Key Information

MA “Security and Cultural Heritage Studies” (SCHER) has been awarded an "excellence" accreditation rating. Accordingly, the program’s aim is to deliver a student-centred education that cultivates diverse perspectives and independent thought, while preparing students for their future roles. It prioritizes transparent student selection, a full-time attendance model. The Regulation of Studies Document provides comprehensive guidance. Students are ensured to gain complete access to the infrastructure of the Ionian University. The program’s academic profile, structure, and learning outcomes are appropriate for Level 7 of the European Qualifications Framework, with strong coherence between objectives, curriculum content, and assessment strategy. The e-learning model is justified and robust. The program's academic, financial, pedagogical, and support frameworks meet all HAHE expectations and ESG standards [Standards and Guidelines for Quality Assurance in the European Higher Education Area] ESG 2015. The program team is to be commended for the quality and completeness of the application file. Overall, the program is strategically sound, pedagogically coherent, and institutionally ready for delivery.

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

MA “Security and Cultural Heritage Studies” (SCHER) is constructed as part of the educational program of the UNESCO Chair on Threats to Cultural Heritage and to Cultural Heritage-related Activities at the Ionian University.

Number of participants and admission:
The program enrolls 25 students. The minimum general requirement for admission to the postgraduate degree program is a bachelor's degree from a Greek or a recognized university and English language proficiency.

Duration of studies:
The studies' duration for awarding the Master’s degree are (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 the offered 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 educational process is conducted through methods of modern distance education as a whole. The program withholds the option of organizing hybrid or on-site support events, especially during the third semester of the program.

Application Status: REGISTER OF INTEREST > OPEN

Start date: ACADEMIC YEAR 2025/2026