The designated period of the study program is four semesters (two years - 120 ECTS) and can be started in the winter semester only. In general, the program is a mix of compulsory modules (30 ECTS) that provide essential skills for pursuing an academic career in archaeological sciences and human evolution, and compulsory-elective modules (42 ECTS) that allow for in-depth specialization in one of the seven different disciplines. Students will also complete a project or work experience (18 ECTS) and Master thesis (30 ECTS). The program language is English.
All students in the program begin with two introductory modules their first semester, “Theories and Methods in Archaeology” and “Perspectives in Human Evolution,” which provide them with a solid foundation for continuing their studies and research. Additionally, students select introductory modules from different specializations so that they can explore the range of possible trajectories for their thesis. Students may select a specialization in one of the seven wings, or work with the professors and wing heads in developing individualized courses of studies and research projects that bridge different specializations.
Detailed information on the study contents can be found in the Module Handbook. Below are summaries of all compulsory courses and introductory courses. For details on more advanced specialization courses, please see the individual websites of the different wings (archaeometry, archaeobotany, geoarchaeology, paleoanthropology, archaeo- and paleogenetics, Stone Age archaeology, and zooarchaeology - scroll down for pic-links), or check out the current course listings on ALMA.