Master Late Antique and Byzantine Art History
The Master's program examines the entire archaeologically and art-historically significant legacy of late antique and Byzantine culture without restriction to monuments of Christian message.
General Information
The study of Late Antique and Byzantine art history focuses on the rich visual culture of the Mediterranean region from the 3rd to the 15th century—a transformative era bridging Antiquity and the Middle Ages, with Byzantium serving as the continuation of the Roman Empire. Central to the discipline is not merely the analysis of visual evidence and architectural remains, but above all an understanding of them within the context of political, religious, and social developments. Through the study of images and structures—ranging from churches and palaces to minor arts and texts, cities and landscapes—the field offers a gateway to the fascinating world of Late Antiquity and Byzantium via close observation, precise classification, and historical contextualization. At the same time, we address overarching questions that remain relevant today, helping us to understand other cultures and, in turn, critically examine our own social reality. The program combines archaeological and art-historical approaches, enriched by hands-on seminars, museum visits, and field trips that bring the subject matter to life.
Job perspectives
The degree program is professionally qualifying in the sense that graduates with a cultural studies education are equipped with key skills, methodological knowledge, and the ability to abstract, analyze, and transfer knowledge, enabling them to handle diverse and complex tasks in professional practice within a short period of onboarding. Ultimately, individual interests and personal commitment determine career paths.
Minor Subjects
The Master's program in Late Antique and Byzantine Art History is a single-subject Master's program with no minor subject. However, there is the option to choose modules from the Joint Humanities and Social Sciences Profile Area totaling 30 ECTS credits within the program.
The Joint Humanities and Social Sciences Profile Area offers interdisciplinary, research-oriented studies based on individually defined Master's programs. It reflects the interdisciplinary interconnectedness that has developed in the cultures of the participating disciplines within the Master's program in a way that avoids rigid regulations and accommodates future networking needs with maximum flexibility.
Desired Profile
Sufficient knowledge of modern languages, especially English, Italian, French, and Modern Greek, is required to read contemporary academic literature. Furthermore, strong communication skills (both oral and written) and the ability to think critically and analytically are required. The skills for academic work and the presentation of scientific findings will be taught during the course of study. Additional skills (optional) that can be (further) developed during the course of study include: basic computer skills, experience in archaeological excavations, experience in the museum sector, flexibility and mobility, and social skills (including teamwork, cooperation, and communication skills).
Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich offers an excellent introductory guide entitled "LMUstudium" from its Central Student Advisory Service, available as a PDF from the Central Student Advisory Service website (www.lmu.de/zsb/studienorientierung). This guide also provides further information about starting your studies.