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Profile of Programme

Preface
The Department of Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies and the Department of History and Archaeology offer a joint Ph.D. programme in Byzantine Studies and the Latin East.

History of the Programme

The Interdepartmental Postgraduate Programme (IPP) in Byzantine Studies and the Latin East was established as the first interdepartmental postgraduate programme of the University of Cyprus (UCy) in September 2007 (originally as the IPP in Byzantine Studies). The creation of the IPP became possible due to the felicitous circumstance that several high-calibre philologists, historians, art-historians and archaeologists were employed in the Departments of History and Archaeology and Byzantine and Modern Greek Studies and willing to work together (the original team consisted of P. Agapitos, A. Beihammer, S. Constantinou, A. Giannouli, M. Hinterberger, M. Parani, C. Schabel). This collaboration between the various disciplines of Byzantine and Medieval Studies in the form of an IPP was and still remains unique and presents a path-breaking opportunity to explore the Byzantine and, more generally, the Medieval world from various perspectives. This holistic approach is dynamically reinforced by Cyprus’ own cultural heritage, thanks to which UCy is ideally situated for Byzantine and Medieval Studies. It was precisely in recognition of this particular aspect of Cypriot history that led to the change in the name of the programme to the IPP in Byzantine Studies and the Latin East. From the very establishment of the IPP, a special emphasis has been placed on the balanced representation of all disciplines and a variety of methodological approaches. 


Aim

Ten members of the academic staff of the two Departments participate in the programme, in the following fields of specialisation: Byzantine Language and Literature, Byzantine History, Medieval History, the History of Greeks under Latin Rule, Byzantine and Post-Byzantine Art and Archaeology, and Medieval Art and Archaeology. Each semester at least three seminars are taught, one in each of the following areas: (A) Byzantine Language and Literature, (B) Byzantine/Medieval History, (C) Byzantine/Medieval Art and Archaeology.

The goal of the programme is to promote interdisciplinary approaches in the various fields of Byzantine Studies and the Medieval Eastern Mediterranean. More specifically, the programme aims at a multilevel and multifaceted study of Byzantine culture that combines the various theoretical and practical methodological tools of Philology, History, History of Art and Archaeology. The programme also provides an opportunity to study the Latin East and Greeks under Latin Rule with a combination of methods and themes.

Key Learning Outcomes

At the completion of the programme of studies, the students will

  • be acquainted with and in a position to appreciate characteristic facets of the literary production, history, material culture and artistic output of Byzantium and the Latin East
  • be in a position to appreciate and discuss how the literary genres, texts, events, institutions, practices, monumental constructions, artefacts and works of art that are the products of Byzantine and Medieval culture are integrated into and shaped and invested with meaning by their context, historical, political, social, economic and ideological
  • be familiar with the theoretical framework of and the current methodological approaches to the analysis of various aspects of Byzantine and Medieval culture
  • appreciate the need (a) to adopt a critical stance towards traditional views and interpretations of Byzantine culture and (b) to re-evaluate them in the light of the results of current research and using the appropriate methodological tools
  • be familiar with the nature of scholarly dialogue as well as the methodology and the research tools of the Humanities (e.g. the use of manuscript sources and printed written sources, visual testimonies and archaeological evidence, as well as digital technologies), and be in a position to present their views and to compose written research papers in a well-structured and rationally articulated manner, supported by the appropriate documentation

The programme is enriched by visits to the archaeological sites, museums, monuments, and monastic libraries of Cyprus. At the same time, the students are able to become acquainted with the research of local and visiting scholars through the lectures organised within the framework of the Colloquium of Byzantine and Medieval Studies. Furthermore, the students have the opportunity to participate in research projects coordinated by the faculty members of the programme.

Key Information

Department: Department of History and Archaeology

Faculty: Faculty of Letters

Programme Name: Byzantine Studies and the Latin East

Direction: Byzantine Studies and Latin East

Level of Qualification: 3rd Cycle (Doctoral's Degree) [8 Semesters]

Mode of Study: Full time

Language of Instruction: Greek Greek / English / French / German.

