Graduate Programmes
The graduate programme in Archeologia e storia dell'arte (Archaeology and Art History) offers advanced training in the fields of archaeology and art history, through a path that combines highly specialised theoretical teaching, guided theoretical-practical activities and moments dedicated to individual research.
The aim is to develop solid scientific, methodological and operational skills, while promoting study autonomy and critical analysis skills.
During the two years of study, students deepen the themes of classical and medieval archaeology and the history of medieval, modern and contemporary art, acquiring advanced tools for the research, interpretation and enhancement of cultural heritage.
The programme also prepares students to hold positions of responsibility in public and private institutions, bodies and bodies engaged in the protection, conservation, cataloguing and management of archaeological and artistic heritage, and provides a solid basis for access to research doctorates and specialisation schools.
From the 2027/28 academic year, the graduate degree programme in Archeologia e storia dell'arte will be divided into two separate graduate degree programmes: Archeologia e scienze per il patrimonio archeologico (LM-2) and Storia dell'arte (LM-89).
Choosing the graduate degree in Archeologia e storia dell'arte at Università Cattolica means deepening the study of cultural heritage through a path that combines research, field experience and direct contact with institutions in the sector.
Unique hands-on experiences
Art History students can study original frescoes from the Pinacoteca di Brera exhibited directly at the University, a rare opportunity to analyse live works
Internal Archaeology Laboratory
It allows you to work on real finds, developing advanced scientific and technical skills in analysis, excavation and archaeological documentation
Cultural context of excellence
Milan offers a unique panorama in Italy, with museums, galleries, foundations, exhibitions and international events, ideal for training and professional opportunities
Collaborations with institutions and professionals in the sector
The programme dialogues with realities active in the protection, enhancement and management of cultural heritage, encouraging discussion with experts and operators in the world of culture
Comprehensive industry training
The itinerary offers a concrete vision of the cultural heritage supply chain, from museums to exhibition management, transport of works, installations, communication, education and fundraising
Personalised support and accompaniment
The course enhances the inclinations of each student, ensuring a direct relationship with the teachers and a training course calibrated to individual skills
Overall student satisfaction with the degree programme
Positive evaluation of the cultural formation acquired
Source: Satisfaction of those who completed the course of study detected in the latest Undergraduates survey, calendar year 2025
The graduate degree programme in Archeologia e storia dell'arte offers two distinct paths, each corresponding to a different degree.
Students choose from the beginning which profile to follow, with separate study plans and no overlap between the two paths.
All programmes are designed at the master's level and deepen students' skills without repeating undergraduate courses, even when the names coincide.
The Archaeology profile offers a complete study of the main areas of archaeology, from classicism to the Middle Ages, integrating the study of scientific techniques applied to excavation and analysis of finds.
Students have access to the in-house archaeology laboratory, where they can work directly on real materials, developing advanced practical and methodological skills, including analysis, cataloguing, documentation, and interpretation of archaeological data.
The programme also includes internship opportunities and participation in excavations at partner institutions, conservation bodies and specialised museums, guaranteeing a concrete training experience oriented towards the professions in the sector.
The Art History profile offers advanced training in the main artistic periods, from the Middle Ages to contemporary art, integrating in-depth studies on museology, restoration, protection and enhancement of cultural heritage.
Thanks to an agreement with the Pinacoteca di Brera, students have the rare opportunity to study original frescoes from Milanese churches, exhibited directly in different classrooms of the campus, allowing a live analysis impossible to replicate in other universities.
The teaching methodology of the degree programme in Archeologia e storia dell'arte combines theoretical-specialised teachings, practical activities, laboratories and workshops with professionals in the sector, ensuring active learning and training directly linked to the needs of the world of work and research.
You can find here the information on admission, which varies according to your qualification (Italian or foreign) *
To enrol in the graduate degree programme in Archeologia e storia dell'arte, the curricular requirements must be met and the procedures and deadlines set out in the programme admission procedures must be respected.
