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 second circle of 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/apply/ by Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at 14:00
(CET).

Program Overview
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
• Delivery Mode: Online
• Degree Awarded: Master of Arts in Security and Cultural Heritage Studies
• Duration: Three semesters
• Available Spots: 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 physical or 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 (2) 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 in one of the 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.

Courses available here (p.3).

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: December 15th 2025 - February 10th 2026
• Interview Period: January 15th – February 15th 2026
• Begin of the Program: March 1st 2026

Fees and available funding
Tuition fees are set at €5.000 for the completion of the program, payable before the beginning of each semester as follows:

• € 1.250 for enrolling to the 1st semester
• € 1.250 for enrolling to the 2nd semester
• € 2.500 for enrolling to the 3rd semester

If you apply and are successful in receiving an offer, you can accept your offer and pay the 1st semester fee as a deposit to our institutional account. The deposit is considered a partial (first installment) payment towards your tuition fee upon enrollment. Funding opportunities are to be dully announced.

Additional Information
-For more information, visit our website:
https://dflti.ionio.gr/scher-masterprogram/en/

-Contact us:
Secretariat +30 26610 87224 unesco.chair@ionio.gr dflti@ionio.gr
Helpdesk unesco.chair@ionio.gr

Call for Applications