set up in 2009, when it took over the functions formerly performed by the Institute for Masonry and Construction Research. Its aims are to promote research in all aspects of the cultural heritage dimension of the built environment, with particular emphasis on the Maltese environment. Main research areas include:

• Conservation of architectural heritage
• Conservation and management of archaeological sites
• Management of cultural landscapes
• Characterisation of Globigerina Limestone (franka and soll) and Coralline Limestone
• Deterioration and conservation of Globigerina Limestone
• Mortars and plasters in conservation

The Department is particularly active in the area of  preservation of architectural and archaeological monuments. In this field it participates in a number of research  projects, with local and international organisations, studying the deterioration and conservation of Globigerina Limestone and other building materials. Research and cooperation links have been forged with a number of universities and research institutions in Europe working, in particular, on EU financed projects. Bilateral agreements have been signed with a number of European universities. The Department also works closely with Heritage Malta, particularly on the conservation of Maltese prehistoric sites, which are inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

The Department of the Built Heritage runs a range of undergraduate and postgraduate courses.