Humanities

Humanities provide an in-depth exploration of the human being, society, culture, ideas, and the processes that shape the modern world. The master's programme in Humanities at Alma Mater Europaea University connects various fields of the humanities and social sciences and equips students for critical analysis of complex social, cultural, and communication issues.

The programme is designed interdisciplinarily. Students engage with philosophy, anthropology, history, media, art, culture, and other fields, while a large share of elective courses allows them to shape their studies according to their own professional and research interests. A major emphasis is placed on developing critical thinking, argumentation, interpretation, and independent research work.

Humanities for understanding society, culture, and the human being

The humanities help us understand how ideas, values, identities, social practices, and cultural meanings emerge. They do not focus only on the past, but also offer analytical tools for understanding contemporary issues, from media and technology to human rights, social change, and cultural practices.

The master's programme in Humanities connects different research perspectives. Students develop the ability to critically evaluate sources, think argumentatively, and interpret complex phenomena. At the same time, they learn to connect knowledge from different disciplines and apply it in the study of current social and cultural issues.

This breadth is especially important in dealing with problems that cannot be adequately understood from the perspective of just one discipline.

What does the master's programme in Humanities include?

The master's programme in Humanities combines core courses and a wide selection of elective content. In the first year, students gain knowledge in the fields of epistemology, social communication and media, historical anthropology, regional studies, and the anthropology of gender and cultures.

A large part of the programme consists of elective courses, through which students can explore in greater depth the areas that particularly interest them. The content includes, among other things:

• philosophy and contemporary philosophical thought,
• media studies and new media,
• art, aesthetics, and cultural practices,
• religion and society,
• human rights,
• history of feminism,
• hermeneutics and interpretation,
• anthropological and historical studies,
• law and political thought.

This structure enables the integration of different humanities disciplines and the gradual development of one's own professional and research profile.

What competencies does the master's programme in Humanities develop?

The study of Humanities develops competencies that are useful in research work and in professions where the analysis of information, understanding of the social environment, argumentation, and effective communication are important.

During their studies, students develop the ability to:

• critically analyse social and cultural processes,
• evaluate different information, sources, and interpretations,
• understand media and communication practices,
• research historical, anthropological, and philosophical issues,
• express themselves in a reasoned manner in writing and speech,
• connect knowledge from different humanities disciplines,
• work independently in professional and research contexts.

Particularly important is the ability to address complex issues from multiple perspectives, which enables a deeper understanding of social phenomena and changes.

How is the master's programme in Humanities conducted?

The master's programme in Humanities lasts two years, or four semesters, and comprises 120 ECTS credits. It is offered as part-time study, and upon successful completion the student obtains the professional title of Master of Humanities.

Lectures are organised in the afternoon, generally between 4 p.m. and 8 p.m. All lectures are recorded, and the recordings are available to students in the e-classroom throughout the academic year. When attending lectures online, students must submit a lecture summary within a specified deadline in order to receive recognition of full attendance.

Study obligations usually take place once or twice a week. Courses mostly follow one another sequentially, and the first exam session is generally scheduled after the completion of lectures and other obligations in the individual course. Depending on the course, the exam may take place at the Alma Mater location or online.

The second year allows a great deal of choice, while the final semester is dedicated to the preparation of the master's thesis, worth 30 ECTS.

Who is the master's programme in Humanities intended for?

The master's programme in Humanities is intended for graduates who wish to deepen their understanding of the humanities, society, culture, and contemporary social processes and develop advanced analytical and research competencies.

Candidates who have completed a first-cycle study programme in the humanities or social sciences and have at least 180 ECTS may enrol without additional study obligations.

Enrolment is also possible for graduates of other professional fields. Before enrolment, they must complete two additional obligations: Humanities Colloquium 1: Antiquity and the Middle Ages, and Research Practicum: Selected Topics in the History of Humanism and Art. Each obligation is worth 6 ECTS.

