Program Overview

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Palaeolithic Archaeology - Master

Key data on study program

The Faculty of Science at the University of Tübingen offers a Master's program in Palaeolithic Archaeology. The program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the subject, including the theoretical and methodological foundations of Palaeolithic archaeology.

Academic Degree

• Master

Restricted admission

• None

Regular duration of studies

• 4 semesters

Is a combination subject required?

• No

Application deadline 1st semester

• Application deadline for Germans and EU citizens: Winter semester: 15.09
• Application deadline for non-EU citizens: Winter semester: 15.07

Program start

• Winter semester

Language of instruction

• English

Costs

• Tuition and other fees

Requirements and application

On what criteria are applicants selected?

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.

Which requirements must I meet for studies?

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.

Which languages must I know?

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.

Which other subjects can I combine with my main subject?

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

Program details

Which topics are dealt with in the program?

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.

What is special about the Tübingen program?

This multiple master's degree program 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. The master's program is called "ART" in reference to the three partner universities 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.

How is the program structured?

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.

Is study abroad expected?

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.

After your studies

Career prospects

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.

Doctorate options

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.