Archeology

There are two degrees of studies offered at the University of Gdańsk in the field of Archeology.



The graduate of three-year first degree/bachelor’s studies in Archeology is prepared to undertake second degree/master’s studies (complementary master's studies) in the same field or related fields (history, cultural and physical anthropology). S/he can also work as an 'archaeological technician' in all types of institutions conducting excavations: from large scientific institutes, through archaeological museums, regional museums and conservation service, to small private companies specialising in archaeological rescue. This preparation corresponds to the standards in force in Poland and other European Union countries.



A bachelor's degree in Archeology ensures mastery of the methods and techniques of excavation works and their documentation at all types of archaeological sites from different periods and regions.



The graduate has the ability to use knowledge in the subjects covered by the study programme. S/he should especially have a systematic knowledge of history from the appearance of man to modern times - both at the level of general knowledge and practical ability to recognize typical forms of archaeological monuments (their chronology and cultural affiliation). S/he knows the rules of gathering museum collections; knows how to design a museum exhibition and how to write a scientific article.



The graduate of full-time second degree studies in Archeology receives a master's degree. The scope of the acquired knowledge includes prehistory of Polish lands against a comparative background and historical archeology (the Middle Ages, modernity) as well as the elements of Mediterranean cultures. The acquired skills allow the graduate to independently conduct archaeological field research on many types of archaeological sites from different eras and areas,  conduct stratigraphic sequence analyses and develop movable historic material, as well as prepare a scientific publication. The graduate knows modern research methods and principles of interdisciplinary cooperation. The acquired knowledge allows him/her to take up work in scientific, museum and conservation institutions as well as in other institutions requiring appropriate knowledge and efficiency. The graduate knows how to design a museum exhibition, write a scientific and popular science article, as well as calculate the cost of rescue works, design their organisation and present an offer of excavations.



The Institute of Archaeology and Ethnology offers Erasmus courses delivered in English in the subject areas of Archaeology. These can be taken by Erasmus exchange students, both at BA and MA levels. For further information contact the Erasmus coordinators, one of whom is Prof. Nicholas Sekunda (nicholas.sekkunda@ug.edu.pl).

Archaeology is a fascinating journey to the past!

Archaeology is a full-time study course available in the form of both BA and MA studies and offers one specialisation: general archaeology. Summer internship, which includes excavation works either within the country or abroad (e.g. in Greece, Macedonia, Ukraine), provides an opportunity to gain crucial experience and skills. Two very active scientific societies: Koło Naukowe Studentów Archeologii (Student Society of Archaeology) and Studenckie Koło Naukowe Archeologii Śródziemnomorskiej (Student Society of Mediterranean Archaeology) organize conferences, picnics, workshops (such as a cuneiform writing course), lectures, film screenings, etc. These associations invite archaeologists and lecturers from numerous foreign universities, e.g. Oxford University, Liverpool University, etc. Students of Archaeology at the University of Gdańsk stay in contact with current trends in the world archaeology.

Candidates for archaeological studies should be characterised with cooperativeness in team work, patience, endurance and ability to work in difficult conditions. The candidate is also expected to have passion for discovering and be eager to conduct research, often in unfavourable field conditions. Therefore, a future archaeologist should be characterized with good health and physical condition (a medical certificate stating that there are no contraindications to undertake field work is required).

The courses covered during the BA studies include, among others:

Introduction to Archaeology, Introduction to General Prehistory, Mediterranean Archaeology, General Archaeology, Cultural Anthropology, Introduction to Earth Sciences, Paleoecology with Elements of Archeobotany, Field Research Methodology.

The courses covered during MA studies include, among others:

Prehistory of Art, Archaeology of Human Settlement, Anthropology of Old Slavs, Human and Environment in the Antiquity, Basics of Archaeological Monument Conservation, Crafts and Traditional Techniques, Burial Traditions.

The course provides foundation for working as an archaeological technician in all kinds of institutions conducting excavation works: from major scientific institutes, through archaeological museums, regional museums and conservation services to small, private companies specialised in rescue archaeology. The graduate of archaeological studies can find employment in scientific, museum and restorations institutions as well as other centres requiring adequate knowledge and competence. The degree holder will be able to design a museum exhibition, write scientific or popular-science articles, prepare cost calculation of archaeological rescue, plan its organisation or prepare an offer of excavation works.

Information concerning medical examination:

Medical examination must be performed by an occupational medicine physician.

The candidate qualified for admission to a given course will receive a medical examination referral along with an official letter of admission to the University.

The medical certificate received after the examination has to be immediately submitted to the dean's office of the Faculty of History which is administering a given course.

Submission of the certificate is a necessary condition for the admitted to receive a student ID card.

The candidates who received the referral can complete the medical examination free of charge in the health institution indicated by the University from the 1^st of September 2013.

The candidates can complete the medical examination in a different institution than the one indicated by the University. Examination performed by occupational medicine physician in a medical institution other that the one designated by the University will not be refunded (the expenses shall be covered by the candidate).