Scienze dei beni culturali

/ Overview

The degree programme in Scienze dei beni culturali (Cultural Heritage Sciences) at Università Cattolica offers a solid preparation in the historical, artistic, archaeological and cultural fields. The course is also distinguished by its attention to the performing arts, cinema and audiovisual media, expanding the study of cultural heritage towards different languages and forms of expression.

The training proposal allows you to customize your path through four in-depth profiles – Archaeological, Historical-artistic, Theater, cinema, video and rituals and Conservation and management of historical and cultural memories – which allow you to develop specific interests and skills in different areas of cultural heritage.

The curriculum offers courses dedicated to the communication, management and enhancement of cultural heritage, with openings also to the themes of taste, fashion, economics and literature. The teaching, which is highly laboratory-based, promotes the acquisition of skills that can be used in contemporary cultural contexts.

The inclusion in the city of Milan, one of the main European cultural hubs, represents a further strength, thanks to the presence of museums, exhibitions, architecture, institutions and creative realities that make the environment particularly stimulating, offering an experience that combines solid traditional foundations and attention to the most recent developments in the cultural sector.

Aula Magna of Università Cattolica Milan

Why choose Scienze dei beni culturali at Università Cattolica?

The degree programme in Scienze dei beni culturali at Università Cattolica combines solid historical, artistic and archaeological foundations with practical skills in communication, management and enhancement of heritage.

Workshops, guided tours and field activities, together with a specialised library of excellence and the cultural richness of Milan, offer students a concrete training experience connected to the professional world.

Solid training in art history and archaeological heritage

Integration between classical disciplines and skills for new cultural professionals

Expert teachers active in the world of cultural heritage

Laboratory teaching with practical activities, visits and recognition of the works

Specialist library of excellence with historical, artistic and photographic materials

Practical experience and contacts with the professional world during the course of study

93

%

Overall student satisfaction with the degree programme

Source: Satisfaction of those who completed the course of study detected in the latest Undergraduates survey, calendar year 2025

/ Study Plan

Find your programme

Profiles and study paths

The study plan of the degree programme in Scienze dei beni culturali is divided into four distinct training profiles, designed to provide specialised skills while maintaining a solid interdisciplinary foundation.

Each profile allows students to develop knowledge and skills aimed at different areas of cultural heritage, from archaeological and historical-artistic practices, to the performing arts, up to the preservation and management of historical and cultural memories.

Profile: Archaeological

It trains figures capable of operating in the field of archaeology and the enhancement of ancient heritage, with skills in archaeological excavation, survey and documentation of sites, study of ancient and medieval cultures, protection and management of archaeological heritage.

Profile: Historical and artistic

It develops skills in the analysis and interpretation of works of art, visual culture and the processes of enhancement of artistic heritage, deepening the history of art from the Middle Ages to the contemporary world and the tools of museology.

Profile: Theatre, cinema, video and rituals

It focuses on the study of performing arts, theatre, cinema and audiovisual media, developing skills in the analysis of performing arts languages, cultural processes and practices of production and enhancement of the performing arts and the image.

Profile: Preservation and management of historical and cultural memories

It develops skills in the protection, organisation and enhancement of documentary heritage, including archival science, librarianship and management of historical sources to make cultural memories accessible.

View the study plan

Teaching approach

The teaching methodology of the degree programme in Scienze dei beni culturali combines lectures with numerous practical and laboratory activities, designed to promote active and engaging learning.

Students have the opportunity to deal directly with cultural institutions, museums, archives and professional realities in the sector, developing operational skills and concretely experimenting with the typical working methods of cultural heritage.

Among the main opportunities offered by the programme:

Disciplinary laboratories (up to 6 ECTS)

Dedicated to practical activities such as the recognition of works of art, the methodology of art-historical research and the analysis and cataloguing of materials

Educational outings and study visits

In museums, archives, collections and cultural institutions, to directly deepen the contents covered in the classroom

Internships and curricular internships

In museums, archives, galleries, foundations and entertainment realities, useful for gaining concrete professional experience

Study trips and collaborations with cultural institutions
In Italy and abroad, to broaden the cultural and methodological perspective

International mobility opportunities

With study, research and laboratory experiences in European and international contexts

/ Admission

The admission process

You can find here the information on admission, which varies according to your qualification (Italian or foreign) *

Access to the programme in Scienze dei beni culturali is free, the application for admission is accepted in chronological order of place reservation.

