Students in the seminar

Archaeology of Prehistory to the Early Middle Ages

What are the defining features of periods such as the Bronze Age? What excavation methods are there? And what do we have to pay attention to when dealing with original finds? If you are interested in these questions, this is the programme for you!
Students in the seminar
Image: Daniel Hofmann
Key facts
Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Supplement to degree
minor in a multi-subject bachelor’s programme
Admission restriction
without admission restriction (without NC)
Duration
6 Semesters
Credits/ECTS
60
Teaching language
German
Tuition fee
None
Semester contribution
€ 272,65
Start of studies
Winter semester
Part-time possible
Yes
Institutions
Faculty of Arts
Institute of Near Eastern Studies, Indo-European Studies and the Archaeology of Prehistory to the Early Middle Ages
Application & Deadlines

Programme content

Do you remember the Hollywood action hero Indiana Jones? He scoured the world in search of hidden treasures, went on exciting adventures and survived perilous chases. But let’s get one thing straight: An archaeologist’s work is slightly different in reality. But that doesn’t make it any less exciting! From the excavation of individual settlements and burial sites to the analysis of entire European landscapes, and from the beginning of human existence to the High Middle Ages, the ‘Archaeology of Prehistory to the Early Middle Ages’ covers a wide range of times and spaces. So many secrets from the past are still hiding under the ground. It’s time to explore! Are you wondering what it takes to be an archaeologist? Above all, you need an interest in historical and cultural contexts, the ability to work with your hands and drawing skills.

During your studies, you will work with original finds and learn about the latest archaeological methods, including modern scientific analysis in theory and practice. You will often swap the lecture theatre for the great outdoors, working on burial grounds with a trowel and brush. You will also learn how exciting archaeological finds and results are best presented to the public by participating in numerous exhibition and publication projects during your studies. We will also provide you with essential digital skills in areas such as spatial data processing and statistical and image processing software.

Structure

Multi-subject bachelor’s programme

Picture: Sophie Bartholome

A bachelor’s degree is the first professional qualification that can be obtained at a university. The standard length of the programme is six semesters, and different types of courses are offered for each module (e.g. seminars, lectures, practical classes or internships).

A multi-subject bachelor’s programme consists of a major subject worth 120 ECTS credits (1 ECTS credit = 30 hours for attendance, preparation and follow-up work, private study, assessed coursework and examinations) and a minor subject worth 60 ECTS credits.

The minor subject consists of four compulsory modules and two required elective modules.

How might your degree programme shape up?

The following table shows the possible structure of your degree programme with ‘Archaeology of Prehistory to the Early Middle Ages’ as your minor subject:

1st  2nd  3rd  4th  5th 6th
Basics
(10 ECTS)		 Two required elective modules*
(10 ECTS each)		    
Method and Theory
(10 ECTS)		        
  Analysing Archaeological Evidence
(10 ECTS)
 

Practical training: excavation (4 weeks) and subject-specific internship
of your choice (2 weeks) (10 ECTS)

Abbreviations: ECTS = European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (credit points)

* You can choose from the following modules: Prehistory I: Paleo- and Mesolithic, Prehistory II: Neolithic to Iron Age, and Protohistory

You can find more detailed information in the module catalogue for the degree programmeExternal link.

Why study in Jena?

  • Excellent teaching: One of the largest university collections de of archaeological finds is held at our University. More than 45,000 original finds from all periods of human history offer a unique landscape for studying European archaeology.
  • Lots of practical content: You will take part in your first archaeological excavations and engage in collaborative projects with specialists from a wide range of other disciplines, including geographers, botanists and geophysicists.
  • Excellent research: We research many important periods in human history de – from the Mediterranean to Greenland. We find it important to work in an international network with fellow specialists from the humanities and natural sciences, as well as national heritage agencies and museums. Our research methods include excavations, geophysical prospections, field visits and archaeobotany.
  • A world of possibilities: Experience our international flair! Our University appeals to students and researchers from all over the world and helps to shape Jena’s character as a cosmopolitan city that is fit for the future – it’s the perfect place for international studentsmp4, 57 mb · de.
  • Adventures abroad: You can easily realize your dream of spending a semester abroad de. We have a global network of partner universities.

