Welcome to the degree program “Archaeologies and Philologies in Ancient Studies (ALPHA)” at JGU Mainz, where the past comes alive and the future begins. Our innovative bachelor’s program offers a unique combination of broad interdisciplinary training and in-depth specialist knowledge in the disciplines of Egyptology, Ancient Near Eastern Philology, Byzantine Archaeology, Classical Archaeology, Classical Philology, Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology and Pre- and Protohistoric Archaeology. Come with us on an exciting journey into the world of pre-modern and ancient times.
Gaining practical experience is an essential component of the ALPHA program. The examination regulations of the various specialisations take this into account with the professional competencies module (scope: 20 ECTS for the B.A. ALPHA, practical and excursion module: 10 ECTS for the minor and subsidiary subjects) and the requirement to complete a certain number of excursion days. In the examination regulations, only general provisions were deliberately made for the professional competencies module. You have the opportunity to complete consecutive internships from the JGU offerings or from external internship providers (as a guideline: 2 weeks correspond to 3 ECTS, 4 weeks 6 ECTS) and/or to attend individual practical exercises. The type of internship can and should be chosen by the students themselves according to their own interests and perspectives.
Internships in excavations and surveys are popular, for which Mainz, thanks to the numerous activities in the area and the region, represents an ideal location. Important points of contact for those interested in excavations are the Department of Prehistoric and Early Historical Archaeology with its teaching unit “Archaeological Fieldwork” and its numerous ventures in the Mainz area, as well as the State Office for Monument Preservation Rhineland-Palatinate in Mainz (address see below). But Classical Archaeology also currently offers students opportunities to participate in field research, for example in Italy. Anyone who wants to work on an excavation in the Mediterranean region or elsewhere abroad must have first gained experience on a domestic excavation. Interested parties for excavations of the German Archaeological Institute (www.dainst.org) should please contact the staff of the institutes here in Mainz for further information and mediation.
Another option for internships is working in museums and at exhibitions. Here too, there are many opportunities, initially through initiatives by the instructors of the archaeological subjects themselves, especially in Classical Archaeology, but also in the region, particularly at the Landesmuseum Mainz, whose archaeological department is currently undergoing restructuring as part of the reorganisation of the Mainz archaeological collections. For this sector, as well as for the media (publishers, newspapers, television stations), it is advisable that students, guided by the professors, seek access on their own initiative as much as possible (see below the list of some potential internship providers). Since the bachelor’s degree is specifically designed for a professional career in the field of science communication, it is strongly recommended, if there is corresponding interest, to also consider institutions from the cultural and scientific sector that are less closely related to archaeology. In the best-case scenario, such practical experiences acquired during the studies can lead to direct connections for subsequent professional activities.
The excursions (max. 6 excursion days in the B.A. ALPHA, max. 4 days in the minor subjects) can be completed as day trips or in larger units (multi-day or major excursions). Whenever possible, the excursions should be taken in the major subject, but participation in related matters is also very beneficial.
The range of excursions is fairly broad, although unevenly distributed across the various disciplines, so that the demand can largely be met and all students have the opportunity to participate in a major excursion during their studies. As a rule, participants are expected to actively partake in the excursions, usually in the form of a guided presentation on-site. Registrations for excursions, especially for major excursions abroad, should definitely be understood as binding, as the organization by the instructors requires a significant amount of preparation. Due to limited budgetary resources, students unfortunately have to bear a large part of the costs for the major excursions themselves.
The completion of the practical module also includes the submission of an INTERNSHIP REPORT (please use cover sheets in the download area!). The report should be about 2 to 3 pages long and – in a form adapted to the respective activities – address the following points as far as possible: access to internships, a brief description of the activity (if applicable, access to special internships) and, if applicable, the (external) institution where the internship was completed, personal experiences, both positive and critical, with regard to one’s own study and career goals. Please submit the report to the module representative.
When applying, be sure to state that internships are a mandatory part of the study program.
