Program Overview

For further information, clarification, or guidance, current and prospective students may contact the program’s academic advisors:
Domenico Lo Vetro (domenico.lovetro@unifi.it)
Zaroui Pogossian (zaroui.pogossian@unifi.it)

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Educational Objectives

The Master’s Degree Program in Archaeology aims to provide advanced and specialized training in archaeological studies, preparing graduates to conduct field research with a critical and independent methodological approach. The program equips students with the competencies required to undertake operational, coordinating, and supervisory roles in archaeological excavation and research projects.

To ensure progressive specialization, the program is structured into four distinct tracks:

• Prehistoric Archaeology
• Near Eastern Archaeology
• Classical Archaeology
• Medieval Archaeology

While the primary focus is on Mediterranean archaeology, field research and academic activities also extend to continental Europe, the Near and Middle East, and Africa.

Training is strengthened through laboratories and seminars designed to deepen disciplinary expertise and to provide practical skills. Particular attention is devoted to the acquisition of digital tools for archaeological research and to the application of archaeometric methodologies.

In addition to curriculum-specific seminars, short practical workshops are integrated into the teaching schedule to ensure direct engagement with archaeological materials and hands-on experience alongside theoretical instruction. A shared digital laboratory module (6 CFU / ECTS equivalent) provides foundational training in computational and digital methods applied to archaeological research.

The 12 CFU (ECTS) allocated to elective courses are intended to support specialized study related to the preparation of the final thesis.

For the final degree examination, students are encouraged to undertake experimental research in order to assess and demonstrate their methodological competence and professional potential. Fieldwork, excavation activities, laboratory experience, study trips, and educational visits are considered integral components of both seminar assessment and the final degree evaluation.

 

Learning Outcomes

Graduates are expected to acquire:

• advanced knowledge and practical competence in archaeological fieldwork and the classification of excavation materials;
• the ability to integrate methodologies from related humanities disciplines such as art history, anthropology, history and literary studies;
• knowledge of the history of archaeology, current archaeological debates and issues related to the conservation and protection of cultural heritage;
• familiarity with languages and writing systems of classical and pre-classical periods;
• the ability to analyze, annotate and publish archaeological data in accordance with established scholarly standards, integrating archaeological evidence with historical and philological sources;
• the capacity to design and develop research projects contributing to academic debate in archaeology;
• advanced research skills, including the ability to access and critically evaluate primary documentation through digital and archival tools;
• the ability to present research findings clearly and effectively in both written and oral form, including in a foreign language;
• eligibility for admission to advanced postgraduate programs, including PhD programs, Schools of Specialization and second-level Master’s programs.

 

Professional Opportunities

The program provides a broad, rigorous and versatile academic education, preparing graduates for professional careers requiring cultural awareness, archaeological and historical expertise, data management skills and analytical capacity.

Graduates may pursue careers in heritage authorities (Soprintendenze), restoration laboratories, museums, research institutions, libraries, archives, foundations and specialized archaeological organizations.

Primary professional roles include:

• Professional Archaeologist
• Archaeological Project Coordinator / Director

 

Transparency Requirements [see]

 

Admission Requirements [see]

 

Attendance

Attendance is generally compulsory. Students are considered to have fulfilled attendance requirements if they attend at least two-thirds of scheduled classes. Attendance is mandatory for internships, placements, laboratories and seminars. Alternative arrangements may be agreed upon with instructors when necessary.

 

Teaching and Assessment

Teaching activities include lectures, seminars, preparatory research activities and laboratory work, aimed at developing the knowledge and professional skills required for entry into the workforce.

Students’ progress is assessed throughout the program through written and oral examinations.

 

Final Degree Examination [see]

 

Access to Further Studies

Graduates are eligible to apply for:

• Schools of Specialization in Archaeology
• PhD programs
• Second-level Master’s programs

Faculty members of the program participate in the following doctoral and postgraduate institutions:

• Pegaso PhD Program in Sciences of Antiquity and Archaeology (administrative headquarters: Pisa)

http://dottorato.unipi.it/index.php/it/component/k2/item/18.html

• PhD Program in Historical Studies (administrative headquarters: Florence)

http://www.studistorici.unisi.it/

• School of Specialization in Archaeological Heritage (administrative headquarters: Florence)

http://www.st-umaform.unifi.it/cmpro-v-p-265.html