Welcome to the degree program “Archaeologies and Philologies in Classical Studies (ALPHA)” at JGU Mainz, where the past comes alive and the future begins. Our innovative master’s degree program offers a unique combination of broad interdisciplinary training and in-depth specialist knowledge in the disciplines of Egyptology, Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology, 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.
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 constantly 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
- Please send degree program related e-mails to IAW-Studienmanagement@uni-mainz.de
Responsibilities / area of responsibility
Responsibilities / area of responsibility
Responsibilities / area of responsibility
Responsibilities / area of responsibility
Responsibilities / area of responsibility
No information is yet available for the introduction week winter semester 2025/26.
General academic advisory office ALPHA
Consultation hour n.V.
- Please send degree program related e-mails to IAW-Studienmanagement@uni-mainz.de
Academic advisory office Egyptology
Consultation hour n.V.
Academic advisory office for Ancient Near Eastern Studies
Consultation hour n.V.
Academic advisory office Byzantine Archaeology
Consultation hour n.V.
Academic advisory office Classical Archaeology
Consultation hour n.V.
Academic advisory office Classical Philology
Consultation hour n.V.
Academic advisory office Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology
Consultation hour n.V.
Academic advisory office Pre- and Protohistoric Archaeology
Consultation hour n.V.
Yes, you can, for example, spend a day at JGU Mainz during the so-called taster days and visit our stands in the summer for the JGU Mainz Open University Day.
Application and enrollment for the program of study is done centrally via the Student Services of JGU Mainz. 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 non-selective subject at JGU Mainz here: https: //www.studium.uni-mainz.de/meine-bewerbung/bewerbungsverfahren/zul-freie-studiengaenge/
Admission to the Master’s degree program in ALPHA requires the successful completion of a B.A. degree program in which a minimum of 60 LP in the desired specialization is proven by a diploma supplement, or an equivalent degree with an equivalent amount of subject-related coursework and examinations.
Depending on the specialization, there are also different language entry requirements. Please refer to the course-specific examination regulations (for the respective specialization, section D.1-2).
As a rule, you choose the specialization that continues your Bachelor’s degree.
As a rule, you have to complete around 6 to 10 modules, depending on the LP allocation of the individual modules.
Not at all. A study plan serves as a basic orientation.
Yes, a change of major is generally possible. This is a change of subject that must be submitted to Student Services by the deadlines specified there.
Achievements already completed can be individually recognized in full or in part after examination in accordance with PO § 9 by the relevant examination committee.
As a rule, the language of instruction is German.
The master’s degree with profile is a study model that allows you to specialize in certain areas and set individual priorities.
In the core research area, you have the opportunity to choose one of three options: Profile 1 (specialization), Profile 2 (supplementary subject) or Profile 3 (supplementary qualifications). This selection allows you to tailor your program of study to your personal interests and appointments. You can find more information at: https://master-mit-profil.uni-mainz.de/
As part of your program of study, you can learn a wide range of digital skills, which may vary depending on your chosen focus. The digital skills taught come in particular from the future-oriented skills areas of data literacy and digital collaboration; specific skills include digital drawing, archaeometry, 3D modeling, database systems, object photography & image processing, etc.
In the area of professional skills, you can 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 programs previously offered at the IAW to the new ALPHA degree program. This counts as change of degree program and is subject to the relevant deadlines. Please note, however, that you will not be able to switch back to your old degree program, as enrollment in the older IAW degree programs 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.
Yes, you can change profiles up to twice during the program of study, including a change of supplementary subject. However, a change is only possible if the modules you have failed in the new profile or supplementary subject are not required modules.
