Course being phased out: as of the 2023/2024 academic year, new enrolments to this programme will no longer be permitted. However, students already enrolled in the previous academic year may register for subsequent years, including for procedures involving transfers, course changes, or credit recognition.
Starting from the 2023/2024 academic year, this programme will be replaced by the newly structured degree course 'Archaeology: Asia, Africa and the Mediterranean'.
Location: Palazzo Corigliano
Coordinator: Prof. Anna Filigenzi
Admission: open. For admission procedures and requirements, please refer to the link.
Language of instruction: Italian
The Course at a Glance
The Master's Degree Programme in Archaeology: East and West offers students an in-depth cultural and methodological education in the field of archaeological research within a broad Mediterranean and Eastern context. The programme is structured into four curricula, providing the opportunity to acquire specialised knowledge in the selected area, spanning historical, archaeological, linguistic, literary, and technical fields:
1. Classical Archaeologies;
2. Classical Literatures and Cultures;
3. Egypt and the Ancient Near East;
4. India, Central and East Asia.
For all further information visit: Course Catalogue
Regulations
To consult the regulations, visit the page.
Learning Objectives
The main areas of learning include, on the one hand, the classical world and Greek and Roman civilisation—explored within a broad Mediterranean and Eastern framework—and, on the other hand, Eastern archaeologies, with extensive opportunities for regional specialisation ranging from North and Northeast Africa to the Near, Middle and Far East, also considered in relation to the Mediterranean context. The programme is structured into four curricula, each corresponding to a distinct area of academic interest and research, as well as to culturally defined domains in archaeological studies. These curricula are designed to train highly skilled professionals in line with the learning objectives of the LM-2 (Archaeology) degree class. The first two curricula are Western in scope (1. Classical Archaeologies; 2. Classical Literatures and Cultures) and offer learning paths dedicated to cultures and chronological periods that fall under the realm of classical studies: the first has a distinct archaeological focus, drawing on the rich expertise in Classical Archaeologies at DAAM; the second is literary, offering students who already have adequate preparation a pathway where archaeological research tools are complemented by those of philological analysis. Two curricula are dedicated to the East: thanks to their regional specialisation (3. Egypt and the Ancient Near East; 4. India, Central and East Asia), broad sectors of the university's strong tradition in Oriental Studies are structured into coherent archaeological, historical and linguistic paths. Each curriculum ensures that graduates acquire the same body of knowledge and skills, while following differentiated academic pathways. They are also designed to reflect the varying educational backgrounds of incoming students, who may already have pursued study tracks aligned with the specific focus areas. Special attention has been given to a suitable offering of contextual histories and languages that students may include in their individual study plan. Oriental languages and Arabic are integrated into the training of students specialising in Eastern archaeology, while classical languages and literatures are offered for those focusing on classical archaeology. Additionally, regardless of the curriculum chosen, European languages such as German, French, and Spanish are available for students wishing to develop the international dimension of their archaeological studies. Proficiency in English—the language of academic communication—is among the requirements for course admission. The broad selection of courses in the “Related and Supplementary Disciplines” is consistent with the programme’s general and specific objectives and supports the creation of highly individual and original learning paths. Through advanced study of the disciplines offered, hands-on experience at archaeological sites and museums, active participation in thematic seminars and field research in Italy and abroad, as well as internships and placements at institutions and organisations involved in the management and protection of Italian and international cultural heritage, students will acquire:
- in-depth knowledge in the historical, archaeological, and art-historical fields;
- advanced competences in archaeological research methods, including investigation techniques, analysis and classification of materials, and site studies, as well as broader theoretical and interpretive skills;
- technical, scientific, and legal expertise relevant to cultural heritage protection, management, and promotion;
- the ability to critically re-elaborate knowledge and skills and to independently interpret research data and findings;
- skills in the use of ancient written sources;
- competence in organising archaeological work.
Career and Employment Opportunities
Graduates of the programme will have acquired the experience necessary to enter the job market—possibly after further training—as specialists in archaeological and museum heritage, holding positions of high responsibility and leadership within public and private institutions active in research, protection, management, and enhancement of archaeological heritage. The degree obtained may lead to professional roles such as Archaeologist, Technical Writer, Museum Curator and Conservator. More generally, the education provided constitutes a solid foundation for careers involving the promotion of archaeological and cultural heritage. Finally, graduates will be equipped with strong academic preparation, suitable for admission to Specialisation Schools in Archaeology and to PhD programmes in archaeological and historical disciplines, both in the Eastern and Western fields.