Here are the main steps to follow:

01

See admission dates and procedures

Academic year 2026/2027

Registration for this programme is still open. You can still open your application.

ADMISSION PROCEDURES 2026-27 (ITA)

Academic year 2027/2028

For the academic year 2027-28, the new procedures are available, with admission procedures and deadlines.

ADMISSION PROCEDURES 2027-28 (ITA)

02

Prepare the required documentation

Make sure you have all the necessary documents for the submission of the application.

In-depth analysis: Required documents

Passport photo - format: jpg, jpeg; Maximum size: 10MB

ID - ID card, passport, driver's license are accepted. Format: png, jpg, jpeg, tiff, pdf; Maximum size: 10MB

Tax code - format: png, jpg, jpeg, tiff, pdf; Maximum size: 10MB

Residence permit - if required. Format: png, jpg, jpeg, tiff, pdf; Maximum size: 10MB

For the final phase of enrolment*: Baptismal certificateor, if you do not have one, replacement documentation, which you will have information about later. *read: Complete enrolment

03

Register on the Enrolment Portal

If you do not already have an account, you must register in the Enrolment Portal.
Once you have logged in, you must upload the required documentation

04

Reserve your place

Pay the first instalment of university fees via the Enrolment Portal. It is possible to do so even before graduating.

05

Complete your enrolment

After graduation, complete enrolment.

At this stage you will be asked for your baptismal certificate. If you do not have one, you can submit replacement documentation by choosing from these possibilities:

If you've been baptised but can't find your original certificate, you can fill out a self-certification.

If you have not been baptised, you can make an appointment for an interview with the campus pastoral assistant. After the interview, you will receive a valid certificate as replacement documentation. In case you have already made your appointment but are still waiting for the interview, you can temporarily submit a self-certification attesting to this situation.

It is necessary to enter one's income data by the end of November through the "Compila redditi" application, accessible from the personal iCatt page.

* The information provided is subject to the approval of the competent bodies and may be subject to change

Useful information

Practical information to help you enrol and get started at Università Cattolica.

Foundation Knowledge Assessment test (VPI)

The Foundation Knowledge Assessment test (VPI) is a compulsory test for all students enrolled in the first year of an undergraduate and integrated degree programme.
After completing your enrolment, you will find on your personal iCatt page the convocation with the date to carry out the VPI.
The VPI is used to ascertain your initial level of preparation and to offer you useful suggestions to face university studies with greater awareness.

The test takes place online, lasts 40 minutes and includes questions on reading comprehension, logic, knowledge of the Italian language and general culture.

Each student has only one attempt, and the date is automatically assigned to enrolment, which can be consulted on the personal iCatt page, with the possibility of changing it only once up to 8 days in advance.

The VPI is passed with at least 50% + 1 of the correct answers; Absence from the test is considered a negative result. Those who do not pass the test receive an Additional Training Obligation (OFA) to be fulfilled within the first year.

Applicants with disabilities or Specific Learning Disorders (SLD)

Applicants with disabilities and/or SLD may request compensatory tools and/or dispensatory measures at least seven days before the test.

Applicants with a certified disability of 66% or higher, or who are recognised under Law 104/1992, are exempt from university tuition fees but must pay the €100 fee to reserve their place.

Learn more about Services for Inclusion

Transfers, programme changes and second degrees

Applicants who wish to transfer from another university, apply for a second degree programme or resume their studies must meet the admission requirements.

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/ Fees and funding

Tuition fees and financial support

Tuition fees and scholarships

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.

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Student accommodation

Università Cattolica offers a range of housing options to support students throughout their studies.

On campus residences

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.

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Residences in the city

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.