The umbrella organization of archaeological student representatives has set up an archaeological internship exchange under the name ArchaeNoah: www.dasv-ev.org/archaeonoah/index.php
Landesamt für Denkmalpflege
Abt. Archäologische Denkmalpflege
Große Langgasse 29; 55116 Mainz
tel. 06131/201 630-0; Fax 06131/201 6333
mail: archaeologie-mainz@t-online.de
Information and prerequisites for the internships at
www.theatrum-mainz.de/index.php/ausgrabung.html
Verlag Philipp von Zabern
z.H. Frau Alrun Schößler Tel. 28747-19
Göttelmannstraße 13 A
55130 Mainz
Internships from 8 weeks in the publishing house and in the editorial office of the magazine “Antike Welt”
Application possible at any time
ZDF
Abteilung Aus- und Fortbildung Tel. 70-4364/4763
55100 Mainz
Detailed information on application requirements and modalities
on the ZDF homepage: www.unternehmen.zdf.de/index.php?id=225
Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie
Forschungsbereich Altsteinzeit
Museum für die Archäologie des Eiszeitalters, Neuwied
https://www.leiza.de/
www.museum-monrepos.de
Broadcasters and newspapers
usually require the completion of the 4th semester as a prerequisite! The website http://www.journalistenlinks.de/ provides an overview under the keyword “Praktika und Hospitanzen”.
Frankfurter Allgemeine Zeitung – FAZ
z.H. Herrn Hendrik Wieck Tel. 069/75911683
Hellerhofstr. 2-4
60327 Frankfurt
Information on internships: www.faz.net/praktikum
Archäologischer Park/Regionalmuseum Xanten
z.H. Frau Andrea Hülsbrink Tel. 02801/712115
Trajanstr. 4
46509 Xanten
„Internationale Sommerakademie”, 2 appointments in summer, 4 weeks each
Call for submissions from the end of January at www.apx.de/archaeologischerpark/
Südwestrundfunk – SWR
Personalentwicklung Tel. 929-2731
z.H. Frau Claudia Storch
Am Fort Gonsenheim 139
55122 Mainz
Internships of 6 weeks duration
Application possible at any time
The degree program promotes international and interdisciplinary experiences that will qualify you for successful academic careers and diverse career paths in current and future professional fields. ALPHA’s interdisciplinary approach transcends the traditional boundaries between archaeology and philology, allowing you to view ancient studies holistically and preparing you for a variety of career paths.
The degree program places great emphasis on teaching specialist knowledge in the areas of history, urban and landscape structures, artefacts, monuments, early writings, languages and texts. Cultural theory, field archaeology, museology, linguistics, literature, natural sciences and digital methods are taught in the seminars.
Through the integration of research-oriented teaching-learning settings, project seminars, internships and field trips, you will gain valuable practical experience that goes beyond the traditional university degree program. This practice-oriented training prepares you optimally for a successful professional future.
The degree program makes this possible through practical phases in various specializations and in the area of professional skills. These internships can be completed both in university projects and in non-university contexts. Take part in excavations, work in a museum during an internship or gain practical experience in heritage conservation.
The degree program promotes research-based learning through involvement in current research projects, exhibition projects and international conferences. This enables you to participate at the forefront of scientific research and discussion.
You have the opportunity to design your own course sequence by choosing a specialization and individual qualification. This not only promotes your professional expertise, but also your personal development and adaptability.
One focus is on independent learning, presentation skills and critical thinking, which are continuously developed in various teaching and examination formats. This promotes your independence and personal responsibility.
The degree program prepares you for a wide range of professional fields, from academic research and museum work to jobs in consulting, cultural and project management and beyond.
An insight into career opportunities is provided by the regular colloquium on career profiles.
Practical activities and object-related programs of study in the context of the IAW’s collections and other museums as well as citizen science projects offer you the opportunity to actively participate in the preservation and presentation of cultural heritage.
Responsibilities / area of responsibility
- recognition of ALPHA-courses
- Academic advising for the selection of focus-field
- Quality management for ALPHA-courses
- Registration of the focus-field in Jogustine
- Coordination of public relations activities relating to student affairs
- Coordination of the ALPHA lecture, orientation week, open university day, etc.