A look behind the scenes

  • Institut
    Image: Daniel Hofmann
    Welcome!

    The Department of Archaeology of Prehistory to the Middle Ages is located in the heart of Jena at Löbdergraben 24a. It’s just a short walk away from various important facilities such as the library, the University Main Building and many other institutes.

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What can you do after your studies?

Career opportunities:

Research

Image: Daniel Hofmann
  • Archaeological heritage management
  • Specialist authorities
  • Museums and educational facilities
  • Universities
  • Private excavation firms
  • Non-university research institutions
  • Specialist journalism and publishing
  • Tourism
  • Cultural sector

Postgraduate master’s programmes at our University

  1. Archaeology of Prehistory to the Early Middle Ages Master of Arts
    • Faculty of Arts
  2. Education ‐ Culture ‐ Anthropology Master of Arts
    • Faculty of Social and Behavioral Sciences
All degree programmes

Downloads and links for the degree programme

What are we looking for in prospective students?

  • An interest in historical and cultural contexts
  • The potential to take an analytical and reflective approach
  • The willingness to acquire manual skills and drawing skills
  • A general openness to working methods used in the humanities and natural sciences

Admission requirements

  • University entrance qualification

    A university entrance qualification, such as a general secondary school leaving certificate, is required for admission onto the study programme.

    More information on university entrance qualifications can be found here.

  • Language requirements

    two modern foreign languages (one of them English or French); proof of the second modern foreign language by the time of registration for the Bachelor's thesis at the latest

    Admission and language requirements for applicants of foreign nationality and without German Abitur: www.uni-jena.de/en/study-orientation-international 

Contacts

Dr Enrico Paust (Academic Advisor)

Löbdergraben 24 a
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Academic Office for Student Affairs and Examinations (ASPA)

Carl-Zeiß-Platz 1
07743 Jena

Telephone hours:
Mondays and Fridays (9:00 – 11:00)
Wednesdays (13:00 – 15:00)

The ASPA is primarily responsible for students in the Faculty of Social and Behavioural Sciences, the Faculty of Arts and Humanities, and the Faculty of Theology.

Student Council for Archaeology of Prehistory to the Middle Ages

Room 301
Löbdergraben 24 a
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Office hours:
Tuesdays at 16:00 (fortnightly)

Central Student Advisory Service

University Main Building / SSZ
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Office hours:
Please note: The Central Student Advisory Service will not be available from 21.12.2024. We will be back for you on Monday, 06.01.2025.

We offer consultations in person, by telephone, and via Zoom. You can make an appointment by calling us on +49 3641 9-411111 (Mondays to Fridays from 9:00 to 11:00) or outside these office hours on +49 3641 9-411200. You can also use our remote help desk.

Consultation hours:
Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays (9:00 to 12:20), Tuesdays (14:00 to 18:00), and Wednesdays and Thursdays (14:00 to 16:00).

Video chat: To the video chat – Zoom Videochat ZeitenMondays to Fridays (12:30 to 13:00) Password ZSB2020 Data protection informationpdf, 101 kb

Student Service Centre

University Main Building, Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link

Opening hours:
Mondays (10:00 – 12:00)
Tuesdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Wednesdays (10:00 – 12:00)
Thursdays (13:00 – 15:00)
Fridays (10:00 – 12:00)

You can also use our remote help desk at
www.uni-jena.de/service-ssz
or send us your enquiries by post.

Telephone hours:
Mondays to Fridays
(9:00 – 11:00)

Postal address:
Friedrich-Schiller-Universität Jena
Studierenden-Service-Zentrum
07737 Jena

International Office - International students

University Main Building
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena Google Maps site planExternal link