Degree
Bachelor of Arts
Semester fee
71 Euro
Start of the program
Winter semester
Standard length of the program
6 Semester
Place of study
Eichstätt
Part-time studies possible
No

Classical Archaeology belongs to the studies of antiquity; it deals with the fine arts and material culture of the Greeks and Romans and their neighbors. Everything representational like architecture, sculptures and vessels, but also two-dimensional images on mosaics, in murals or on vessels and also inscriptions of all kinds belong to the field of archaeology. This, of course, also includes graves and grave findings.

The topographical research area covers the Mediterranean region, with Celtic, Gallic and Germanic neighbors in the north to Sudan in the south, and from west to east from Portugal and England to the coasts of the Black Sea, Syria and Jordan.

The time frame is also broad: from the Bronze-Age advanced civilizations in the Aegean Sea, over the so-called dark centuries, the Greek and Roman epochs, to late antiquity.

Archaeologie

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The program in detail

In the framework of the subject Art, Classical Archaeology can be studied in the Interdisciplinary Bachelor’s degree program as a major or minor subject in the Aisthesis.Culture and Media variant or in the flexible variant in the amount of up to 60 ECTS credits, in combination with at least one other subject and/or the Studium Individuale.

Contents

This is what you can expect in the subject of Classical Archaeology:

  • Comprehensive knowledge of Greek-Roman culture
  • Acquisition and deepening of basic knowledge
  • Application of methods and analysis exercises
  • Acquisition of comprehensive knowledge about monuments and objects
  • Meaning and reception of antiquity
  • Adapted course formats
  • Practical exercises and internships, also teaching excavations
  • Interdisciplinary events with the neighboring subjects
  • Internal colloquia
  • Scientific lecture series
  • Field trips to the Mediterranean and the surrounding area

Structure

  • As part of the degree program “Art” in the main subject
  • 60 ECTS credits in the subject Classical Archaeology, 60 ECTS credits in another subject, e.g. Ancient History or Art History and Visual Culture
  • Can be combined with courses and internships from the StudiumPro offer

Program structure for this joint degree option, based on the example of 60 ECTS credits

  • Semester 1:
    Required module ‘Basic Course, Part 1’, including a short field trip and
    required elective module ‘Artistic Development’: Lecture in combination with a seminar, written examination or written assignment (10 ECTS) 
  • Semester 2:
    Required module ‘Basic Course, Part 2’, written examination (10 ECTS for I and II) and required elective module ‘A Genre of Art in Antiquity’: Seminar with written assignment (5 ECTS) and/or
  • Semester 3:
    Required module ‘Archaeology in Context’: Seminar with large field trip, management presentation, exposé (10 ECTS) and/or
  • Semester 4:
    Required elective modules ‘Advanced Modules’ (semester at external partner university or internship or term paper) (10 ECTS each)
  • Semester 5:
    Required elective modules ‘Concretization’ (semester at external partner university or internship or term paper) (5 ECTS each) and/or
    Required elective module ‘Antique Reception’: Seminar, written assignment (5 ETCS)
  • Semester 6:
    Required elective module ‘A Genre of Art in Antiquity’: Seminar with written assignment (5 ECTS) (can be chosen multiple times)
    Bachelor’s module: Lecture in advanced graduate seminar
    Bachelor's thesis (10 ECTS)

Facilities

The Archaeology department at the KU has a well-founded stock of specialized archaeological literature, which is kept in the Main Library. High-quality image material for presentations in the courses is available through the digital image databases PROMETHEUS and ArKuBiD.

The image center for art history and the Center for Literature-Related Media Analysis offer an extensive range of films and videos.

Rankings and assessments

StudyCheck2024

KU students and alumni have voted for their University to be Germany's most popular university in the 2024 ranking of the online portal StudyCheck. This is the third time in a row, as KU was also voted the most popular university in 2021 and 2022. The ranking was based on over 78,000 evaluations for more than 500 higher education institutions and universities. 97 percent of students questioned for the ranking would recommend studying at the KU to others. 

"There is no better praise for a university than almost 100 percent of students and alumni agreeing: I can only recommend studying at the KU! That is why we are very pleased with the ranking’s outcome, because it expresses the high level of satisfaction of our students," says KU President Prof. Dr. Gabriele Gien.

More ranking results

Studying abroad

A stay abroad can be integrated into the curriculum: In the fifth semester, you can choose between a well-supervised study abroad period within the framework of existing international networks or a required internship, for example in a museum, an archaeological institute or an excavation company.

The KU maintains a network of partnerships with about 300 universities worldwide. In addition, the Classical Archaeology department is very well connected both nationally and internationally. This gives students good opportunities to spend a semester abroad, to do an internship at an institution related to archaeology or to participate in a summer school. The KU International Office supports students in the planning phase and provides information on different financing possibilities for stays abroad.