- Further development of the degree programme, cooperation agreements with other degree programmes
- Capacity officer
- Fire safety officer
- Please direct any enquiries regarding the specialisations to the corresponding academic advisers
Responsibilities / area of responsibility
Responsibilities / area of responsibility
Responsibilities / area of responsibility
- Support with the development of the curriculum for the IAW departments (for programme coordinators and academic advisors)
- Course administration, including room allocation (for lecturers)
- Enrolment, change of enrolment and withdrawal from modules and courses; changes of enrolment within the focus-field
(for students, guest students, etc.) - Management of the special rooms in the IAW departments (Hegelstraße 59, Philosophicum I)
- Assistance and support with the development and approval of IAW degree programmes, including the introduction of new modules (for KTCN, Programme Manager)
- Assistance and support with module relocations (for KTCN)
Responsibilities / area of responsibility
- provisional
Responsibilities / area of responsibility
| Tuesday, 07.04.2026 | Wednesday, 08.04.2026 | Thursday, 09.04.2026 |
| 14:00-15:00 Uhr | Byzantinische Archäologie (Beifach- und ALPHA-Studierende): Informationsveranstaltung mit Dr. Verena Fugger Georg Forster-Gebäude, 2. OG., Seminarraum 02.511 | 10:00-12:00 Uhr | ALPHA-Studiengänge (fächerübergreifend, B.A. und M.A.): Informationsveranstaltung und anschließende Sprechstunde mit Dr. Anne Sieverling Jakob-Welder-Weg 18, Philosophicum I, EG, P3 | 10:00-11:00 Uhr | Vor- und Frühgeschichtliche Archäologie/Provinzialrömische Archäologie/Archäologie der Steinzeiten (Beifach- und AlPhA-Studierende): Informationsveranstaltung mit Prof. Dr. Peter Haupt Treffpunkt Hegelstr. 59, 4. OG, Foyer |
| 14:15-16:00 Uhr | Klassischen Philologie, Griechisch und Latein (B.Ed., B.A., ALPHA, B.A. Beifach): Informationsveranstaltung und anschließende Sprechstunde mit Dr. Daniel Groß Jakob-Welder-Weg 18, Philosophicum I, 1. OG, Seminarraum P110 | 12:00-13:00 Uhr | Fachschaft: 12.00-13.00 Uhr Stundenplanerstellung | (Jakob-Welder-Weg 18, Philosophicum I, 2. OG, Seminarraum 02.511 – P210) | 11:00-12:00 Uhr | Ägyptologie, Altorientalistik und Vorderasiatischen Archäologie (Beifach- und ALPHA-Studierende): Informationsveranstaltung mit Martina Landrino, Dr. Mari Yamasaki und Letizia Savino Hegelstr. 59, EG, großer Seminarraum 00-309 |
| 13:00-14:30 Uhr | Klassische Archäologie (Beifach und ALPHA-Studierende): Informationsveranstaltung mit Dr. Anne Sieverling | Jakob-Welder-Weg 18, Philosophicum I, 2. OG, Seminarraum 02.511 (P210) | 12:00-12:30 Uhr | Ägyptologie: Sprechstunde bei Martina Landrino Hegelstr. 59, 2. OG links, Büro 02-212 | |
| ab 15:00 Uhr | Fachschaft: Campus-Tour (Start im Philosophicum) ab ca. 18:30 Uhr | Fachschaft: Ende der Tour im Baron | 12:00-12:30 Uhr | Vorderasiatische Archäologie: Sprechstunde bei Dr. Mari Yamasaki Hegelstr. 59, 2. OG, Büro 02-108 | |
There is a simple idea behind the term “mentoring”: an experienced person (mentor) supports and advises a less experienced, usually younger person (mentee) for a fixed period of time. In the first academic year, advanced students in our program act as mentors who now pass on their experience. The aim of the program is to enable a successful start to your studies: you will receive guidance on study requirements and technical support in organizing your program of study, and you will have the opportunity to get to know fellow students from your degree program.
Two to three personal meetings between mentees and mentors per semester form the basis of the program. The mentoring relationship offers a special opportunity to discuss all issues related to the program of study and also to talk about possible mistakes. The plan is to continue mentoring later on with teaching staff as mentors.