Here are the main steps to follow:
See admission dates and procedures
A.Y. 2026-27
For the academic year 2026-27 , it is still possible to enrol in this degree programme
A.Y. 2027-28
For the academic year 2027-28 , the procedures will be available shortly, with the procedures and deadlines for admission of the new programme in activation: History of Art and Archaeology and Sciences for Archaeological Heritage.
Prepare the required documentation
Make sure you have all the necessary documents for the submission of the application.
Register or access the Enrolment Portal
Register on the Enrolment Portal if you do not yet have an account or log in to the Enrolment Portal of Università Cattolica with your credentials.
Carry out the curricular verification
To carry out the verification of curricular requirements, it is necessary to enter in the Enrolment Portal the three-year degree in which you have obtained or obtained, all the courses in your study plan, with an indication of the scientific disciplinary sector, the ECTS and grades and dates for the courses passed.
The result of the curricular verification indicates whether the candidate meets the requirements to enter the course and provides information on the next steps of the procedure.
Reserve your place
If successful, reserve your place by paying the first instalment of the university fees via the Enrolment Portal. It is possible to do so even before obtaining the degree.
Complete pre-enrolment or enrolment
If you have already obtained your undergraduate degree, you can enrol, but if you are an undergraduate, you will have to pre-enrol and you will only be able to complete the enrolment procedure after obtaining your undergraduate degree and/or passing the integration exams. You will be asked to self-certify your degree with the exams taken and the baptismal certificate. If you do not have one, you can submit replacement documentation as indicated in the Enrolment Portal.
You must enter your income details by the end of November using the "Income statement" (Compila Redditi) application, available on your personal iCatt page.
Applicants with a foreign qualification must follow the procedures indicated
by the International Admissions Office, available at the following links.
* The information provided is subject to the approval of the competent bodies and may be subject to change
Practical information to help you enrol and get started at Università Cattolica.
Students with disabilities or SLD can benefit from compensatory tools and dispensatory measures. All information can be found in the Services for Inclusion section of the university.
Candidates wishing to transfer to a programme within Università Cattolica, transfer from another university, enrol in a second degree or resume their university career must meet the Admission Requirements.
Starting university often involves questions about fees, deadlines and the support available. Clear information about financial support and accommodation options helps students plan their studies with confidence, allowing them to focus on their academic progress and personal development.
Università Cattolica del Sacro Cuore, through EDUCatt, offers income- and merit-based scholarships and graduation awards, providing financial support to help students continue their studies.
Visit the dedicated section for information on tuition fees and other costs, use the online fee simulator, and find out about available financial support.
Università Cattolica offers a range of housing options to support students throughout their studies.
Nine residences are located on or near Università Cattolica campuses. They offer an educational experience that goes beyond accommodation, with cultural activities, meetings and workshops that complement university study. Residence life also provides opportunities to be part of an active community, exchange ideas and share experiences.
Residences located across the city are well connected to Università Cattolica campuses. They offer students greater independence in their day-to-day life, while providing comfortable accommodation and the flexibility to balance study, social life and personal time.
During your studies at Università Cattolica, you can gain international experience as part of your academic journey. Studying, doing an internship or volunteering abroad gives you the chance to experience new academic, professional and cultural environments, improve your language skills and develop an international perspective that can enrich your studies and support your future career.
Discover the opportunities to study, undertake an internship or volunteer abroad:
Semester abroad
Double degrees
Language courses and certifications
Summer programmes
Internships abroad
International volunteering
Thesis abroad
Short programmes
Virtual programmes
You can include an experience abroad as part of your studies. For programmes involving exams abroad, you can check in advance whether they can be recognised, following the guidance provided by your Faculty and discussing this with the relevant academic staff.
The programme offers several internship and apprenticeship opportunities, allowing students to apply the skills acquired in real-world work contexts.
The internship lasts 150 hours and provides for the attribution of 6 ECTS. Each internship is followed by a university tutor and a tutor from the host institution, who guarantee its correct performance and training accompaniment.
