ALPHA students are passionate about…

• early societies and their material remnants,
• writings and languages,
• historical contexts,
• visiting museums and exhibitions,
• visiting monuments and excavation sites at home and abroad,
• being curious and open to pre-modern (non-)European ideas,
• and having a spirit of research and discovery.

Language requirements

Very good German and English skills (ideally also basic reading skills in French) are important for writing, reading, and presenting during your studies, as the scientific community in these subjects is relatively small but active worldwide.

In order to enroll in the specialization in Classical Philology (Latin or Greek), you must have completed the Latinum or Graecum qualification. The work area of Classical Philology at JGU’s Department of Ancient Studies (IAW) offers language classes in Latin and Ancient Greek for students from all faculties. These classes can also serve as preparation for the state qualifying examination in Latin (Latinum) and/or Ancient Greek (Graecum) and are recognized across Germany.

If you choose Classical Archaeology or Pre- and Protohistoric Archaeology and you cannot provide proof of the relevant language skills (at least two years of lessons at secondary school with a final grade of “sufficient”) at the beginning of your studies, you must successfully complete a university course in “Latin for Beginners” by the end of your studies (in the area of professional skills).

If you choose the specialization Byzantine Archaeology and you cannot provide proof of the relevant language skills at the start of your studies, you must successfully complete a university course in “Latin for Beginners”, as well as a university course “Ancient Greek for beginners” by the end of your studies (in the area of professional skills).

Good to know: These language skills are then sufficient for successive degree programs (master’s degree).

The ALPHA program is carefully structured to provide you with a deep understanding and broad knowledge of Ancient Studies.

Choice of specialization

In the ALPHA degree program, you choose a specialization when you apply. As part of your chosen specialization, you will receive in-depth practical and theoretical training and write your bachelor’s thesis at the end of your studies. If you end up not enjoying your chosen focus, that’s no problem! It is possible to change your specialization during the course of your studies. You can choose from the following specializations:

• Egyptology
• Ancient Near Eastern Studies
• Byzantine Archaeology
• Classical Archaeology
• Classical Philology (Latin/Greek)
• Ancient Near Eastern Archaeology
• Pre- and Protohistoric Archaeology

Program structure

Introductory phase: In this phase, you will gain a comprehensive overview of the various disciplines of Ancient Studies, become familiar with the basic methods and content of the key subjects involved, and gain an insight into the wide range of career opportunities.

Individual qualification in related areas: A special feature of the ALPHA degree program is the related areas qualification. This individual qualification offers you the opportunity to design your studies according to your personal interests. You can either choose one or two minor subjects from the major subjects involved in the degree program or opt for external modules (e.g. Ancient History, Book Studies, Ethnology, Art History, Linguistics). You will expand your knowledge in related areas and develop interdisciplinary perspectives. In the “Professional Skills” module, you can also develop individual skills that will help you in your future career.

Stays abroad

Would you like to live abroad for a semester or a year? Do you want to learn another language and get to know a new culture? Or gain a different perspective on your particular subject? A stay abroad provides you with the perfect opportunity to achieve this and is possible with every degree program – either self-organized or by taking advantage of one of the popular exchange programs. This is made possible by various cooperation agreements and partnerships with foreign universities.

For more information on this topic, please visit our websites on studying abroad. Visit our student exchange platform for an overview of cooperating universities in your field.

This program of study does not require you to spend time abroad, but you nevertheless have the opportunity to do so.

The recommended time to study abroad for this program of study is after the 3rd or 4th semester.

In addition to this, it may be possible to take part in a field trip abroad lasting several days.

Internships

As part of your studies, you will complete internships or practical exercises in areas specific to your field of study (excavations, surveys, museums, archaeobotany, digital applications, preservation of historical monuments…). A wide variety of opportunities are available within the faculty. Students can also take advantage of external opportunities, especially for excavations abroad.

Voluntary internships are another good opportunity to obtain more in-depth insight into a professional field.

An internship allows you to discover whether everyday life in a particular occupation suits your career expectations and interests. You can gain qualifications for a professional field and acquire important professional and personal skills to start a career. An internship helps you both shape your career path, and mold the remainder of your course sequence – in particular by selecting specializations that suit your practical experience.

You can find further information and relevant internships on the Career Service website.

ALPHA students acquire in-depth specialist knowledge, extensive practical experience, and exceptional language skills. You will have mastered a variety of scientific methods and − depending on the individual design of your studies − will be trained in excavation techniques and in the use of geographical information systems (GIS), making you excellently qualified to work in the following specialist areas:

Typical professional fields

• Academic positions for teaching and/or research at (inter)national universities or research institutions (usually after a master’s and/or doctoral degree)
• Collaboration with excavation companies in excavation and other research projects
• Preservation of historical monuments, especially in state archaeology departments
• Work in museums, collections, and exhibitions
• Cultural heritage programs
• Expert advising or guided tours of exhibitions related to Egypt / the Ancient Near East / Antiquity / Byzantium
• Adult education (ZWW, VHS)
• Publishing
• Scientific journalism
• Media (e.g., cultural programs, advising in film productions)

Other potential professional fields

When you graduate, you will be an expert in analytical and critical thinking: You will question theories and sources to formulate your own conclusions and will be able to prepare complex information and issues in a way that is appropriate for a target group. In addition, you will gain intercultural skills. You will acquire a high level of sensitivity to cultural differences, particularly in historical research. Project management skills will enable you to plan and execute projects, including time management, budgeting, and resource coordination. These core humanities and cultural studies skills are also in demand in many other professional fields:

• (Agile) project management
• Scientific management or administration of research and teaching at universities or research institutions
• Research funding
• Project work in companies, foundations, NGOs
• Public service and administration (e.g., city administration)
• Media, journalism, public relations and advertising
• Politics and social affairs
• Education and culture

Not sure what to do after graduation? Don’t worry!

A university degree generally does not prepare you for a single profession but qualifies you for a wide range of career paths – for example, in research, in a typical profession related to your field of study, or in one of many other academic fields.

This is why career orientation is also part of your studies. Gaining practical experience is key, and you can do so through internships, working student positions, part-time jobs or voluntary work, for example.

JGU’s Career Service will support you throughout the entire process with information, advice, workshops and numerous events – from career orientation and working on your profile and skills to finding your dream job and successfully applying for it.