Yes, for example, you can experience a day of student life during the JGU Mainz trial day, or visit our stalls during JGU Mainz’s Open Day in the summer.
Application and enrollment for the program of study is handled centrally by JGU Mainz Student Services. The degree program is non-selective – however, please note the respective application deadlines for the summer (01.12.-01.03.) and winter semester (01.06.-01.09.). You submit your application online via the JOGU-StINe application platform. After a successful application, you will receive an official letter of admission, which you can then use to apply for enrollment.
You can find a description of the exact application process for a subject without requirements at JGU Mainz here: https://www.studium.uni-mainz.de/meine-bewerbung/bewerbungsverfahren/zul-freie-studiengaenge/
General student advisory ALPHA
Consultation hour by arrangement
- Please send degree program related e-mails to IAW-Studienmanagement@uni-mainz.de
student advisory Egyptologie
Consultation hour by arrangement
student advisory ancient near eastern philology
At present, there is no academic advising available for Ancient Near Eastern Philologys. However, you are welcome to contact the general academic advising service. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Student advisory Byzantine Srchaeology
Consultation hour by arrangement
Student advisory Classical Archaeology
Consultation hour by arrangement
Student advisory Classical Philology
Consultation hour by arrangement
Student advisory Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology
At present, there is no academic advising available for Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology. However, you are welcome to contact the general academic advising service. We apologise for any inconvenience.
Student advisory Pre- and Protohistoric Archaeology
Consultation hour by arrangement
The B.A. ALPHA consists of around 15 compulsory and required elective modules.
Not at all. A study plan serves for basic orientation.
Yes, it is generally possible to change your focus subject. This involves a change of subject, which must be submitted to Student Services by the deadlines specified there.
Completed modules and courses can be individually recognized in full or in part after examination in accordance with PO § 9 by the relevant examination committee.
An affine (program of study) area is a regular component of monobachelor’s degree programs. These areas enable interdisciplinary programs of study, which nevertheless generally have a content-related and/or methodological connection to the subject of specialization.
In the B.A. ALPHA, you can choose either a major minor subject with 60 LP (corresponds to the scope of a minor in the 2-subject Bachelor’s degree) or two minor subjects with 30 LP each from the subjects of specialization involved in ALPHA or from module packages of external subjects.
You can choose minor subjects from the subjects of specialization involved in ALPHA or complete fixed module packages of external subjects. The external subjects currently include (05.03.2024):
- Older history of philosophy
- Ancient history
- book studies
- Byzantine Studies
- Cultural Anthropology
- Catholic theology
- Art History
- Linguistics
More detailed information on the contents of these module packages can be found in the module catalog or in the examination regulations.
Yes, a change is possible! Please contact Dr. Silke Rothe if you wish to change.
As part of your degree programme, you can acquire a wide range of digital skills, although these may vary depending on your chosen specialisation. The digital skills taught focus particularly on the future oriented matters of data literacy and digital collaboration; specific skills include digital drawing, archaeometry, 3D modelling, database systems, object photography and image editing, etc.
In the area of professional skills, you can, on the one hand, further develop your subject-specific skills through internships or field trips. On the other hand, you can also attend courses that impart further professional skills, e.g. courses for the acquisition or specialization of modern and old languages, project management, target group-oriented presentation or writing, etc.
Yes, you can switch from the degree programmes previously offered at the IAW to the new ALPHA programme. This counts as a change of degree programme and is subject to the relevant deadlines. Please bear in mind, however, that you will not be able to switch back to your old degree programme, as enrolment in the older IAW degree programmes is no longer possible, even for advanced students, due to a lack of accreditation.
The answer to these questions depends heavily on the courses and modules you have already completed and requires an individual assessment or personal advising. Please contact your academic advisory office or your study management.
Of course you can! You can continue your previous degree program as normal and complete it. A change is not obligatory.
The transcript of records can be signed by the relevant lecturers in your ALPHA specialisation.
Dr Patrick Schollmeyer is the BAföG officer for the Department of Classical Archaeology.
