ARCHEOLOGIA

Employment and professional opportunities for graduates.
Archaeologist (2.5.3.2.4)
Archaeologists may work under fixed-term or permanent contracts with public institutions (Universities, Research Institutes, Archaeological Superintendencies, Museum Networks, Municipal Unions, etc.) and with private organizations (construction firms, cooperatives, scientific societies, professional studios, etc.) operating in the field of archaeological research. Graduates with a Master’s degree in Archaeology may take on coordination roles in excavation projects, whether related to research, enhancement, conservation, or restoration of archaeological heritage, as well as in emergency or planned excavations carried out as part of public or private contracts.

Researcher (2.6.2.4.0)
Career opportunities in research include roles as archaeologists and/or research technicians at public and private institutions. The Master’s degree enables graduates to work in excavation sites and to compete for positions in specific research projects launched by universities or other public bodies (municipalities, superintendencies, etc.).

Museum Activities Coordinator (2.6.2.4.0)
Graduates may hold various technical-scientific roles in public and private organizations such as: archaeological, artistic, and ethnographic museums, art galleries, antiquariums, foundations, and other cultural institutions. They may participate in cataloging, documentation, and publication projects of tangible and intangible cultural heritage promoted by public or private institutions; in updating museum informational materials and exhibitions; in public reception services and educational programs; and in writing scientific and outreach content.

Language(s) of instruction/examination.
ITALIAN

Skills associated with the function
Archaeologist (2.5.3.2.4)
In the professional context, archaeologists may apply: • skills developed through advanced training in archaeological research methodologies and active participation in excavations; • specialized knowledge and competencies in historical and archaeological disciplines; • the ability to conduct extensive research and accurate interpretation of documentary sources; • proficiency in general and heritage-specific digital technologies, particularly in data management and processing (GIS, databases, etc.), virtual archaeology, and digital post-processing of images; • legal and administrative knowledge related to cultural heritage regulations; • coordination skills and advanced knowledge in the use of specific tools and equipment (laser scanners, total stations/optical levels, differential GPS, etc.); • the ability to interpret research results through appropriate cognitive and methodological processes. In interactions with institutions and in activities beyond excavation sites, museographic and museological skills, along with communication and language abilities, will also be applied. 

Researcher (2.6.2.4.0)
In the specific context of scientific research, archaeologists may apply: • skills gained through in-depth study of archaeological research methodologies and active participation in excavation projects; • knowledge and competencies in historical and archaeological disciplines and the ability to conduct extensive research and interpret documentary sources; • proficiency in basic IT tools and in those specifically related to cultural heritage, especially for data management and processing (GIS, databases, etc.), virtual archaeology, and digital post-processing of images; • basic legal and administrative knowledge, especially relating to sector regulations; • coordination skills and proficiency with specialized equipment (laser scanners, total stations/optical levels, differential GPS, etc.); • data acquisition methodologies and analytical skills for interpreting results accurately. Additional expertise in museography and museology, as well as strong communication skills for writing scholarly texts, including in foreign languages, may also be required.

Museum Activities Coordinator (2.6.2.4.0)
Graduates will apply their knowledge and skills to support the scientific, educational, and management-related functions of museums and cultural sites. The professional expertise developed during the degree program—especially through supplementary courses and internships—enables them to: • engage in ongoing collaborations within diverse work teams; • apply their skills in writing concise texts, conducting bibliographic research, compiling catalog entries, digitizing various types of documentation, and using digital tools and internet platforms. In dealing with institutions, graduates will also apply museographic and museological expertise, as well as communication and language skills essential for organizing exhibitions, educational activities, and visitor engagement in museums, parks, and archaeological areas. The work environment will provide opportunities to apply their argumentative and discursive skills developed throughout the program, as well as their ability to collaborate and coordinate group work.

Function in a work context
Archaeologist (2.5.3.2.4)
The role of the archaeologist in charge of archaeological sites involves coordinating work teams during both stratigraphic field investigations and the subsequent phases of data processing and interpretation. This includes inventorying operations, graphic and photographic documentation, and the drafting of detailed reports and records concerning site activities and artifacts uncovered during excavations. In addition to fieldwork, archaeologists also serve as consultants for institutions and public or private bodies, and are responsible for organizing and managing initiatives within museums, parks, and archaeological areas.

Researcher (2.6.2.4.0)
Graduates in Archaeology may carry out research and coordination activities at universities and research institutions. The Master’s degree allows access to competitive calls for positions in projects led by institutions engaged in archaeological investigations. Archaeologists may coordinate work teams during both fieldwork and data processing phases, including inventorying, documentation (graphic and photographic), and the preparation of detailed excavation reports and artifact records.

Museum Activities Coordinator (2.6.2.4.0)
Graduates may perform educational and organizational support roles in museums of various types. Tasks may include assisting in exhibition design, setting up displays, writing scientific and educational texts, captions, and panel content, promoting outreach campaigns via social media, supporting educational activities, and organizing public programs. Graduates may also contribute to the digital cataloging and archival of collections and provide support in project management that requires context-specific knowledge and expertise.

Educational goals
Graduates of the Master’s Degree Programme in Archaeology acquire advanced, specialist knowledge in the fields of Cultural Heritage and Classical Philology, Literatures, and Ancient History, particularly with regard to themes related to the ancient world. This includes philological and literary aspects, historical and epigraphic studies, historical geography, art history, archaeology, and the material culture of antiquity, all supported by the most up-to-date analytical tools. They will be able to analyse historical processes and archaeological contexts through the use of a wide range of sources, including spatial, geographical, and environmental data relevant to the ancient world. Graduates will be required to demonstrate: • a strong command of the Italian language, including discipline-specific terminology; • for students following the classical curriculum, proficiency in ancient languages is essential; • all graduates must be able to use at least one other European Union language fluently, both written and spoken, including specialised vocabulary (minimum B2 level of the CEFR); • adequate knowledge of digital and telematic tools, both for research purposes and for the dissemination of scholarly content. The LM-2 Master’s Degree in Archaeology offers a curriculum structured according to chronological and cultural frameworks, enabling students to develop advanced expertise in historical, archaeological, and technological fields, both in terms of content and methodology. Graduates will be able to: • apply their acquired knowledge to the development and implementation of research projects in their areas of expertise; • engage with international academic peers, supported by participation in mobility programmes such as Erasmus and through alternative educational opportunities such as summer schools; • independently identify and develop solutions to archaeological and historical problems, including new and interdisciplinary challenges. The programme also aims to prepare professionals with the skills to effectively disseminate scientific content within the academic sphere and in institutions responsible for the protection, management, enhancement, and public engagement of archaeological heritage. Graduates will also develop the ability to pursue further learning and research independently, using the principal tools and methodologies of the discipline. ________________________________________ Learning Activities and Practical Training To acquire these competences, students complete a programme of study that includes passing examinations typically following (non-mandatory) attendance of lectures. In addition, students are required to undertake practical training activities through internships at institutions in the sector—such as Superintendencies, museums, archaeological parks, and research centres. They must also take part in archaeological excavation and survey projects led by course instructors in collaboration with the aforementioned organisations. These activities are made possible by established agreements and partnerships, ensuring a continuous connection between the university and the professional field.