Practical connection

Practical exercises and internships make up a part of the degree program: For example, setting up an exhibition, an exercise in drawing, determining and dating ceramic shards from excavations, or a teaching excavation in the Eichstätt district. Internships outside of the University are also credited to the program. They can be completed either on a local or national level at the departments of the Bavarian State Office for Monument Preservation, in museums and in excavation companies or internationally at archaeological institutions, museums and on excavations. You will receive support in finding a suitable internship position.

The Interdisciplinary Bachelor's degree also includes an internship at a private or public institution, which brings students into contact with possible professional fields of activity at an early stage. Students also have the possibility to complete their internship abroad; for individual advice and support in finding an internship and financing possibilities, the KU Career Service and the International Internship Service are happy to help.

Career possibilities and professional fields

Career prospects

Archaeology no longer belongs to the exotic subjects: As a trained archaeologist, a wide range of fields of application is available to you: Universities, archaeological institutes or other research institutions, as well as collections and museums and the offices for the preservation of historical monuments. Journalism and adult education are also part of the range of professional opportunities. You can also work in cultural management and in the tourism industry. Archaeologists also often work as consultants for film and television. Many foreign institutions offer work and research opportunities, but you also find professional opportunities in the regional environment in museums, archives, excavation companies and in public relations. You can also choose to pursue an academic path: A Bachelor's degree can be followed by a Master's degree and an ensuing doctorate. In order to focus on research and teaching at universities, you could then work as a research associate or professor.

Alumni testimonials

Foto Alumni

"Small but excellent – this is especially true for Classical Archaeology in Eichstätt. Lecturers are always available to talk to and to provide individual advice. Whether this is regarding presentations, written assignments or the choice of a topic for the Bachelor's thesis.

Classical Archaeology in Eichstätt was…

"Small but excellent – this is especially true for Classical Archaeology in Eichstätt. Lecturers are always available to talk to and to provide individual advice. Whether this is regarding presentations, written assignments or the choice of a topic for the Bachelor's thesis.

Classical Archaeology in Eichstätt was particularly appealing to me because of the extensive range of courses. Through various lectures, practical exercises and field trips, I was able to gain an overview of the subject. The way in which teaching was effected only awakened my interest even more and motivated me to continue my archaeology studies in the Master's program and make archaeology my profession".

- Fabienne Karl(former student of the flexible variant in the Interdisciplinary Bachelor's degree program with the subjects Classical Archaeology, Ancient History and Art History)
Alumni_Verena_Meyer

"During my studies of Classical Archaeology at the KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, I the other students and I received individually tailored support from the lecturers. I particularly liked the fact that the program also imparted practical skills besides theoretical knowledge through excavations and internships at home and…

"During my studies of Classical Archaeology at the KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, I the other students and I received individually tailored support from the lecturers. I particularly liked the fact that the program also imparted practical skills besides theoretical knowledge through excavations and internships at home and abroad as well as with exercises in determining and drawing ceramics. I also found the field trips to Croatia, Rome and Greece enriching.”

- Verena Meyer(former student of the flexible variant in the Interdisciplinary degree program with the subjects Classical Archaeology and Ancient History)
Alumni-Marek_Vercik

"Interdisciplinarity was and is always written with a capital "I" in Eichstätt. This is not just a phrase to give more weight to a small subject at a small university, but represents the actual interrelations of different research approaches in teaching and research at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt,…

"Interdisciplinarity was and is always written with a capital "I" in Eichstätt. This is not just a phrase to give more weight to a small subject at a small university, but represents the actual interrelations of different research approaches in teaching and research at the Catholic University of Eichstätt-Ingolstadt, which shaped my time there. The short distances between the "classical" and other subjects and the people who were always open to interdisciplinary cooperation were decisive for my research path in the field of archaeometallurgy and environmental archaeology. I am all the more pleased to see that even after the change of professorship, the Classical Archaeology department in Eichstätt has not only retained its spirit, but continues to develop it further".

- Marek Verčík(Magister Artium and doctoral degree in Classical Archaeology at the KU, Akademischer Rat/ senior lecturer at the Institute of Classical Archaeology at Charles University in Prague)

The KU

Sommerresidenz Luftbild

Campus

Short distances on campus at the KU save time and avoid stress. The KU is a campus University with modern facilities. The buildings on campus are located close to the Eichstätt old town. Although the University and its campus has grown, it is still characterized by short distances: In Eichstätt, everything can be reached within ten minutes’ walking distance. On campus, green spaces such as the Hofgarten are the perfect places to relax. The garden of the Kapuzinerkloster is also used by different student initiatives for their projects. The canteen is located at the heart of the Eichstätt campus and has a sun deck and cafeteria that leave nothing to be desired.