The programme is especially suitable for individuals interested in research, culture, media, philosophy, anthropology, art, and a broader understanding of contemporary society.

Career opportunities after the master's programme in Humanities

The competencies developed by the master's programme in Humanities are useful in fields where critical thinking, analysis, research, communication, and understanding of the social and cultural environment are important.

Masters of Humanities can apply their knowledge in fields such as:

• the public sector and public institutions,
• culture and art,
• education and research,
• media, editorial work, and communications,
• publishing,
• professional consulting and research projects,
• tourism and cultural heritage,
• non-governmental organisations.

Work opportunities include participation in cultural and research projects, work in museums, galleries, publishing houses, and other cultural institutions, media and communications services, as well as in organisations involved in education, human rights, or community development.

Humanities at Alma Mater

The master's programme in Humanities at Alma Mater enables interdisciplinary exploration of the human being, society, and culture, as well as a high degree of content choice. By connecting philosophy, anthropology, media studies, history, art, and other humanities fields, students develop the knowledge needed for a critical understanding of complex issues and for independent professional and research work.

1. How long does the master's programme in Humanities last?

The master's programme in Humanities lasts two years, or four semesters, and comprises 120 ECTS credits. It is offered as part-time study. After successfully completing all study obligations, the student obtains the professional title of Master of Humanities.

2. What does the master's programme in Humanities include?

The master's programme in Humanities includes content from the fields of philosophy, anthropology, history, social communication, media, culture, art, human rights, and other humanities disciplines. Elective courses are an important part of the programme, so students can further direct their education according to their professional and research interests.

3. Is it possible to attend the master's programme in Humanities online?

Lectures are recorded and can also be attended online, and the recordings are available to students in the e-classroom. When attending lectures remotely, certain rules apply for attendance recognition, including the timely submission of a lecture summary. The organisation of other study obligations depends on the individual course.

4. How are exams conducted in the master's programme in Humanities?

Depending on the individual course, exams may take place at the Alma Mater location or online. Courses mostly follow one another sequentially, and the first exam session is generally scheduled after the completion of lectures and other obligations in the course. In addition to the exam, assessment may also include seminar papers, research assignments, or other study tasks.

5. Can I choose the areas that interest me most when studying Humanities?

Yes. The master's programme in Humanities offers a high degree of content choice, especially in the second year. Students can choose among courses in philosophy, media studies, anthropology, art, religion, history, law, and other humanities topics, and thus tailor part of their studies to their interests.

6. What competencies do I gain with the master's programme in Humanities?

Students develop critical thinking, the ability to analyse and evaluate sources, reasoned written and oral expression, and an understanding of social and cultural processes. They also acquire research competencies and the ability to connect different humanities disciplines when addressing complex issues.

7. Who can enrol in the master's programme in Humanities?

Candidates who have completed a first-cycle study programme in the humanities or social sciences and have at least 180 ECTS may enrol without additional study obligations. Enrolment is also possible for graduates of other professional fields, but they must complete certain additional study obligations before enrolling.

8. What additional obligations must candidates from other fields of study complete?

Candidates whose previous studies were not completed in the humanities or social sciences must complete Humanities Colloquium 1: Antiquity and the Middle Ages and Research Practicum: Selected Topics in the History of Humanism and Art. Each of these obligations is worth 6 ECTS credits.

9. What are the career opportunities after the master's programme in Humanities?

Masters of Humanities can apply the knowledge they have acquired in the fields of culture, media, publishing, research, education, the public sector, and non-governmental organisations. The competencies are also useful in cultural and research projects, editorial work, communications, cultural heritage, and other activities where analysis, interpretation, and understanding of social processes are important.

10. How is the master's programme in Humanities completed?

To complete the master's programme in Humanities, the student must fulfil all prescribed obligations and collect 120 ECTS credits. The final semester is dedicated to the preparation of the master's thesis, worth 30 ECTS. In it, the student independently researches a selected issue in the field of the humanities and applies the knowledge and research methods acquired during the programme.