There’s no more research left to do on the fall of Pompeii and Herculaneum, right? Wrong! The settlements buried under the volcanic ash of Mount Vesuvius are yet to be fully excavated to this day. The catastrophe of 79 AD had dire consequences – but it was a real stroke of luck for today’s archaeologists, preserving everyday Roman life for posterity and revealing the many facets of the ancient world.
If you fancy yourself as a detective and want to unearth the secrets of history, ‘Classical Archaeology’ is the perfect choice for you. When travelling back in time, you sometimes have to break the confines of a lecture theatre – the ‘voices of the past’ want to be heard, examined and analysed up close. That’s why you will often swap the classroom for work outdoors. In addition to excursions and excavations, you will also have the opportunity to apply scientific methods to various ancient artefacts. After all, the University of Jena has extensive collections of ancient craftwork, coins, sculptures and other interesting artefacts.
Classical Archaeology deals with all the material remains of ancient cultures – in particular Ancient Greece and the Roman Empire from the end of the 2nd millennium BC to the middle of the 6th century AD. Other research revolves around the cultures that emerged in neighbouring periods in those parts of the world, such as the Bronze Age cultures of the Aegean (Minoan and Mycenaean civilizations), as well as the fine art and architecture of the early Christian and late Antique periods. We will also draw on findings from related disciplines in classical and art studies so that you can fully understand and interpret specific issues arising in Greco-Roman art.
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 or practical classes).
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.
You can undertake a range of practical training as part of your required elective modules.
The following table shows the possible structure of your degree programme with ‘Classical Archaeology’ as your minor subject:
| 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | 5th | 6th | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Compulsory area | Introduction to Classics (10 ECTS) | Classical Archaeology I Greece (10 ECTS) |
Classical Archaeology II Rome (10 ECTS) |
|||
| Introduction to Classical Archaeology (10 ECTS) | ||||||
| Required elective area | Internship / Advanced Classical Archaeology / Field Trip (10 to 15 ECTS) | |||||
| Interdisciplinary required elective area | Various modules and schedules (5 to 10 ECTS)* | |||||
Abbreviations: ECTS = European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System (credit points)
1 You may choose from the following modules: Introduction to Ancient History, Introduction to Greek Studies, Introduction to Latin Studies, Introduction to Mediaeval Latin and Neo-Latin Studies, Prehistory and Early History, Greek Linguistics, Introduction to the History and Cultural Anthropology of the Caucasus.
You can find more detailed information in the module catalogue for the degree programmeExternal link.
Instant classic! The Institute of Classics and the Archaeological Museum have relocated to a new building at Fürstengraben 25 – close to the city centre.
Career opportunities:
The skills acquired during your bachelor’s degree will open up career prospects in a wide variety of areas, which will vary depending on the major subject you choose.
This minor subject is aimed at all bachelor’s students who would like to acquire basic knowledge of antiquity in addition to a major subject in the humanities (especially in History, Prehistory and Early History, Art History or Cultural Anthropology and Cultural History). You should have a keen interest in ancient art and cultural history.
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.
Knowledge of at least two languages at level B1 of the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages is strongly recommended. In particular, knowledge of at least one ancient language (Latin at Latinum level or Ancient Greek at Graecum level) is recommended. Language skills can be acquired or expanded during the course of the degree program.
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:
Room 405
Fürstengraben 25
07743 Jena
Google Maps site planExternal link
Opening hours:
By appointment
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
Fürstengraben 25
07743 Jena
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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