To activate the internship, the student defines the times, methods and contents of the internship with the university tutor; after approval of the training project by the student, the tutor and the Career Service, the internship can start on the agreed date.
Any reimbursement of expenses is left to the discretion of the host institution, while Università Cattolica ensures coverage against accidents at work and for civil liability towards third parties.
The Career Service accompanies students and graduates in their entry into the world of work, offering orientation tools for business and organisational contexts. The service supports the development of transversal skills, encourages meetings with companies and supports the construction of a conscious and coherent professional path.
Every year over 20,000 students participate in the events organized with more than 100 partner companies and over 9,500 carry out an internship thanks to the support of the Career Service and internship tutors.
At the end of the programme, students acquire advanced scientific, technical and methodological skills, becoming archaeologists and art historians able to operate independently and consciously in professional contexts related to the conservation, enhancement and management of cultural heritage.
Skills common to the two profiles
Scientific and theoretical preparation
Solid knowledge of archaeology and art history, from its origins to the contemporary age, with mastery of the main methodological approaches
Analysis and interpretation
Ability to examine and contextualise artistic artifacts and archaeological finds, evaluating formal, historical, technical and theoretical aspects
Management and enhancement of cultural heritage
Operational skills to work in public and private institutions, museums, foundations, superintendencies and protection bodies, dealing with the conservation, protection and promotion of heritage
Digital and IT tools
Use of technologies applied to the cataloguing, documentation and study of works and artifacts
Self-service search
Ability to develop specialised insights, individual projects, research theses and post-graduate courses
Professional flexibility
Ability to operate in different work contexts and to undertake different professional paths
Profile specific skills in Archaeology
Profile-specific skills in Art History
The graduate degree programme in Archeologia e storia dell'arte trains archaeologists and art historians capable of operating in all areas of the cultural heritage system, from public institutions to professional realities that deal with the production, management and enhancement of heritage.
The solid scientific preparation offered by the programme, combined with the strategic location of the Milan campus, allows students to fit into very diverse work contexts and to develop skills that can be used nationally and internationally.
Museums, cultural institutions and superintendencies
Cultural enhancement and promotion bodies
Companies and organisations for cultural production
Professional Archaeology
Typical job roles
This path boasts excellent employment results, with graduates finding employment equal to or higher than the national average.
Students receive highly personalised support, which facilitates the transition to the world of work and promotes the construction of a solid and competitive professional profile.
Source: The percentages relating to employment opportunities refer to graduates in 2024 (if 1 year after graduation), 2022 (if 3 years after graduation) and 2020 (if 5 years old)
After graduating, graduates in Archeologia e storia dell'arte access professional opportunities in national and multinational companies operating in various sectors, making use of the scientific, technical and methodological skills acquired during the course.
Among the most frequent realities: MIM, Art-U Guided Tours, Ministry of Education, University and Research, FAI – Fondo per l'Ambiente Italiano.
The graduate degree programme in Archeologia e storia dell'arte offers advanced scientific and methodological preparation, which allows graduates to successfully access the main higher education courses in the field of archaeological and art-historical heritage:
Take part in events to explore specific degree programmes and learn more about what different Faculties have to offer.
Find out about Università Cattolica Open Days for prospective students who want to learn more about the University and its programmes.
Explore the Milan, Rome, Brescia, Cremona and Piacenza campuses in 3D and access virtual events on the UnicattX platform.
Get the information you need about Università Cattolica's degree programmes and receive support in choosing the right programme and understanding the application, admission and enrolment process.
Do you have any questions about the degree programme? Would you like to talk to a student? Log in to Unibuddy to get in touch with student ambassadors who are available to answer questions about their academic journey and student life at Università Cattolica.
Unibuddy is a pilot project dedicated to students interested in the undergraduate and graduate degree programmes of the Faculty of Arts and Philosophy delivered at the Milan Campus.