Coordinator:
Maria Parani (HIS)
Martin Hinterberger (BMG)

Curriculum Structure

Course Type ECTS
Compulsory
Compulsory 180
Recognition of prior studies 60
TOTAL ECTS 240

Courses per Semester

Notes

The research and writing stages, the comprehensive exam, the defense of the research proposal, as well as the Colloquium of Byzantine and Medieval Studies have three alternative codes, ARC XXX, HIS XXX or BMG XXX. For registration, students choose the appropriate code according to their department and, for students of the Department of History and Archaeology, according to their interests (ARC for archaeology or HIS for history). The choice HIS is given in the above table by way of example.


After the 6th semester, and for the following semesters until the completion  and defense of the doctoral dissertation, the students need to register in the corresponding Writing Stage courses (0 ECTS), always within the stipulated time-limit of 16 semesters in total.

Conditions of Study

Specific Admission Requirements

A candidate may apply for a Ph.D. in the Interdepartmental Programme in Byzantine Studies and the Latin East through the online application system of the Graduate School of the University of Cyprus. Applications may be submitted either in Greek or English.
 
Closing date: announced by the Graduate School (in spring for admission in September and in the fall for admission in January)
 
Documents required
  1. Detailed CV and research proposal
  2. Copy (scan) of postgraduate degree (MA/Mastère) from a recognised university or statement of expected graduation in the summer or fall preceding enrolment in the Ph.D. programme. After admission, the candidate will be asked to submit the original.
  3. Copy (scan) and grade of undergraduate university degree.
  4. A transcript and a detailed list of the courses taken by the candidate at the undergraduate and MA levels.
  5. Two letters of recommendation from specialists, preferably university professors or renowned researchers.
  6. Submission of the candidate’s MA thesis.
  7. Certificate showing a satisfactory knowledge of one the five international languages of Byzantine Studies (English, French, German, Italian and Russian).

The instructors may also set additional criteria and quality indicators such as: (a) number of candidates’ publications in scientific journals, (b) candidates’ participation in seminars, symposia, research programmes, (c) presentations by candidates at conferences, (d) professional experience, etc..

Admission and Duration of Studies
Admission of new students in September and January. Minimum duration three years. Maximum duration eight years from the day of admission to the Ph.D. programme.

Requirements for admission to the Ph.D. programme

  1. Postgraduate degree (MA/Mastère) in Byzantine Studies (Language and Literature, History, Archaeology, History of Art), Medieval Studies (Language and Literature, History, Archaeology, History of Art) or a related field.
  2. In addition to Greek, satisfactory knowledge of one of the five main languages of Byzantine Studies (English, French, German, Italian and Russian); for non-Greek speakers, in addition to the mother tongue, knowledge of English.
Candidates who meet the requirements will be invited for an interview. Overseas applicants will be interviewed via teleconference.

Rules of Study

Students must always consult the University's Postgraduate Study Rules.

Graduation Requirements

Successful completion of the requirements of the Programme.
Successful completion of at least 60 ECTS in postgraduate courses. If the student holds a Master degree or equivalent, he/she is exempt from this requirement.

Examination Regulations

Students must consult the Postgraduate Study Rules.

Assessment and Grading

The research and writing stages, the comprehensive examination, and the research proposal examination are graded with Success / Failure. The final grade of the dissertation is submitted in the semester of its completion. The doctoral dissertation is graded as Success or Failure.

Further Information

Occupational Profiles of Graduates with Examples

Career
•as researchers at universities or research institutes
•as curators of museums, art galleries, cultural institutes, etc.

•in teaching at secondary schools or universities (private and public)
•in the publishing industry
•in mass media, journalism, writing, editing, broadcasting
•in libraries, archives, research institutes, documentation centres
•in the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Diplomatic Service
•in the tourism industry
•creative writing

Access to Further Studies

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