Faculty of Humanities

Degree Programs

Master's in Archaeology

The MA degree program in Archaeology allows students to pursue a special qualification in Archaeology studied as part of their BA degree in combination with a minor (subsidiary) offered by the University of Bern. In-depth seminars, practical exercises, field trips and excavations provide in-depth knowledge of all key periods, cultures, problems, methods and technical knowledge. The MA degree program in Archaeology aims to provide advanced academic tuition.

All four Archaeology courses offered at the University of Bern can also be studied as subsidiaries (minors) with other majors.

The requirements and details can be found in the degree program information.

Master Archäologie
Basic information
Degrees:  Master of Arts in Archaeology, Universität Bern, with special qualification in:
  • Archaeology of the Roman Provinces
  • Mediterranean Archaeology
  • Near Eastern Archaeology
  • Prehistoric Archaeology
Number of credits:  120 ECTS credits
Degree programs:
  • Major Mono 120 ECTS credits with special qualification:
    • Archaeology of the Roman Provinces
    • Mediterranean Archaeology
    • Near Eastern Archaeology
    • Prehistoric Archaeology
  • Major 90 ECTS credits with special qualification:
    • Archaeology of the Roman Provinces
    • Mediterranean Archaeology
    • Near Eastern Archaeology
    • Prehistoric Archaeology
  • Minor Archaeology 30 ECTS credits 
Combination possibilities: several
Duration: 4 semesters
Language: German
Beginning studies: Fall or spring semester

Details of program

In the master's degree program, students acquire an in-depth knowledge of methods and practices, various periods and practical research in the four archaeological focus areas offered at the University of Bern. As part of their master's thesis, students make practical use of the knowledge acquired through analyses of archaeological material.

Combination possibilities

The Master's program in Archaeology is offered either as a mono of 120 ECTS with special qualifications, see basic information, or the master's degree program in Archaeology consists of a major worth 90 ECTS credits and a minor worth 30 ECTS credits.

Any subject taught in a sufficient scope at the University of Bern can be chosen as a minor, to supplement the major.

To complete a minor at another Swiss university, students must submit a written request for permission to the Dean's Office of the Faculty of Humanities.

Study program structures
Study program Major ECTS
 Minor ECTS
Archaeology with special qualification in Near Eastern Archaeology    90         30        
Archaeology with special qualification in Mediterranean Archaeology 90         30        
Archaeology with special qualification in Archaeology of the Roman Provinces 90         30        
Archaeology with special qualification in Prehistoric Archaeology 90         30        

Available minors
Minors you may choose

Requirements

Individual academic requirements

The following academic qualification is required for admission to the master’s degree program in Archaeology (major):

  • Bachelor's degree from a recognized university in the branch of studies Archaeology.

Additional attainments of up to 60 ECTS credits may be required. These can either be admission requirements which must be fulfilled in order to complete the master's degree program or admission requirements which must be fulfilled before admission to the master's degree program. The ECTS credits will be listed separately in the diploma supplement as extracurricular attainments.

Please consult the admission requirements for the minor as presented in the plan of studies.

The bachelor's degree may not be more than ten years old. Exceptions are possible where justified. 

Swiss bachelor's degrees/programs

from the University of Bern

that allow admission to the desired master's degree program without any assessment:

  • Bachelor of Arts in Archaeology

Language requirements

The special qualifications in Mediterranean Archaeology and in Archaeology of the Roman Provinces require knowledge of Latin.

If knowledge of Latin is required, it must be acquired as part of extracurricular studies during the master's degree program. The ECTS credits will be listed separately in the diploma supplement as extracurricular attainments.

A knowledge of Greek is desirable, but not essential, for the special qualification in Mediterranean Archaeology.

There are no language requirements for the special qualifications in Near Eastern Archaeology or in Prehistory and Early History.

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

Application and admission

Current UniBE students

Apply for a change to the M A in Archaeology, Universität Bern by self-service as part of the re-registration for the next semester.
Renewal of semester registration → Self-service
Recognition of academic achievements
Procedure and timing of the renewal of semester registration
   

Application with a Swiss degree

Online application
Assessment
Steps from application to registration
 

Application with an international degree

Online application
CHECKLIST - Documents for your application / Important information
Steps from application to registration

 
For questions regarding application and admission, please contact the Admissions Office.

After your master's

Typical areas of work for archaeologists include archaeological monument conservation, museums and universities.

Various career opportunities are available to master's graduates in Archaeology according to the regional or subject orientation of studies. For Pre-historical Archaeology (prehistory and early history) and Archaeology of the Roman Provinces, potential employers include cantonal services for archeology and museums. For Near Eastern Archaeology and Mediterranean Archaeology, employment opportunities include research projects in universities and museums.

Master's graduates in Archaeology often work as assistants to professors in Archaeology at universities. All master's degrees in Archaeology permit students to pursue a course of doctoral study in the field.