Explore city residences

/ International experiences

Study, internships and volunteering abroad

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.

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/ Internships and careers

Internships and career opportunities

The programme offers several internship and apprenticeship opportunities, allowing students to apply the skills acquired in real-world work contexts.

Internships and professional training

An internship (or curricular internship) is a training experience that allows students to apply the knowledge acquired during their university career in a real-life work context. It is a fundamental component of the study plan, aimed at facilitating entry into the world of work and developing specific professional skills.

The internship has a duration of 3 ECTS, equivalent to 75 hours, to be agreed directly with the host company. Participation is not compulsory, but strongly recommended to enrich the training course.

The Career Service supports students and graduates as they prepare to enter the job market, providing career guidance and resources to help them navigate different professional and organisational contexts. It supports the development of transversal skills, creates opportunities to meet employers and helps students develop an informed and coherent career path.

Every year, more than 20,000 students take part in events organised with over 100 partner companies, and more than 9,500 undertake an internship with support from the Career Service and internship tutors.

Find out more

Learning outcomes

After the degree in Scienze dei beni culturali at Università Cattolica, campus of Milan, graduates acquire methodological, critical and operational skills to analyse, interpret and enhance the historical, artistic and cultural heritage.

They develop skills in research, cataloguing, communication and management of cultural heritage, useful for working in museums, archives, libraries, cultural institutions, events and dissemination projects.

Knowledge of the history of art and cultural heritage from the Middle Ages to the contemporary world

Skills in archaeology, performing arts and management of historical memories

Ability to analyse and interpret works, documents and cultural contexts

Use of art-historical and archaeological research methods

Ability to catalog, document and analyse sources

Legislative and technical knowledge for the protection and enhancement of heritage

Communication skills and cultural dissemination

Skills in scientific and popular writing

Use of digital tools for heritage enhancement

The skills acquired allow graduates to enter professionally in areas such as protection and enhancement of heritage, organisation of exhibitions and events, educational services, art publishing and cultural mediation.

Career prospects

The undergraduate degree in Scienze dei beni culturali provides a solid basis for continuing with a graduate degree and deepening the various areas of cultural heritage in a more specialised way.

At the same time, it allows you to acquire skills that can already be spent in professional contexts related to the protection, enhancement and communication of heritage.

The training course opens up opportunities in multiple sectors, public and private, in which skills related to the conservation, management and promotion of cultural heritage are required.

Career opportunities concern in particular entry or support roles at:

Museums, galleries and exhibition institutions

Archives, libraries and documentation centres

Archaeological parks, historical sites and realities active in the protection of heritage

Auction houses, private collections and services related to the art market

Foundations, cultural bodies and organisations dedicated to the promotion of culture

Organisation of exhibitions, events and cultural initiatives

Entertainment and cultural production companies

Companies and projects dedicated to the enhancement and dissemination of heritage

Career opportunities of the Faculty: percentage of employed

3 years later

5 years later

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)

Our Alumni

At the end of the course of study, graduates find opportunities for employment in different professional contexts, from national and multinational companies to public institutions and publishing companies. Among the main experiences reported by our alumni are: Art-U Guided Tours, Diocesan Museum, TuoMuseo, Ministry of Culture.

Learn more about LinkedIn

Continuing your studies

After the three-year degree in Scienze dei beni culturali, it is recommended to continue with specialisation and professionalisation paths that consolidate knowledge of cultural heritage and enhance the critical and managerial skills acquired in the three-year period.

The graduate degree programme opens up to different directions, each with its own identity and vocation. It is possible to deepen areas such as art history, archaeology, archival studies or museology, to operate with greater awareness in the world of public and private cultural institutions. Alternatively, a specialisation in heritage communication, performing arts or media allows you to integrate humanistic sensitivity with operational tools, which are indispensable in the sector today.

For those who want a more direct entry into the world of work, the specialising masters represent a concrete opportunity to build a recognisable professional profile, oriented towards the management of museums, archives, foundations and cultural events.

/ Advising and support

Choosing your programme

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