Three CIVIS universities offer triple Master’s Degree in Palaeolithic Archaeology

The programme, taught in English, showcases the strong collaboration allowed by the CIVIS European University Alliance. Combining archaeology and palaeoanthropology, the programme is interdisciplinary and deals with a variety of aspects of human evolution in the Palaeolithic Age.

The Master’s Degree

Students gain a sound knowledge of the technologies, societies and cultural development of humans in that era. With lab-based analysis, excursions and excavations, they experience research in practical terms; at the same time, researchers from the different universities contribute their expertise. Lecturers from the University of Witwatersrand in South Africa, where there are significant archaeological sites revealing the culture of Palaeolithic humans, are also involved.

Teaching in the first period takes place in Tübingen, with the next two being taught at Sapienza and Aix-Marseille. During the fourth period students write their master’s thesis at one of the three universities. Supervision is always provided by lecturers from two universities. Students receive financial support for their study visits abroad from the ERASMUS programme and Baden-Württemberg scholarships.

A Model for Multiple Degrees Within CIVIS

This degree programme also represents a new model and pilot project for the CIVIS University Alliance, as it involves the agreement of multiple partners to enable the triple degree. The cooperation with the University of Witwatersrand on the Master’s in Palaeolithic Archaeology will be expanded in the future, in order to train also young people from Africa so that they too can contribute to research on discoveries from their region. This is also part of the aim of CIVIS to strengthen cooperation with African countries.

"With the changing study locations and teaching in English, the Master’s is an excellent example of the possibilities of international study,” says Professor Dr Monique Scheer, Vice-President for International Affairs and Diversity at the University of Tübingen.

The students do not only gain professional skills, but also experience day-to-day life in Germany, France and Italy and thus learn about different European cultures and languages. At the same time, they are also made aware of perspectives of non-European scholarship”, Tübingen’s President, Professor Dr. h.c. (Dōshisha) Karla Pollmann, emphasises.

Practical Information

The degree programme is open to candidates with a BA in Archaeology or an equivalent degree. Applications for the degree programme may be submitted from June 1 onwards via the University of Tübingen application portal. Applications close on July 15 (for applicants outside the EU) or September 15 (for applicants within the EU).

Further information: