Archaeology: Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean

The CdLM’s main objective is to train archaeologists and specialists in material culture, with a solid knowledge of the historical contexts of the cultures that produced it. 

Students are encouraged to deepen their understanding of archaeological theories, methods and practices in Asian, African and Mediterranean contexts. A distinctive feature of the CdLM is the integration of knowledge across these areas. The wide selection of courses allows the development of articulated study paths structured around specific geographical regions of the Asia, Africa, and the Mediterranean, and around chronological and cultural frameworks (late prehistoric, protohistoric, and ancient historical cultures of Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean; the Classical World; Late Antiquity; Islam, etc.). At the same time, the programme provides theoretical tools and technical competencies essential for the study and interpretation of the past. Particular attention is devoted to the development of professional skills through a broad range of laboratory-based activities and internships https://www.unior.it/it/dipartimenti/dipartimento-asia-africa-e-mediterraneo/organizzazione/consigli-e-commissioni-dei-1  

The Master’s degree programme (CdLM) in Archaeology: Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean (MAC) is structured into 3 curricula:

• MAC 1 – Archaeologies of the Mediterranean
• MAC 2 – Archaeologies of Asia and Africa
• MAC 3 – Archaeology: Networks of Exchange

These curricula allow students to focus on a coherent field of knowledge, including relevant languages and cultural contexts, enabling them to establish solid foundations for their chosen area. They will develop the competencies and skills needed to achieve their individual goals, continuing after graduation.

The Archaeologies of the Mediterranean curriculum (MAC/1) builds on the rich archaeological specializations encompassed by the DAAM’s research and teaching. The Archaeologies of Asia and Africa curriculum (MAC/2) stems from the University’s long-standing tradition in the studies of cultures, histories and languages of Asia and Africa, historically developed within the field of Oriental Studies. The English-taught curriculum Archaeology: Networks of Exchange (MAC/3) focuses on the investigation and reconstruction of networks of contacts, exchange, hybridisation, and adaptation among the cultures of the ancient world. These networks are examined from both a trans-area perspective and a regional one, with attention to internal dynamics within specific regional settings. In some cases, the modern outcomes of these processes are also considered. The three core areas of specialisation are aligned with the University’s established research priorities and academic traditions, as well as with well-defined cultural domains within archaeological studies. They are therefore fully appropriate for the training of professional profiles consistent with the learning outcomes and competencies envisaged for a Master’s degree programme in Archaeology (LM-2). Within the CdLM Archaeology: Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean, the University’s longstanding intercultural tradition is articulated within a structured archaeological, historical, and linguistic framework.

To obtain the degree, students must acquire 120 university credits (ECTS), distributed across the following Types of Educational Activities (TAF): core courses; related and complementary disciplines; elective courses; final dissertation; other educational activities; internships.

The languages of instruction are Italian and English. English is used primarily for the curriculum Archaeology: Networks of Exchange (MAC/3). Courses with titles in English are delivered in English.

Knowledge of a European language at B2 level according to the Common European Framework of Reference for Languages (CEFR) is included among the admission requirements. A basic knowledge of Italian is required for international students enrolling in the English-taught curriculum MAC/3.

Graduates of the Master’s degree programme will acquire a professional profile as experts in archaeological and museum heritage. They will be trained as scholars, researchers and/or specialised technicians in the study of material culture, monuments, and documents of the past. They may be employed as supervisors responsible for archaeological rescue and recovery activities, field archaeologists, museum professionals, or specialists in archaeological documentation. They may also work as cultural events organisers, authors of scholarly texts and collaborators in publishing activities related to the knowledge acquired during the programme. More broadly, graduates may be employed in public bodies, private companies and cooperatives operating in the fields of research, promotion, enhancement, and dissemination of cultural heritage, providing professional services and collaboration to both public and private institutions. Graduates will have acquired a solid academic foundation, enabling access to Schools of Specialisation in Archaeology, PhD programmes in the archaeological and historical fields, and other forms of advanced training. These pathways may lead to professional careers in archaeology at universities, research centres, archaeological superintendencies, and museums. Through Other Educational Activities and internships placements, graduates will have completed a substantial number of certified training hours, particularly in technical and applied skills (such as excavation techniques, surveying, analysis and classification of materials, digital competencies, etc.). These activities are designed to support access to the Italian national registers of cultural heritage professionals in accordance with Ministerial Decree DM 244/2019. 

The CdLM trains professional profiles with high levels of responsibility, who may: 

• work in national institutions, public and private bodies, and local authorities responsible for the protection, cataloguing, management, enhancement and promotion of cultural heritage, both in territorial contexts and in public-facing facilities such as museums, archives and libraries, in accordance with the access rules and functional levels established by the body; 
• collaborate with these institutions as consultants on scientific projects, including within preventive archaeology investigations aimed at safeguarding and protecting the territory; 
• work in private institutions such as foundations and research/study centres on archaeological heritage, and in private enterprises, companies, cooperatives, consortia or other associations operating in the fields of research, promotion, enhancement and dissemination of cultural heritage, providing collaboration and services to public and private institutions; 
• collaborate with national and international organisations engaged in cooperation or consultancy for the safeguarding of archaeological heritage; 
• participate in international cooperation projects and programmes promoting the archaeological heritage of African and Asian countries and enhancing cultural resources also with a view to promoting and strengthening sustainable tourism; 
• work in teaching, education and cultural training, or in scientific communication in archaeology; 
• provide consultancy or expert assessments in the forensic field within their area of competence, as well as for territorial or urban planning; 
• work in publishing, periodicals, information technology and other specialised media in the archaeological, historical and cultural heritage sectors. 

The CdLM prepares students for the following professions (ISTAT codes): 

• Museum curators and conservators – (2.5.4.5.3) 
• Archaeologists – (2.5.3.2.4) 
• Researchers and graduate technicians in antiquity studies, philological-literary studies and historical-artistic studies – (2.6.2.4.0) 
• Technical text editors – (2.5.4.1.4) 

Graduates may also access the qualifying pathway for school teaching in language and literature-related classes after acquiring an appropriate number of credits in specific scientific-disciplinary sectors (as provided by the ministerial tables for the teaching qualification classes under current legislation: https://www.mim.gov.it/documents/20182/7975243/Tabella+A.pdf/).