Université de Perpignan Via Domitia

A multidisciplinary university in Northern Catalonia

The Université de Perpignan Via Domitia (UPVD) is a public university in the south of France, whose origins trace back to a medieval charter granted in the 14th century, making it one of the oldest French university institutions. Its name refers to the Via Domitia, the Roman road that crossed the region.

Modest in size compared to the major metropolitan universities, UPVD is characterized by a human-scale campus, a strong Mediterranean and cross-border presence (proximity to Spanish Catalonia), and satellite campuses in several towns across the region.

Arts, art history and archaeology

In the artistic disciplines, the institution primarily offers a licence Histoire de l'art et archéologie, attached to the faculté des lettres et sciences humaines. The program combines the study of classical periods and modern and contemporary art with an introduction to archaeological methods.

This curriculum benefits from a remarkable heritage environment: Catalan Romanesque and Gothic art, the medieval heritage of Roussillon, archaeological and prehistoric sites in the département — the university is notably associated with research conducted around the prehistoric site of Tautavel.

UPVD also offers courses in Catalan studies and cultural mediation, useful for students aiming for careers in heritage, museums, cultural tourism, or continuing on to a master's degree (art history, archaeology, conservation, teaching).

This licence constitutes a university-based, theoretical and scientific track, distinct from art schools focused on studio practice.