Comparative Heritage Studies

The Comparative Heritage Studies programme at the Jagiellonian University offers a unique opportunity for students to gain a comprehensive understanding of cultural heritage in various forms, including literature, art, theatre, architecture, urban space, and sites of memory. The programme focuses on heritage from a multi-ethnic, multinational, and multilingual perspective, with three main areas of emphasis: Digital Heritage, Visual Heritage, and Comparative and Translated Heritage. With Krakow's rich cultural heritage, including UNESCO World Heritage sites, as a backdrop, students are able to engage with heritage in a practical and meaningful way.

The Faculty of Polish Studies, which houses the programme, is highly regarded, with a Category A rating from the Ministry of Science and Higher Education. Students benefit from working with experienced and talented staff who are dedicated to fostering individual development. The faculty has established partnerships with cultural institutions in Krakow and the Malopolska province, including theatres, museums, and cultural centers, offering students a wealth of opportunities to engage with the local community. The faculty also has a strong focus on language and linguistics, with initiatives such as the Month of First Language, which includes the Krakow Dictation and linguistics workshops in schools.

Overall, the Comparative Heritage Studies programme and the Faculty of Polish Studies offer a rich and engaging learning environment for students interested in exploring cultural heritage from a comparative and interdisciplinary perspective.

The knowledge gained by Comparative Heritage Studies graduates will allow them to broaden their understanding of the dynamics shaping heritage in the contemporary world, both in symbolic and material terms. Graduates will be prepared to identify and analyse social, cultural, and political actions that affect the recognition and protection of cultural heritage, as well as its management and education. They will receive qualifications to work in international cultural centres, particularly museums, archival/research, diplomatic, or academic institutes, publishing houses, and libraries. These studies will train young scholars to use interdisciplinary tools in a critical and comparative fashion, helping them to work in multilingual and multicultural environments.