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!
Student during excavations
Image: Daniel Hofmann
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 originals 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.
Multi-subject bachelor’s programme
Picture: Sophie BartholomeA 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 tutorials, 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 major subject consists of eleven compulsory modules.
The following table shows the possible structure of your degree programme with ‘Archaeology of Prehistory to the Early Middle Ages’ as your major subject:
| 1st semester | 2nd semester | 3rd semester | 4th semester | 5th semester | 6th semester |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Introduction to Pre- and Protohistory (10 ECTS) | Prehistory (10 ECTS) | Protohistory (10 ECTS) |
Bachelor’s dissertation (10 ECTS) |
||
|
Method and Theory (10 ECTS) |
Advanced Pre- and Protohistory and Academic Presentation (10 ECTS) |
||||
|
Analysing Archaeological Evidence (10 ECTS) |
|||||
| Prehistory (10 ECTS) | |||||
|
Subject-Specific Additional Qualifications (10 ECTS) |
|||||
|
Interdisciplinary Supplementary Studies (10 ECTS) |
|||||
|
Supplementary Studies: Monument Preservation (5 ECTS) |
|||||
| Practical training: excavation (8 weeks) and internship of your choice (2 weeks) (15 ECTS) | |||||
Abbreviations: ECTS = European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (credit points)
You can find more detailed information in the module catalogue for the degree programmeExternal link.
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.
Career opportunities:
Research
Image: Daniel HofmannA 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.
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
Please submit an up-to-date and complete CV in tabular form. Please provide full details regarding your schooling and academic education to date. You can find more information hereExternal link.
Please upload the school certificate confirming your university entrance qualification to our application portal. You can find more information hereExternal link.
Please upload transcripts of records for all previous periods of study and degrees, as well as, if applicable, your degree certificate, to the portal.
Proof of sufficient German proficiency must be provided for all German-language degree programmes. The following certificates are recognized as proof of proficiency by Friedrich Schiller University Jena:
Please note: We strongly recommend that you submit the required proof of German proficiency at the time of your application.
If you do not yet have the required language certificate, you may apply for our DSH course starting from German level B1. This course ensures optimal language preparation and also gives you the opportunity to get to know Jena while benefiting from student status.
A translation into German or English must be submitted for every application document that was not originally issued in German or English. These translations must be prepared by an authorized translation office.
Applicants with university degrees from India, Vietnam, or the People’s Republic of China must submit an APS certificate.
Applicants from the following countries must provide proof of their university entrance examination:
Löbdergraben 24 a
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Bachstraße 18k
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.
Postal address:
Akademisches Studien- und Prüfungsamt
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Room 301
Löbdergraben 24 a
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
University Main Building / SSZ
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Office hours:
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
University Main Building, Room E065
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Opening hours:
Information Desk (UHG; Room E0.65)
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
University Main Building
Fürstengraben 1
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link