With the master's program Archaeological Sciences and Human Evolution, we offer an international and research-oriented study program for young scientists interested in applying scientific methods to archaeological questions focusing on human biocultural evolution. The study program covers a wide range of cutting-edge scientific disciplines that are key components in archaeology. We provide advanced knowledge in the following seven scientific disciplines: Archaeobotany, Archaeometry, Geoarchaeology, Paleoanthropology, Paleogenetics, Stone Age Archaeology, and Zooarchaeology. Students specialize in one of the seven disciplines to gain in-depth theoretical knowledge and comprehensive practical experience. For their master's theses, students have the chance to become involved in various international research projects from all over the world.

The study program of the M.Sc. Archaeological Sciences and Human Evolution provides students with advanced research-oriented scientific qualifications and trains students in the application of state-of-the-art methods to research human biocultural evolution. These qualifications, which are lacking in more traditional archaeology programs, make the students highly competitive in the job market. Graduates of the M.Sc. program are ideally qualified for jobs at research institutes, universities, and cultural resource agencies. All students within the M.Sc. program are required to complete field and practical work, providing real-world experience in archaeological excavations and scientific laboratories. Additionally, courses on scientific writing and research design will give students practical knowledge that will be useful in further stages of their careers.

Upon successful completion of the study program, the student will achieve the academic degree Master of Science (M.Sc.).

All courses within the M.Sc. program are taught in English, consistent with its international scope. Skills in written and spoken German are helpful but not required.

2 Years (4 Semesters)

The study program can be started in the winter semester only. The winter semester starts in mid-October.

The students have ample opportunities to participate both in lab work and archaeological excavations. Our lab spaces are state-of-the-art and archaeological excavations take place all over the world.

Types of assessment include written and oral examinations, and some seminars require reports or term papers.

1:6 or better

•    Laboratory for ancient DNA
•    Laboratory for organic petrology and micromorphology
•    Sedimentological and soil science laboratory
•    Paleoanthropology “Imaging” Laboratory
•    Paleoanthropology High-Resolution Computer Tomography Laboratory
•    Radiocarbon and luminescence dating facilities (Curt-Engelhorn Zentrum Archäometrie Mannheim)
•    Archaeobotanical laboratory
•    Zooarchaeology laboratory
•    Geoarchaeology laboratory (Micromorphology and Soil Sciences)
•    Microanalytics laboratory (FTIR, µFTIR, µXRF)
•    Largest collection of geoarchaeological thin sections worldwide (15,000+ objects)
•    Human Osteology laboratory
•    Large comparative collections for human and animal osteology and botany
•    Geochemical Isotopy laboratory (Curt-Engelhorn-Zentrum Archäometrie Mannheim)
•    Measurement laboratory for trace elements and isotopy (Curt-Engelhorn Zentrum Archäometrie Mannheim)
•    Stable Isotope laboratory from the Biogeology Working Group
•    Facilities for X-ray fluorescence analysis (Curt-Engelhorn Zentrum Archäometrie Mannheim)

For admission in the MSc program, you need a Bachelor’s degree with a grade of at least 2.5 (German grading system) or better. It’s recommended that students hold either a Bachelor in Archaeology (ideally with some additional experience in Natural Sciences) or a Bachelor in Natural Sciences (ideally with some additional experience in Archaeology). If you hold a Bachelor in Archaeology but lack the additional experience in Natural Sciences (or vice versa), then this may not necessarily an exclusion criterion, the professors will take the final decision on your application.

It is highly recommended to write a short letter of motivation (1 page), detailing 1) your background, 2) why you think that you fit the program, and 3) your research interest and which of the seven specializations you would like to pursue within the program (Archaeobotany, Archaeometry, Geoarchaeology, Paleoanthropology, Paleogenetics, Stone Age Archaeology, or Zooarchaeology). The professors will take the final decision on your application and a letter of motivation can always be helpful with that.

Adequate knowledge of English is required. Adequate knowledge of English is considered to be level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (or equivalent). English classes at the German “Abitur” level are considered adequate as well.

Application deadline is on June 15 for the following winter semester.

