Top reasons to choose this programme
Why choose the Palaeolithic Archaeology Master's Programme?
With all modules offered in English, this international programme includes compulsory semesters at the 3 partner universities (University of Tübingen, Aix-Marseille Université and Sapienza Università di Roma)
At the end of this multiple degree study programme, students will receive three different master's diplomas officially recognised by the three universities (MSc in Tübingen and MA in Rome and Aix- Marseille).
Specific strengths:
- Research-based: Strong research orientation through integration into existing research projects
- Hands-on: High practical orientation through mandatory research internships
- Truly International: Multiple European degrees awarded to successful participants, pleus strong cooperation with South-Africa
- High diversity: By attending 3 different universities student acquire high adaptability and language skills during their studies
- Innovative: The close cooperation between different high-level European universities brings the European idea to life
Learn more about admissions and the registration process by visiting the University of Tübingen's website!
Programme overview
The programme can only be started in the winter semester. EU students must submit their applications by 15 September, while non-EU citizens must apply by 15 July.
First semester - University of Tübingen
At the University of Tübingen, you will have the opportunity to 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
- Palaeogenetics.
In parallel, students conduct laboratory work and participate in field trips and visits to museums and archaeological sites.
Second semester - Sapienza Università di Roma
During the 2nd semester at Sapienza Università di Roma, students will take courses within the existing MA in Mediterranean Archaeology at the Dipartimento di Scienze dell'Antichità.
They will choose 3 required courses from the following:
- Advances in Paleolithic Archaeology
- Archaeology and Human Diversity
- Threatened Archaeology: Threats and Mitigation
- Experimental Archaeology for Use-Wear and Residues Analysis
Participants will decide on an elective module between:
- Archaeometry, When, Where, What?
- Information Technology for Archaeology
- Human Migrations Mobility and Identities in Life and Death in Prehistory
As a student from this Master's programme, you 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. Field trips and visits to museums and archaeological sites will be organised.
Third semester - Aix-Marseille université
During the 3rd semester in Aix-Marseille université, participants will take courses within the existing MA programme in Archéologie, Sciences pour l'Archéologie at the Faculté des Arts, Lettres, Langues et Sciences Humaines.
As a student, you will choose 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 Aix-Marseille université 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.
Master thesis
The Master thesis can be done either in University of Tübingen, Sapienza Università di Roma, or Aix-Marseille université.
Career opportunities
Wide-range of work opportunities
Graduates from the Master's programme in Palaeolithic Archaeology 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.
Exceptional skills
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 the Stone Age and Palaeolithic periods represent about 99% of human history, experienced archaeologists in these fields find many career opportunities in academic archaeology, research institutions, museums, and private archaeological firms.
Research path
Following the Master's degree, many graduates choose to pursue doctoral studies.
To get more information about the programme, visit the coordinating university's page.