PhD Program in Cultural Systems

Cultural Systems is an international and multidisciplinary PhD program that trains experts in cultural heritage and cultural systems.

The program includes the Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies (CHMS) track and encourages study abroad experiences through Erasmus+ and international mobility agreements.

Fields of study:
Archaeology, Art History, Visual Studies, History of Philosophy, History, European and International Legislation on Cultural Heritage and Landscape, and more.
Career opportunities:
Researchers and professionals operating in the fields of analysis and management of culture, cultural heritage and museums.
Funding and Benefits:
Students receive a scholarship and additional funding for research and mobility; accommodation and meals are also offered entirely free of charge, along with access to a wide range of campus facilities for three years.

KEY FACTS

Application deadline:
June 3^rd, 2026

Start date:
November 1^st, 2026

Language:
English

Duration:
3 years

Fully funded scholarship

HOW TO APPLY

Three simple steps to start your journey.

1. Access the portal

Go to the official application platform: the online form is the only accepted way of applying.

2. Log in or register

Enter your credentials, or create a new account if you're a first-time user.

3. Complete and submit your application

Select the “Cultural Systems” program and upload the following documents:

Identity document
Academic qualifications
Curriculum Vitae (CV)
Personal contact details

SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION

Explore the program

Find out more about the program, the career prospects and the campus life.
Download the brochure for all the details about the PhD in Cultural Systems.

DOWNLOAD BROCHURE

A PROFESSOR’S INSIGHT

Discover the pillars and strengths of the CS PhD program through a professor’s perspective and their impact on students’ academic and professional growth.

TESTIMONIALS

★★★★★

Silvia Massa

Cultural System (CS)

“At IMT I learned to look at cultural heritage, and museum objects in particular, as bearers of layered meanings around which interests and drives, even conflicting ones, revolve. This critical gaze is essential to curators in a changing museum landscape.”

★★★★★

Carla Ardis

Cultural System (CS)

“Through its interdisciplinary approach, IMT changed my attitude towards research, pushing me to analyse any topic from diverse and at times unconventional viewpoints. This has been invaluable in my current position, where I focus to create visual outputs for different audiences by closely collaborating with experts across different fields.”

★★★★★

Pakhee Kumar

Cultural System (CS)

“IMT helped me to develop my approach to research and provided me opportunities to collaborate with experts in the field. It helped me establish myself as an expert on crowdsourcing during disasters affecting cultural heritage, an emerging field of research.”

FAQ

Who is the ideal candidate for the CS program? +

Applicants must possess a Master's degree (or equivalent) in disciplines such as cultural heritage, history, anthropology, economics, sociology, or related fields. The program seeks candidates with a strong interest in interdisciplinary research at the intersection of culture, society, and technology. A formal English certificate is not required, but a strong command of English is essential as all activities are held in English.

What is life like on campus and in Lucca? +

Living on campus means being immersed in a vibrant academic community with students from over 30 countries. IMT School’s campus is located in the historic city centre of Lucca, a beautiful Tuscan town known for its music festivals, quality of life, and rich history.
Student life includes:

Cultural events and public lectures
Access to the IMT library and shared labs
Sports and leisure time
Shared residences that foster daily interaction and collaboration

What support is available for international students? +

International students are fully supported for:

Visa and residence permit procedures
Italian tax code and health insurance registration
Opening a bank account
Integration into life in Lucca and on campus

IMT has a highly international environment, creating a multicultural and collaborative research community.

What are the career prospects for graduates of the Cultural Systems PhD program? +

Graduates are well-equipped for careers in academia, museums, cultural institutions, creative industries, and private companies. The program offers one track: the track Cultural Heritage and Museum Studies (CHMS). Students are encouraged to spend part of their training abroad within the Erasmus+ framework and ad hoc mobility agreements.

START YOUR PHD

Submit Your Application

Any questions?
Contact us.

phdapplications@imtlucca.it