International students have to submit your application online: 
https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/international/study-in-tuebingen/application-for-non-german-students/application-and-admission-of-international-students/. 
For questions regarding the application process, please contact the International Students Admissions Office by e-mail: studyspam prevention@uni-tuebingen.de.    
German students find information on the application here: 
https://uni-tuebingen.de/studium/bewerbung-und-immatrikulation/bewerbung-masterstudium/
 

Semester fees at the University of Tübingen are currently about 160 Euro per semester. Semester fees include a fee for the student service, an administration fee, and the student union fee. Every student has to pay the semester fee. Find more information here: 
https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/study/organizing-your-studies/fees/semester-and-administration-fees/
Students from non-EU countries will be charged an additional tuition fee of approximately 1.500 Euro per semester. Find information on the tuition fee, exceptions to the fee, etc. here:
https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/study/organizing-your-studies/fees/tuition-fees/tuition-fees-for-international-students/
 

Estimated basic student expenses are about 850 EUR per month according to the Tübingen Student Services organization (“Studierendenwerk”), including rent for student accommodation. Rent for private accommodation will be more expensive. The Studierendenwerk provides more information and manages university accommodations:    
https://en.my-stuwe.de/ 
 

In Germany, it is uncommon that master students are funded through the university. For funding, we highly recommend looking into third-party scholarships and stipends. Helpful links are: 
•    German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD)
•    Stipendienlotse – scholarship database of the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) (in German only)
•    StipendiumPlus - promotion of students and young researchers with special talents (in German only)
•    Stiftungssuche – foundation database of the Association of German Foundations (in German only)
•    “Deutschlandstipendium” at the University of Tübingen
Our experience shows that students have good chances of gaining sponsorship from their home country. Your national organizations should be able to help you further here.

A great option for gaining practical work experience all while earning some pocket money are student research assistant jobs within the institute. These research assistance positions may not extend 20h per week, as all study programs at the University of Tübingen are designed as full-time study programs. Often, it is about 450 Euro a month. Other options are of course looking for jobs outside of the university.

The University of Tübingen offers various options to learn German as well as to improve your intercultural skills and get to know German culture: 
https://uni-tuebingen.de/en/international/welcome-center/guide-for-international-researchers/german-language-courses/#c366999

Accommodation is available through the Student Services organization (“Studierendenwerk“). Rooms in student accommodation cost approx. 250 to 450 Euro per month. Private accommodation is more expensive and can take some effort to find as Tübingen is a very attractive place to live. To make sure you find a suitable place to live, you should start looking as early as possible. We recommend you apply for student accommodation through the “Studierendenwerk” at the same time that you apply for admission to the Master's program (https://en.my-stuwe.de/housing/halls-of-residence-tuebingen/ and https://en.my-stuwe.de/housing/faqs/) and send in a copy of your notification of admission as soon as you have received it. (Your application won’t be finally processed before the “Studierendenwerk” has received proof of your admission). For further information, check out the “Studierendenwerk” website on housing in Tübingen (https://en.my-stuwe.de/housing/). Outside of the university further offers exist and can be found online. 

The University of Tübingen offers many different services that offer helpful advice to those planning on studying in Tübingen as well as to students who are already enrolled here – whether they are just beginning their studies, are well into their studies, or are finishing their studies and planning a career. More information is available on the following website:
https://www.uni-tuebingen.de/en/study/advice-and-info.html

Innovative. Interdisciplinary. International. Since 1477. These have been the University of Tübingen’s guiding principles in research and teaching ever since it was founded. With this long tradition, the University of Tübingen is one of the most respected universities in Germany. Recently, its institutional strategy was successfully selected for funding in the Excellence Initiative sponsored by the German federal and state governments, making Tübingen one of Germany’s eleven universities awarded with that title of excellence. Tübingen has also proven its status as a leading research university in many national and international competitions – in key rankings Tübingen is listed among the best universities for the Humanities and Social Sciences as well as for Science and Medicine. 

The student community “Fachschaft” has organized a peer outreach program in order to provide you with peer assistance before, after, and during your move to Tübingen. Please feel free to reach out to the Fachschaft with any questions, concerns, or just to say hi. They will do their best to help you with any questions related to bureaucracy, housing, opportunities, and just generally adjusting to Tübingen. As well, the Fachschaft offers a great way to get engaged and meet fellow students in the program. Please feel free to join the Fachschaft Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/groups/2603182083238761/