Course Presentation — Bachelor’s Degree in History and Preservation of Archaeological, Artistic, Archival and Library Heritage

 

Educational Objectives

The Bachelor’s Degree Programme in History and Protection of Archaeological, Artistic, Archival and Library Heritage (Class L‑1) is part of the First Cycle of Higher Education, in line with the Framework for Qualifications of the European Higher Education Area. Its goal is to provide knowledge and skills in the field of Cultural Heritage, with a structure focused on four primary sectors: a. Archaeological heritage b. Artistic heritage c. Archival heritage d. Library heritage. 

The programme also offers learning elements related to other aspects of cultural heritage, including demo‑ethno‑anthropological heritage, landscape, and environmental heritage. 

 

Learning Outcomes

The programme aims to ensure that students acquire:

• Knowledge and the ability to navigate scientific and technical literature in higher‑education cultural heritage studies.

• The ability to transfer theoretical and methodological knowledge to professional contexts within the disciplinary sectors of the degree.

• Skills to analyse and interpret data related to general and specialised fields, and to formulate conclusions on broader cultural topics.

• The ability to communicate acquired knowledge both scientifically and to the general public.

• The competencies needed to continue studies in Second‑Cycle programmes

This degree provides broad foundational training aligned with the Cultural Heritage Code (2004) of the Italian Ministry of Culture. Graduates will be able to operate at entry‑level positions across all sectors included in the study plan. They may access relevant Master’s Degrees without additional requirements, while admission to other Second‑Cycle programmes may require supplementary credits. 

 

Career Opportunities

Career paths include roles in local authorities and cultural institutions such as superintendencies, museums, libraries, archives, film libraries, natural parks, and organisations involved in cultural heritage protection, environmental restoration, and cultural tourism. The degree prepares students for professions such as: • Art expert • Editor • Museum curator or conservator • Tourist guide or tour leader • Museum, Archivist, and Librarian.

 

Admission Requirements

Applicants must hold an upper‑secondary school diploma (or equivalent) and possess written and oral proficiency in Italian. An entry‑level assessment test is required, but it does not prevent enrolment.

 

Further Professional Opportunities

Graduates should be able to take on responsibilities in institutions such as the Ministry of Culture, regional and local archives and libraries, and related public bodies (Provinces, Municipalities, Mountain Communities, local health authorities). They may also work in state and regional superintendencies, museums, public and private galleries, foundations, and cultural industries dedicated to conservation, protection, enhancement, and communication of historical‑artistic, archaeological, archival, and library heritage.

The programme trains professionals for roles such as: • Art historian and critic • Archival, archaeological, architectural, landscape, or historical‑artistic heritage officer • Consultant in art, archaeology, archival science, library science • Specialist publisher or communicator • Cultural heritage market expert • Event and exhibition manager • Cultural event coordinator • Public relations officer. Graduates may also work in the publishing sector. 

 

Programme Structure

The three‑year programme is organised into three curricula: a. Archaeological Heritage b. Artistic Heritage c. Archival and Library Heritage

It merges previous degree programmes in Cultural Heritage, History and Protection of Artistic Heritage, and History and Protection of Archaeological Heritage. 

The course provides broad foundational training across archaeological, artistic, and archival‑library sectors, preparing students for both professional practice and further study. 

The Cultural Heritage Code (2004) is the reference framework for the concept of cultural heritage. 

Knowledge of fundamental aspects of cultural heritage enables graduates to operate at entry level across all sectors of the study plan, with deeper awareness in their chosen curriculum. 

 

Teaching Structure

Teaching includes lectures, laboratory and field exercises, and specialist seminars.

 

Attendance

Attendance at courses is not mandatory, however, the Degree Programme strongly recommends it, as it constitutes an essential contribution to achieving the learning objectives. Part-time students, after reaching an agreement with the relevant instructor, may take examinations as non-attending students,  but for no more than 30 ECTS credits per year. For further information on part-time enrolment procedures, please refer to the dedicated page on the University website  (https://www.unifi.it/it/studia-con-noi/accesso-e-iscrizioni/immatricolazioni-e-iscrizioni/immatricolazioneiscrizione-come).

 

Prerequisites

Artistic Heritage curriculum: exams in Medieval, Modern, and Contemporary Art History should be taken in that order; Art Criticism should follow Medieval and Modern Art History.

Archival and Library curriculum: Archival Science is a prerequisite for all other archival subjects. 

 

Learning Activities

Courses are conducted in person. Activities are semester‑based and include lectures, exercises, labs, seminars, and internships. Courses may be 12 CFU (72 hours) or 6 CFU (36 hours); labs may be 6 or 3 CFU.

 

Exams

Exams may be oral or written and are graded out of 30. Internships and labs award CFU without a grade.

 

Foreign Language Requirement

Students must demonstrate B2‑level proficiency in a foreign language, certified by the University Language Centre. Equivalent certifications may be recognised upon request.

 

Internship

Internships are educational experiences within the study plan or university training pathways. They may or may not award CFU, depending on the programme. Duration is proportional to CFU (6 CFU = 150 hours) and cannot exceed 12 months. Students may contact their curriculum’s Internship Delegate and consult the School’s Internship Office webpage.

 

Study Abroad

Students may apply for Erasmus mobility (study or traineeship) for up to 12 months. Information is available through the Erasmus Delegate and the International Relations Office.

 

Study Plan

Students must submit their study plan according to the School’s deadlines and procedures. Modifications require submitting a new complete plan. The plan must list all completed and pending exams and must be approved by the Degree Programme Board.

 

Final Examination

Students must graduate in a disciplinary sector in which they have earned at least 6 CFU. The final exam consists of a written dissertation discussed with a supervisor. The workload must reflect the 12 CFU assigned. Students must demonstrate mastery of academic writing, coherent organisation of knowledge, awareness of sources and bibliography, and critical analysis. The final exam committee consists of three lecturers; the grade is expressed out of 110.

 

Further Studies

Graduates may access First‑Level Master’s programmes and Master’s Degrees.

 

Location

Teaching takes place mainly at: • Via Gino Capponi 9 • Via Laura 48 • Piazza Brunelleschi • Via di Santa Reparata. Classrooms are specified in the semester timetable.

 

Libraries

• Humanities Library: Piazza Brunelleschi 4 • Art History section: Via della Pergola 56