Archaeology

The Master's Degree in Archaeology aims to meet the demand for professionals and researchers in archaeological disciplines by providing adequate methodological and theoretical tools for both the recognition and classification of materials, field and laboratory activities and data processing. To that end, the programme relies on accredited lecturers with a proven research background and experience in competitive projects and archaeological sites, and on cooperation with a number of professionals with experience in different areas in archaeology, including the valorisation and dissemination of results in relation with museums. In addition, the masters facilitates access to a doctoral programme in Mediterranean Archaeology and Prehistory which includes educational activities intended to foster the development of the main research lines within this area.

Compulsory subjects

• Conservation and dissemination of archaeological heritage
• Design of archaeological interventions
• Geoarchaeology
• Introduction to archaeometry
• Introduction to prospecting and excavation systems
• Developments and trends in archaeological research and management
• Retrieval, identification and interpretation of biotic records
• Classification and inventory systems in classical archaeology
• Classification and inventory systems in medieval and modern archaeology
• Classification and inventory systems in prehistoric archaeology
• Classification and inventory systems in protohistoric archaeology
• Master's final project
• Workshop 1. Fieldwork: prospecting
• Workshop 2. Fieldwork: excavation
• Workshop 3. Introduction to photography and drawing of materials
• Workshop 4. Quantification. Exploration and presentation of archaeological data

Elective subjects

• External internships
• Seminar. Household and funerary archaeology in the western mediterranean
• Seminar. Bioarchaeology and transitions in the western mediterranean
• Seminar. Colonisation and exchange in the archaeology of the western mediterranean
• Seminar. Household and funerary archaeology in the western mediterranean
• Seminar. Complex systems and archaeology

The profile recommended for this master’s programme is that of a graduate in History (from the old and new degree system) or in equivalent studies nationally (degrees completed before the 1973 reform) or internationally. Any experience in areas related with archaeology will be appreciated.

All applicants must fill in a pre-registration form and enclose their CV and any other proof of merit (transcript, certificate of participation in archaeological projects, language certificates, copies of papers published).
Students with degrees in History, History of Art, Geography, and Humanities must submit a letter written by a lecturer/university member from the areas of Prehistory o Archaeology. Should this letter not be provided, a personal or e-mail interview will be conducted.

Those applicants having completed degrees other than those listed above shall not only submit a letter of introduction/proof of support by a lecturer/university member from the areas of Prehistory o Archaeology but also have an interview with the Master’s Academic Commission. The Commission will determine the adequacy of the candidate's education and might establish, where applicable, additional educational requirements to be fulfilled prior to the masters which may account for up to 24 ECTS from the History degree of the University of Valencia:
General Prehistory (12 credits)
Prehistory of the Iberian Peninsula (6 credits)
Archaeology of the Mediterranean (6 credits)

In any case, this module is not considered an entry prerequisite; its courses may be completed simultaneously to the masters.

The Master's Degree in Archaeology has a limited number of places. Selection will be based on these criteria:
a) Academic records: 25%
b) Experience in archaeological projects: 25%
b1. Experience in field work: 15%
b2. Publications: 10%

c) Modern and ancient languages: 25%
c1. Ancient languages: 10%
c2. Modern languages: 15%

d) Interview with the commission: 25%

The Academic Commission is responsible for verifying compliance with the criteria.