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.

Contents

This is what you can expect in the subject of Classical Archaeology in the Master’s program:

• Subject-specific, interdisciplinary training to expand your own scientific skills
• Deepened and extended professional knowledge
• Acquisition of visual and media skills
• Application of methods and analysis exercises
• Basic knowledge of current cultural studies theories (spatial analysis, ritual research, acculturation, cultural contact)
• Research-oriented studies and guidance for independent scientific work
• Adapted course formats
• Practical exercises and internships, also excavations
• Interdisciplinary events with the neighboring subjects
• Internal and interdisciplinary colloquia
• Scientific lecture series
• Field trips to the Mediterranean and the surrounding area

The Professorship of Classical Archaeology at the KU Eichstätt-Ingolstadt offers ideal conditions as a study location for classical and art studies. Archaeology can be combined with Ancient History, Classical Philology, Ancient Church History and Art History. In addition, the interdisciplinary approach of the degree program is promoted through academic exchange, also on an international level, from the very beginning of the program.

The range of courses draws on the expertise of the Chair of Classical Archaeology and is enriched by our adjunct professor (Prof. Dr. Andreas Hillert), temporary visiting professors and subject-specific teaching assignments.

The research interests of the professors and project participants are broadly diversified. Excavation projects are currently being carried out in Italy and Germany. In addition, topics such as the archaeology of Greek necropolises, Greek colonization, urban development and the art and culture of early Christians form special research foci at the Institute.

Facilities

The Archaeology department at the KU has a well-founded stock of specialized archaeological literature, which is kept in the Main Library. It is arranged in a user-friendly manner together with the holdings of the other antiquities and art disciplines. 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.

The exhibition landscape of the region with the museums in Munich (Glyptothek, antique collection, coin collection), in Augsburg (Lapidarium), in Ingolstadt (city museum), in Erlangen and Würzburg (university collection of antiquities and casts) and in Nuremberg (Germanisches Nationalmuseum) is particularly attractive. The museums and collections offer possibilities for an intensive examination of ancient works and museum practice in short field trips.

A stay abroad can be integrated into the curriculum: In the second or third semester, you can choose between a well-supervised study abroad period within the framework of existing international networks or an 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.

By integrating an internship module, practical work at museums, exhibitions, archives or excavations can be integrated into the curriculum. When looking for an internship position, whether local, regional or international, you will receive support from the KU Career Service and the International Internship Service

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: Graduates of a Master’s degree can pursue subsequent doctoral studies. With a focus on research and teaching at universities, you could then work as a research associate or professor.