Studierende vor der Zentralbibliothek

What sets the KU apart

Studying at the KU is more than just acquiring specialist knowledge. We broaden our horizons together and take on responsibility in and beyond the individual degree programs. The KU has a particular focus on topics such as personal development, sustainability, social skills and social commitment.

It offers its students the possibility to study and work in a welcoming atmosphere and benefit from outstanding support and comprehensive service offers, a well-stocked library, a broad range of sports and leisure activities and a large global network of approx. 300 partner universities. Our team at the International Office helps you to plan your semester abroad and the KU Career Service provides comprehensive advice and support for embarking on your professional career.

Do I have to be Catholic in order to study at the KU? Do I have to deal with Catholic contents during my studies?

No, the KU is open to students of all faiths and beliefs.

At the KU, just as at all state universities, there is freedom of research and teaching. This means that our degree programs focus on the subjects for which you have enrolled – free from external influences.

As a student at our University, you will notice what our understanding of being a Catholic University means for us in one thing in particular: The University’s focus is on the individual person. The talents and potential of all those who teach, study, work and carry out research at the KU form our most important foundation – regardless of their religion or beliefs, nationality, ethical, cultural or social background, disabilities, gender, sexual orientation or age.

This is why we promote your best possible academic education through personal support and an ideal staff-to-student ratio. At the same time, the KU is more than just a place for earning your degree: We attach particular importance to imparting social skills and advancing our students’ sense and value orientation in addition to providing them with a high level of academic and methodical qualification.

Our aspiration for our University is to build bridges between science and society and to make knowledge available for society as well as to integrate impulses from outside the University into our research and teaching practice. We aim to make a valuable contribution to social coexistence, to the free democratic basic order and to preserving creation. 

Isn’t Eichstätt quite small for a university town?

With a population of around 15,000, it is probably the smallest university town in Europe. For our students, this means living and learning in a friendly and informal atmosphere. Whether it is on the way to a lecture in the morning, at the canteen for lunch or in the pub in the evening, you will often come across people you know. It is easy to meet people in Eichstätt! By the way, the KU’s “living room” is the Theke, a bar run by students for students. Here, people meet for parties, jam sessions, karaoke evenings or a cozy round of table football.

A small town also means short distances: The library, the swimming pool, the cinema or the supermarket – everything can be reached in a few minutes on foot or by bike. The town is located right in the heart of the Altmühltal natural park – a real paradise for climbers, canoeists, hikers and cyclists just around the corner.

Should you still reach a point when you feel too cooped in, you can breathe big city air easily near Eichstätt. Ingolstadt with its 135,000 inhabitants is only a few kilometers away and offers a variety of shopping and nightlife options.

The location

Ortsschild Eichstätt
University town of Eichstätt
Willibaldsburg
Willibaldsburg
Bootsfahrer auf der Altmühl
Canoeing on the Altmühl river
[Translate to Englisch:] Biergarten
Relaxing and celebrating in beer gardens

Eichstätt and the surrounding Altmühltal natural park are not only a popular destination for culture enthusiasts and nature lovers, but also for cyclists, climbers, canoeists and fossil collectors. Located between Munich and Nuremberg, the city impresses with its Baroque setting and southern flair combined with modern and prizewinning architecture as well as a broad variety of cultural offerings and leisure activities. 

The Baroque park at the heart of the campus and the nearby banks of the Altmühltal river are the KU’s “green living room”. Another big advantage: all University facilities are just a short walk away from each other.

More on the study location Eichstätt

Advisory Service

Some offers and study conditions are different for international students – our International Office is happy to provide help and support. If you have any questions, please feel free to contact our team. We are happy to accompany you on your way to the KU and hope that we can welcome you in person soon!

David Guevara
David Guevara
Coordinator Welcome Services and International Campus
Building Domplatz 8  |  Room: DP8-203 | Campus Eichstätt

Subject Advisor

Application

Requirements
General university entrance qualification (Allgemeine Hochschulreife)
Language requirements
DSH 2
Application period winter
Until Jul 15
Admission restriction
No
Selection procedure
No

The application process for international applicants is now completely digital. You can register online in our application portal and carry out and submit your application. After you have carried out the application and uploaded your documents, you do not need to send your documents to us again by post. You do have to submit certified true copies only if you are admitted at the time of enrollment.

Depending on the course of study, you may be asked for information on internships, professional experience, etc. Please upload the relevant documents in the upload area for all the information you provide, even if these are not mandatory fields!

Before you start the application process, please read the additional information on this page, in particular the information on the respective (German) language requirements and university entrance qualifications.