Archaeology, undergraduates

Archaeology is all about discovering the past, traveling, excavating, and examining sites settled by ancient societies. You will be able to explore deep caves, the underwater depths of lakes and seas, the ruins of forts and castles, ancient cities, as well as sacred buildings and cemeteries. Studying archaeology will introduce you to the everyday and religious life, feasts, battles, and ceremonies of ancient societies, and you will acquire comprehensive knowledge of the human past and its culture in a rapidly evolving scientific discipline. Thanks to the expertise and achievements of our teachers and scientists from the Institute of Archaeology, as well as our rich and diverse curriculum, you will be able to learn modern methods used in field surveying, securing archaeological sites, and collecting and analysing plant and animal remains. You will be studying at one of the main institutes of a research university ranked among the top ten in Poland. From the outset, you will forge your own career path, taking advantage of our modern teaching facilities including laboratories, classrooms, the Artefact Room, an archaeological open-air museum, and a library. Students also have access to a relaxation area where you can wind down between classes or make something to eat. You will be able to participate in research (including excavations) conducted by the Institute of Archeology at archaeological sites in Poland and abroad, with support and financial assistance to pursue your own archaeology adventure, starting from your very first year of studies.

What can you expect from the course?

• Archaeology is a two-part program: a three-year bachelor’s degree followed by a two-year master’s degree, after which you may pursue a PhD in archaeology.
• During the bachelor’s degree, you will acquire basic knowledge about the history of the ancient inhabitants of Poland and Europe, from the most remote times (the Stone Age) to the historical periods (the Middle Ages and the modern period).
• By participating in excavations, you will discover archaeological techniques, exploration and documentation methods, as well as the equipment and apparatus necessary for fieldwork.
• Lectures give you the knowledge, while tutorials offer the chance to share your observations, and you can refine your practical skills during lab work thanks to direct contact with original, ancient everyday objects – vessels, coins, and ornaments – collected in the institute’s Artefact Room.
• You will take part in field excavations after your first and second years of study. You can learn more by joining student research groups, conducting research and experimental work (including in living archaeology), and by helping to organise workshops and conferences.
• Studying archaeology at our institute gives you the opportunity to develop comprehensively and make your own decision about the academic path you wish to follow by choosing subjects and specialisation modules aligned with your interests.
• After your first year of bachelor’s studies, you can choose one of three chronological modules (prehistoric archaeology, ancient archaeology, or historical archaeology) and one of four thematic modules (architectural archaeology, underwater archaeology, environmental archaeology, or conservation of archaeological monuments).
• Archaeology studies also offer a window to the world: you can pursue your academic and research interests by joining trips organised by the Institute of Archaeology staff or research groups, independent research trips, and by studying at universities in Poland (MOST program) or abroad (Erasmus+). You will be forging your own academic career from the first year of your studies by participating in excavations, research clubs, research projects led by the Institute of Archaeology, and by contributing to your own scientific publications.
• If you decide to study further and join the MA program, you will acquire specialised knowledge in your chosen module, while at the same time picking up the practical skills necessary to obtain authorisation to conduct independent archaeological research.
• As an archaeology student at the Nicolaus Copernicus University, one of the best universities in Poland, you are guaranteed a highly competent level of education, certified by the prestigious Polish Accreditation Committee.

What happens after graduation?

As a BA graduate, you can continue your education with a two-year MA degree program, which is required in order to be able to practice as an archaeologist.

Archaeology, MA program

A bachelor’s degree gives you a thorough introduction to archaeology. If you are ready for more, to further your archaeological knowledge and acquire the skills necessary to independently pursue a career as an archaeologist, we encourage you to continue your education and join us for our MA program. For those who missed the opportunity to study archaeology during their undergraduate studies, we offer remedial classes to help pick up the basics of archaeology, especially fieldwork methodology.

What happens after graduation?

Upon graduating, you will receive a master’s degree in archaeology, entitling you to work professionally in this field, and a diploma confirming completion of studies in your chosen specialisation:

• archaeology of underwater and wetland sites,
• archaeological heritage protection,
• environmental archaeology,

These specialisations arę only offered by our institute. Any additional modules completed during your MA course can also be added to your diploma.

As an archaeology graduate, you can continue your education at PhD level or pursue professional employment. You will gain the necessary qualifications to run your own business or – just as many of your predecessors did – you will find work in cultural institutions, museums, universities, and even the Polish Academy of Sciences, wherever your specialised knowledge and the social skills acquired during your studies may prove useful, including organisational and teamwork skills, which are highly valued in today’s job market.