Bachelor Classical Archeology
The Bachelor’s degree program in Classical Archaeology focuses on the visual and material evidence of Greek and Roman culture, spanning from the Bronze Age to Late Antiquity. This encompasses works of art and architecture as well as everyday objects, including their antecedents, their enduring influence, and their connections to neighboring cultures.
The program teaches the fundamental methods of archaeological scholarship. Students learn to observe and analyze monuments of visual art and material culture with precision, to classify them systematically, and to interpret them within the context of the ancient world. In doing so, we not only impart the core competencies of the discipline but also provide training in modern research methods and the confident use of new media.
A Bachelor’s degree in Classical Archaeology opens doors to a wide range of professional fields—from museums and heritage conservation to cultural management and academia—while laying the foundation for independent engagement with archaeological and cultural-historical questions.
Requirements
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Subject weighting | Major (75%) Major (50%) Minor (25%) | With additional Minor 25% 1. or 2. Major With Major 75% |
Degree | Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) | |
Registration deadlines | For the Wintersemester For the Summersemester | 01.06. - 30.09. 01.12. - 31.03. |
Proof of language proficiency | English and one other modern foreign language relevant to the field (min. B1) Graecum OR Latinum Language requirements do not apply to the minor subject (25%) | E.g., Italian, French, Spanish, Modern Greek, Portuguese, Turkish Proof must be submitted no later than the time of registration for the bachelor's thesis. |
Languages of instruction | German, English (on occation) | |
Miscellaneous | Further qualification upon successful completion: Master’s degree program in Classical Archaeology or a related field Doctoral studies |
The Bachelor’s Degree Program in Classical Archaeology
The bachelor’s degree program in Classical Archaeology can be pursued as a major (75% or 50%) or as a minor (25%), in combination with a second major or minor subject. Suitable second subjects include not only closely related disciplines—such as other fields within the study of antiquity—but also subjects like geography, art history, computational linguistics, or public law.
The program can be started in either the winter or summer semester, and there are no admission restrictions (open enrollment).
Studying Classical Archaeology requires proficiency in Latin (*Latinum*) OR Ancient Greek (*Graecum*), as well as English and one additional modern foreign language relevant to the field (Italian, French, Spanish, Modern Greek, Portuguese, or Turkish) at the B1 level. Proof of these language skills must be provided by the time of registration for the bachelor’s thesis; the necessary qualifications can be acquired during the course of study as part of the language module.
Structure of the Degree Program
The Classical Archaeology degree program is structured into modules. The basic module—comprising an introductory course, a tutorial, and an exercise in description—establishes the initial academic and scholarly foundations. Two core modules, "Greek Archaeology" and "Roman Archaeology"—each consisting of a lecture, an introductory seminar, and a practical exercise—provide a solid basis for further study. The knowledge acquired is then deepened through one or two advanced modules (depending on whether the subject is taken as a 50% or 75% component of the degree), each consisting of a lecture and an advanced seminar. The advanced seminars, in particular, focus on independent scholarly work and encourage discussion of current research.
Practical training is also a key component: for both versions of the major, the first practical module includes an excursion—accompanied by a preparatory seminar—as well as a hands-on practical exercise. Excursions to archaeological sites and museums throughout the Mediterranean region allow students to look beyond their textbooks and deepen their knowledge on-site. Meanwhile, the practical exercises provide students with the essential tools for working with archaeological artifacts (e.g., digital drawing, photography, and exhibition design). For those pursuing the 75% major, a second practical module is available, which can be fulfilled through internships, participation in research projects, or additional practical exercises.
The interdisciplinary module encourages students to broaden their education beyond the scope of Classical Archaeology by taking lectures, seminars, and exercises offered by other departments at Heidelberg University.
Finally, the language module allows students to acquire any remaining language requirements—whether in ancient or modern languages—or to further their skills through courses focused on primary sources, reading seminars, or writing workshops. The degree program concludes with a bachelor's thesis in the major subject.
If you have any questions regarding your studies, the academic advising service can assist you.
Examination Regulations, Module Handbooks, etc.
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All forms
For studies beginning before the 2024/2025 winter semester, you can find all examination regulations and module handbooks in the download section.