Archaeological Materials Science (ARCHMAT)
Master Degree
Ano Letivo 2024/2025

Course Overview

ARCHMAT is a 2-years Erasmus Mundus Joint Master (EMJM) course (120 ECTS) within a consortium of 3 degree-awarding Universities (Evora-UEVORA-PT, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki-AUTH-GR and Sapienza University of Rome -UNIROMA1-IT), and a network of associated members from international academic and professional institutions (Museums, Research and Private Enterprises). It aims is to provide students with specialized skills in archaeology and analytical characterization of materials from prehistory(Megalithic) to classical times (Greek and Roman). The study and conservation of Cultural Heritage materials is a research area with a strong multidisciplinary connotation and requires skills that span across the Humanities and Science research fields. ARCHMAT provides a common, integrated platform for excellent students coming from either Science or Humanities educational backgrounds to understand the advanced scientific methods used to investigate archaeological materials and aims to form highly specialized professional experts in the emerging field of Archaeometry, i.e Physico-Chemical Sciences applied to the study of Archaeological and Cultural Heritage materials. Classes will be delivered at UEVORA (1st semester), AUTH (2nd semester) and UNIROMA1 (3rd semester). Associated members will provide seminars/practical and field classes on Archaeometry specialised aspects/techniques and case studies and offer internships, joint supervision and topics for Thesis projects (4th semester either at UEVORA, AUTH or UNIROMA1).

Course in Association/Partner Institutions:

Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza"
Aristotle University of Thessaloniki

Organic Unit: Institute of Research and Advanced Training

Duration: 4 Semesters/120 ECTS credits (78 required and 12 optional in curricular units)

Language: English

Regime: Presencial

CNAEF Areas:

Physical science (440)

Study Plan

A3ES Accreditation

Career Prospects

The ARCHMAT Master Diploma holder will be fully qualified to successfully embark in doctorate courses in Archaeometry and/or Science applied to Conservation/Cultural Heritage research fields either at ARCHMAT partner Institutions or elsewhere.
The ARCHMAT Master Diploma holder will also find himself in a privileged position to apply for job opportunities in the private sector (Restoration SMEs, private profession) and/or Scientific Laboratories of Museums, or other Governmental Institutions (Ministry of Culture, Regional and National local authorities) but also at several International Organizations devoted to the Protection of Cultural Heritage objects and sites such as ICCROM and UNESCO. Last but not least, the participation as associate partners of International non-academic Institutions with high level national/international reputation in ARCHMAT and with strong contacts/affiliations with Governmental agencies and Industry such as the Instituto de Ciencia de Materiales de Aragon (ICMA) in Zaragoza and the Human Evolution Museum, Burgos -MEH from Spain, the Museo delle Civilta - MUCIV, in Rome (Italy), the Museum of Archaeology and Ethnology in San Paulo in Brasil, the Ormylia Art Diagnosis Center, in Greece - ORM), the GuoWenYan Cult. Heritage Conserv. Center, China - will prove extremely useful to ARCHMAT students in their post-Master search for job opportunities worldwide.

Specific Entry Requirements

Bachelor (1rst Cycle degree) in Science (Chemistry, Geology, Physics, Biology and other relevant academic background). Bachelor (1st Cycle degree) in Humanities (History and Archaeology, Cultural Heritage, Conservation Science, Restoration and other relevant academic background).
Candidates have to submit all of the following documents during the different stages of the application procedure
nationality (passport copy with photo)
Scanned (translated) copy of the University diploma required for the enrolment in the ARCHMAT (Bachelor/I cycle degree in Physics, Earth Sciences, Chemistry, Biology-Biochemistry, Archaeology, Conservation Science, Cultural Heritage Studies)
Scanned (translated) Copy of transcript of study results
Curriculum vitae and Studiorum (EUROPASS format)
Motivation letter (maximum 1 A4 page)
Letter of recommendation by two academic referees.
Scanned copy of TOEFL Language Proficiency Certificate 87 [iBT] or of IELTS Certificate (minimum overall score =6) or Cambridge Certificate or proof of at least 1 year English-based instruction at University level