Call for MA Security and Cultural Heritage Studies 2025-2026

The Department of Foreign Languages, Translation and Interpreting (DFLTI) of the Ionian University, with the support of the UNESCO Chair on Threats to Cultural Heritage and Cultural Heritage-related Activities,  announces the call for the MA “Security and Cultural Heritage Studies” https://dflti.ionio.gr/scher-masterprogram/en/ for the academic year 2025-2026. Interested candidates are invited to submit their applications exclusively online at https://future.ionio.gr/scher-masterprogram/ by Tuesday, September 30, 2025, at 14:00 (CET).

The MA in “Security and Cultural Heritage Studies” (SCHER) aims to provide students with specialized knowledge on the protection of cultural heritage as well as a comprehensive understanding of contemporary security issues through a prescient analysis of current and future threats related to cultural heritage.

Key features:

• Language:English
• DeliveryMode: Online
• DegreeAwarded: Master of Arts in Security and Cultural Heritage Studies
• Duration:Three semesters
• AvailableSpots: 25 postgraduate students

Overall, the program is designed to equip students with the necessary interdisciplinary knowledge and skills to understand, analyze and address the complex challenges that threaten cultural heritage, including natural disasters, war and conflict, looting, illegal trade and “development” projects.

Admission and Supporting Documents

The selection of admitted students is made according to Law 4957/2022 and the provisions of the SCHER MA program Regulation. The evaluation of candidates for the SCHER MA program is carried out by a Candidate Evaluation Committee, which consists of Professors of the Department and teaching staff of the program, based on the criteria mentioned in the departmental Postgraduate Studies Regulation, as well as a personal interview remotely using a digital platform (e.g. via Zoom, etc.).

  The first phase of the evaluation is preliminary and is carried out based on data deduced from the submitted necessary supporting documents. The criteria during the first phase are Cognitive background, total skills, analytical-synthetic ability.

  The second phase includes a personal interview of all candidates, in which the inclination, dynamics and general academic personality of each candidate are assessed.

The required supporting documents submitted in electronic form by each candidate are:

(1) Curriculum vitae

(2) Copy of degree or certificate of completion of studies (recognized equivalence as required by applicable Greek legislation).

(3) Two letters of recommendation relevant to their research and/or professional career

(4) Copies of publications in scientific journals, monographs or peer-reviewed conference proceedings (if any)

(5) Evidence of professional or research activity or certificates of training and further education (if any)

(6) Copy of English language proficiency certificate (B2) in case the first or subsequent degree does not concern an English-speaking study program

(7) Copy of identity card or passport

(8) One photograph

-Your referee(s) might be emailed after you submit, so we recommend you letting them know to expect an email from the Ionian University.

Duration of studies

The studies' duration for awarding the Master’s degree is (3) semesters. In the first two semesters, the courses are taught and in the third semester, the MA research thesis is prepared. SCHER starts in the winter semester of each academic year.

Credit value (ECTS)

A total of ninety (90) credits (ECTS) are required to obtain the MA. During the first semester of study, students attend four compulsory courses. In the second semester, students attend three compulsory courses and one elective course. Each of the courses (compulsory and elective) corresponds to 7.5 Credit Units (ECTS). In order to obtain SCHER Master degree, each postgraduate student must attend and be successfully examined in all compulsory and foreseen elective Master courses and prepare a Master's thesis dissertation), accumulating ninety (90) credits.

Official language

Courses are held in English. The Master thesis is written also in English.

Study mode

The whole educational process is conducted in weekly sessions through methods of modern distance education. The timetable will take into consideration possible differences in time-zones due to the international origin of the students. The program withholds the option of organizing hybrid or on-site support events (e.g. in-person field trips), especially during the third semester of the program.

Key dates and information

Follow our key dates and information for the application process:

Number of Admissions: 25 students for the academic year 2025/2026

Application Period: August 4th-September 30th 2025

Interview Period: August 15th-September 30th 2025

Begin of the Program: October 2025