Archaeology - Master

The study program is not admission-restricted. To apply for the archaeological science program please follow the online application procedure on the University's website.

Admission to the Master’s degree program in Archaeology is open to students who have completed a Bachelor’s degree program in an archaeological discipline, in a related discipline such as cultural studies (national) or in archaeology, anthropology, geosciences or history (international) with an above-average grade.

Since the language of instruction and examination in the Master’s program is English, sufficient English language skills are required at the beginning of the program (level B2 GER). Skills in written and spoken German are helpful, but not mandatory.

The Master of Arts in Archaeology offers a unique international, two-year degree in archaeology as a research- and practice-oriented course. Modules in various disciplines provide a variety of options for specialization within the wide range of archaeology represented in Tübingen. As a result, students can develop their own unique curriculum. At the end of their professional training, graduates are qualified archaeologists in both theory and practice and have an individual profile according to their research interests. The Master‘s program thus offers a range of opportunities for indivdually-developed and follow-up research options. The archaeological disciplines involved in the program are: Stone age archaeology, Later European prehistory, Near Eastern archaeology and archaeology of the southern Levant, Classical archaeology, Medieval and post-medieval archaeology / historical archaeology.

The Tübingen Master‘s program in Archaeology is uniquely characterized by a broad study of archaeology on a global scale, ranging from the Stone Ages up to the Modern era; a methodological focus on material culture; a close connection with scientific methods; various elective options, and a strong research profile with an international orientation. Specializations are possible via a large number of optional modules. While the basic structure of the degree program is the same for all students, there is thus a wide range of choices both from the archaeological disciplines involved as well as from the archaeological sciences. In addition to a subject-focused study program, this also allows for a more broadly diversified education. Graduates have been trained in the disciplines of prehistoric, Near Eastern, biblical, classical, medieval and historical Archaeology and are also able to perform independent research in their respective fields. The close interconnection with archaeological sciences in particular qualifies students for interdisciplinary research at the interface between cultural and natural sciences.

The Master of Arts in Archaeology offers a unique international, two-year degree in archaeology as a research- and practice-oriented course. Modules in various disciplines provide a variety of options for specialization within the wide range of archaeology represented in Tübingen.The aim of the program is to deepen and broaden existing knowledge in the subject of archaeology. Topics encompass advanced theory and methodology, but also practical experience: within the module framework, students gain important hands-on insights into a broad spectrum of archaeological research as well as into work in museums and heritage management. This foundation is reinforced by modules in digital archaeology and archaeological sciences. Direct knowledge of archaeological monuments and sites is provided through an excursion lasting several days. Within the framework of the free module, the research project and the Master’s thesis, students have the opportunity to set and develop their own research priorities. The program allows for both a broad study of archaeology and a stronger disciplinary focus. Each student chooses two specialization modules in one of the following disciplines: stone age archaeology, later European prehistory, Near Eastern archaeology and archaeology of the southern Levant, classical archaeology or medieval and post-medieval archaeology / historical archaeology. The course of studies comprises 120 credits.

You may choose to spend some time abroad as part of any study program. You should start planning it 12 to 18 months before your departure. Here you will find general information and advice on studying abroad. In addition, some departments have their own subject-specific services providing information on studying abroad.

Optional time abroad
You may choose to spend some time abroad as part of any study program. You should start planning it 12 to 18 months before your departure. 
Here you will find general information and advice on studying abroad. In addition, some departments have their own subject-specific services providing information on studying abroad.

The module handbook describes the objectives and the structure of a study program. You will find more detailed information on the type and scope of all modules as well as their courses, requirements and examinations in the module handbook of the Master of Arts in Archaeology.

An ideal course plan in the module handbook helps you to plan your studies. The module handbook and the examination regulations help you to understand the framework of your studies and to select the right modules/courses.

The study and examination regulations of the Master of Arts in Archaeology contain legally binding regulations for a study program. Among other things, they specify which modules of a study program must be completed and which examinations must be taken in order to successfully complete the study program. The study and examination regulations also regulate how often examinations can be repeated, which deadlines apply to the examinations of a study program and how the final grade is calculated. The examination regulations and the module handbook will help you to understand the framework of your studies and to select the right modules/courses.

Graduates have career prospects worldwide. These are mainly found in heritage management, in museums with archaeological collections, in teaching and research at universities, at non-university research institutes in Germany and abroad, and in private excavation companies. In addition, there are important professional alternatives in areas such as cultural management and mediation, and in the media. It is usually possible to find work in archaeology while still studying. Commercial field archaeology in particular offers good working opportunities for students.

Advice and internships
The University’s Career Service assists with careers orientation and getting started in your profession. Jobs and internships can be found in the Praxisportal.