The degree program has a simple ‘architecture’. The study program, which, as with all four-semester master’s degrees, comprises a total of 120 credits (LP), is essentially divided into three blocks:
A) Thematic modules, at least 3 of which must be in the chosen subject of specialization, the others of your choice from the other archaeologies, from neighbouring subjects or from the field of application (geoinformation)
B) Additional modules: Of these, the practical and research modules (theory exercise and preparation of a sample review) are compulsory for all students, the “Professionalization” module (free project work) is only compulsory for students specializing in Classical Archaeology. The module “Language acquisition” is optional for all students.
C) The Master’s examination, consisting of the Master’s thesis, the oral examination and the colloquium held in advance, in which the results of the thesis are presented for discussion.
Subject area Pre- and Protohistoric Archaeology: No specific requirements.
Specialization in Classical Archaeology (modified 2019): Knowledge of Ancient Greek (at least two years of school lessons with a final grade of “sufficient” or university course “Greek for beginners”).
Subject area Christian Archaeology and Byzantine Art History: Advanced knowledge of Latin (at least three years of school lessons with a final grade of “sufficient” or a university course “Latin for advanced learners”) and advanced knowledge of Ancient Greek (at least three years of school lessons with a final grade of “sufficient” or a university course “Greek for advanced learners”).
Gaining practical experience is an essential part of archaeology degree programs. The examination regulations of the various degree programs take this into account with the practical module and the clause requiring students to complete a certain number of excursion days. The examination regulations deliberately only contain general specifications for the practical module. You have the option of completing related internships from the JGU offer or from external internship providers (as an orientation value: 2 weeks correspond to 3 CP, 4 weeks to 6 CP) and/or individual practical exercises. The type of internship can and should be chosen by the students themselves according to their own interests and perspectives.
The University of Mainz offers an unusually dense range of teaching and research in the field of archaeology among Germany’s higher education institutions. The entire area from the first diplomas of mankind to the advanced civilizations of the Mediterranean world, the prehistoric cultures of Europe to late antiquity and the early Middle Ages are represented by their own disciplines and institutes or departments.
