International Art History and Museology

The Department of European Art History at Heidelberg University and the Ecole du Louvre in Paris, the most prestigious institution of higher education for Art History in France, offer a bi-national, integrated International Master of Art History and Museology (IMKM). The four-semester Master's programme combines the complementary competences of both internationally renowned institutions. The first two semesters will be spent in Paris, where the focus of study lies on the museology programme (history of collecting and collections, principles of conservation and restoration, art education and administration of cultural heritage etc.), the Ecole du Louvre has been offering very successfully for many years. At the Louvre and other museums in Paris, students will have the opportunity to study, analyse and discuss works of art and their mode of presentation in situ. A written dissertation of about 50 pages on an art historical or museological topic will complete the curriculum in Paris.
The following two semesters in Heidelberg aim to familiarise the students with the methodological bases of academic research, while deepening their analytical-critical abilities. Students will write their final thesis at Heidelberg University with the aid of the university library's outstanding collection and holdings.

Educational organisation

Studies start in winter term at the Ecole du Louvre in Paris. The exams of the first and second semesters, with a focus on museology, are subject to the examination regulations of the Ecole du Louvre. Assessments of the third semester and the final thesis are subject to those of Heidelberg University. Between the two academic years, a (voluntary) internship and a study trip under bi-national direction are envisaged. In Paris, the language of instruction is French, and in Heidelberg courses will be held in German.

Study abroad unit(s)

After the first year in Paris, students will move to Heidelberg for the second year.

Internships

A (voluntary) internship and a study trip under bi-national direction are envisaged.

Forms of assessment

Written class tests, essays, oral presentations of seminar papers, written papers on a particular topic, regular attendance and follow-up

Course objectives

The IMKM qualifies students for a professional occupation in the field of international museums and exhibitions as well as in the preservation of monuments and historic buildings. The education also provides the basis for a career in other traditional lines of work for art historians, such as cultural administration, schools, universities, research, adult education and tourism, journalism (press, publishing, broadcasting, television, online services), the art market, and art consulting.

Language requirements

Very good knowledge of both German and French (level B2 according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages), knowledge of a third modern foreign language plus Latin or other classical language (upon request, the latter can be replaced by a fourth modern foreign language).

Required DSH / TestDaF

Yes

Academic requirements

BA in art history or equivalent study courses with a focus on art history, making up at least 50% or 70 ECTS points of the whole degree

Enrolment fees

Heidelberg University: approx. 150 EUR per semester, for the students services, students' council, and university administration. Fees do not include a semester ticket.
Fees will be waived at the host institution (Ecole du Louvre).

Arrival support

Students will be supervised by the IMKM coordinators in Paris and Heidelberg. Supplementary tutorships are offered at both institutions.

Services and support for international students

In addition to the institutional coordinators and tutors, the International Office of Heidelberg University will provide students with various support services.

Accommodation

Accommodation for international students can be offered in Heidelberg (upon request).