a core course called HGA (General Art History studying various periods and areas). Lectures are held in an amphitheatre, and tutorials are held in various museums providing a "hands-on" experience with the material. The first year is dedicated to the Antiquity, with an emphasis on Prehistoric, Classical and Oriental Archaeology. The second year focuses on the History of Art and Archaeology of the non-Western world, as well as the study of the Middle Ages and Renaissance. The final year focuses on the History of Art in modern times, and African and Oceana Art including Anthropology. In addition to the core course, in their first year students choose a specialisation area to study for the duration of the degree, known as cours organiques or spé. Currently 31 specialisations (or cours organiques) exist such as painting, drawing, sculpture, engraving, furniture, architecture, industrial design, cinema, fashion, photography created in various areas all over the world such as in Europe, Africa, America, Oceania or Middle and Far East. Students also take courses in Epigraphy, Numismatics or Modern Languages. Deuxième cycle The master's program is composed of two years. During the first year, students study museology and research methods. At the end of the second year, students submit a master's thesis highlighting research and work experience. Troisième cycle Although the research program is not formally a doctoral program, delivering a diplôme de recherche approfondie instead, students spend the three or more years conducting extensive academic research under the direction of a supervisor from the École du Louvre. Academic partnerships The École du Louvre has exchange agreements with the Université de Montréal in Quebec, the Istituto Veneto di Scienze, Lettere ed Arti in Venice, Italy and the University of Heidelberg in Germany. In October 2014, a new dual degree Master's program between the Ecole du Louvre and Sciences Po was announced. Library and publications The École du Louvre possesses one of the largest Art History and Archeology collections, which is made available to academics and students. The École du Louvre regularly publishes books, manuals and academic research, often in conjunction with an external publishing house. References External links Official website Article (in French) by the newsmagazine Le Point Academic exchange agreement with Heidelberg Louvre Louvre Grands établissements Louvre Palace Educational institutions established in 1882 1882 establishments in France École du Louvre