Palaeolithic Archaeology - Master

The target group are internationally interested students who are particularly good in their subject and who are willing to complete their studies at at least 3 universities. They have to accept the challenge of living in different countries (thus having a basic knowledge of German, French and Italian as well as a very good knowledge of English), getting involved with different European university systems and thus being very flexible and adaptable to work in small internationally staffed teams.

The prerequisite for participation in the Master's program is a Bachelor's degree in archaeology or a comparable degree in an equivalent subject. Bachelor's degrees in relevant natural science subjects (geology, chemistry, physics, biology, computer science) may also count as entry qualifications if archaeological experience is available.

A joint committee, including representatives from the three universities of Aix-Marseille, Rome and Tübingen, decides on the equivalence of the degree and any additional requirements, such as additional lectures or laboratory courses to be taken.

The language of instruction and examination in the Master's program in Paleolithic Archaeology is English. Sufficient knowledge of the English language is required (level B2 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages).

Prerequisite for studying in the Master's program is proof of English language proficiency at the level of B2 CEFR. Knowledge of German, French and Italian is welcome but not necessary.

It is a so-called "mono-master", i.e. the study is done in one scientific subject.

The program is located at the intersection of archaeology, anthropology, paleoanthropology, and all subjects related to human evolution. The program focuses on disciplines related to Palaeolithic Archaeology such as Palaeolithic technology, organization of Palaeolithic societies and aspects of prehistoric ideology, paleoanthropology, cultural evolution, zooarchaeology, archaeobotany, geoarchaeology, among others, as well as numerous topics in human evolution and regional specializations.

Students can specialize in electives and through excavations/internships. The offers for this reflect the offers of the 3 participating CIVIS universities.

This multiple master's degree Programm in Palaeolithic Archaeology (ART) is established by the Universities of Aix-Marseille (France), Rome (Italy) and Tübingen (Germany) with the European alliance of 10 universities called CIVIS (https://civis.eu/en). The master's program is calles "ART" in reference to the three partner universites in Europe (Aix-Marseille, Rome and Tübingen) and it is designed as an independent master's program, building upon the curricula of existing programs in each institution. Fieldwork experience and academic training are also offered in South Africa, via collaboration with the University of the Witwatersrand.

In contrast to the existing MSc Archaeological Sciences and Human Evolution, this new program is not only international (all modules in English), but must be studied compulsorily at the 3 partner universities. At the end of the study program, the students will get three different master's diplomas officially recognized by the three universities (MSc in Tübingen and MA in Rome and Aix- Marseille).

Specific strengths:

• Strong research orientation through integration into existing research projects
• High practical orientation through mandatory research internships
• High internationalization European through  a Multiple-Master - as well as cooperation with S-Africa
• High diversity through studies at 3 different universities: high adaptability and language acquisition is automatically acquired "alongside" studies
• Innovative: Close cooperation between three European universities: the European idea is lived here

At the University of Tübingen, students will take courses in English in the 1st semester as part of the existing MSc in Archaeological Sciences and Human Evolution. Students will be introduced to archaeological sciences and human evolution and build a solid foundation for the following semesters. Students will take three required modules: theories and methods in archaeology; Stone Age archaeology; Stone Age societies and ideology. They will also choose one of the modules that provide comprehensive introductions to the following disciplines: Archaeobotany, Archaeometry, Geoarchaeology, Palaeoanthropology, Zooarchaeology and Palaeogenetics. In parallel, they conduct laboratory work and participate in field trips and visits to museums and archaeological sites.

During the 2nd semester in Rome, students will take courses within the existing MA in Mediterranean Archaeology at the Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Antichità. They will choose 2 required courses from the following: Advances in Paleolithic Archaeology; Archaeology and Human Diversity; Threatened Archaeology: Threats and Mitigation; and Experimental Archaeology for Use-Wear and Residues Analysis. You will also choose an elective module between: Archaeometry, When, Where, What? Information Technology for Archaeology, and Human Migrations Mobility and Identities in Life and Death in Prehistory. Students will have the opportunity to work in the LTFAPA laboratory under the direction of Prof. Cristina Lemorini, where they will learn the principles of use and residue analysis through macro- and microscopic observations using a large reference collection of replicas of lithic industries from a variety of raw materials from Europe, the Middle East, and Africa. You will also participate in field trips and visits to museums and archaeological sites.

During the 3rd semester in Aix-Marseille, students will take courses within the existing MA program in Archéologie, Sciences pour l'Archéologie at the Faculté des Arts, Lettres, Langues et Sciences Humaines. Students will choose several courses on material culture, including stone and bone technology, as well as bioarchaeology and geoarchaeology, including courses on zooarchaeology, osteology, and bone taphonomy, as well as a multidisciplinary course on the specifics of different environments (e.g., coastal environments, mountain environments). Students may accompany members of the University of Aix-Marseille and LAMPEA to excavations at various sites in France and elsewhere.

In parallel with lectures, seminars, practical classes, and laboratory work, students may participate in several archaeological excavations conducted by members of the partner universities at Paleolithic sites in France, Italy, Germany, and elsewhere.

The course is offered by 3 universities:

• 1st semester in Tübingen,
• 2nd semester in Sapienza Rome,
• 3rd semester in Aix-Marseille,
• 4th semester: Master thesis either in Tübingen, Rome or Aix.

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.

In the winter semester of 2023/24, approximately 210 students were studying in the field of Natural History Archaeology:

The module manual 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 M.Sc.Palaeolithic Archaeology program. 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 M.Sc. Palaelithic Archaology 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 will work in research institutes, universities, heritage agencies, environmental agencies, planning offices, excavation companies, prospecting companies, but also, for example, in science journalism and other professional fields. Graduates have advantages in the archaeological job market because they have additional qualifications that are not taught in traditional archaeological courses.

Often archaeologists have little or no experience in the Stone Age and Paleolithic. Since this period represents far more than 99% of human history, there are many career opportunities in academic archaeology, research institutions, museums, and private archaeological firms.

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.

Following the master's degree, there is the possibility of a doctorate. Information about the doctorate can be found on the doctorate page of the Faculty of Science.

Here you can find information about the Alumni Association Tübingen.