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Please be informed this study programme is offered in Polish—to undertake this programme knowledge of Polish language at least at sufficient level is required and will be verified upon application. If you do not speak Polish you can enrol in one of Polish language courses offered by Jagiellonian University School of Polish Language and Culture. Full list of programmes in foreign languages you may find here: Programmes in foreign languages.

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Archaeology

Faculty of History

Available programmes

first-cycle programme

study mode: full-time programme

language of instruction: Polish

profile: general academic

duration: 3 years (6 semesters)

title: Licencjat (equivalent of Bachelor's degree)

discipline: Archaeology

second-cycle programme

study mode: full-time programme

language of instruction: Polish

profile: general academic

duration: 2 years (4 semesters)

title: Magister (equivalent of Master’s degree)

discipline: Archaeology

Programme description

Where did we come from, and where are we going? We may look for the answers to these questions worldwide – in Israel, Jordan, Cyprus, the USA, Egypt, Guatemala, and Poland. And these are the places where the Jagiellonian University archeologists conduct their research. Studies are known to be an adventure – and Archaeology studies may be an adventure literally. They help to discover the world and our shared heritage. Sometimes, they help to save it and restore what is already forgotten. At the JU we teach the full spectrum of archaeology: Polish, European, Mediterranean, and New World. This field of study prepares to conduct excavations and produce their results, work at conservation offices, archaeological museums, research units (in Poland and abroad), and other sectors related to the cultural and archaeological heritage and tourism.

The Archaeology studies at the Jagiellonian University have traditions reaching 1863. The Jagiellonian University was the first university in Poland, where the faculty for Polish archaeology (1866) and classical archaeology (1897) was established. Currently, JU is one of the few universities in Poland offering programme consisting of Polish, European, Mediterranean, and American archaeology.

Information regarding Faculty

The Faculty of History has the category A granted by the Ministry of Science and Higher Education and is the best faculty of history in Poland according to the the ranking of ‘Perspektywy’ Education Foundation. In addition, the study programmes conducted at the Faculty have been at the forefront of this ranking for years. The Faculty of History is the right place for enthusiasts of ancient cultures and people interested in studying art, the preservation of cultural heritage and history. Programmes offered by the Faculty have a long tradition of teaching, yet the classes are conducted innovatively and respond to the current needs of students and employers.

The Faculty consists of 6 institutes. Archeology classes are delivered at the Institute of Archaeology, located in the very center of Kraków. The Institute is equipped with modern computer and measuring equipment, laser scanners, and equipment enabling work on monuments. The equipment mentioned above allows students to learn in practice in the field of modern technologies and methods used in archaeology. An essential aspect of future archeologists' education is working with monuments and artefacts. The Institute of Archaeology has a collection of didactic aids used in the teaching process. Additionally, the Institute cooperates with the Archaeological Museum of Kraków and the National Museum in Kraków, which provides students broad access to monuments and artefacts.

Rankings, distinctions, accreditations

  • The Ranking of Study Programmes prepared by the ‘Perspektywy’ Education Foundation:
    • 1st place in 2019 and 2020
    • 3rd place in 2021 and 2023
  • Scientific category B+ in the discipline of Archaeology awarded to the Jagiellonian University in Kraków by the decision of the Minister of Education and Science

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Curriculum overview

In the programme curriculum, you may find information about the subjects you will attend while studying this programme. The programme indicates which subjects are scheduled for each semester of the studies, which are mandatory, which belong to the group of elective subjects (so-called optional subjects), which of them end with an exam, and which do not. Each subject in such a programme curriculum has its syllabus, which is a description of what students learn within the scope of that subject.

Student matters

International Students Office

Centre of Academic Support

internationalstudents.uj.edu.pl
iso@uj.edu.pl
ul. Ingardena 6, 30-060 Kraków, Poland

Student Scholarships Office

Centre of Academic Support

stypendia.uj.edu.pl
stypendia@uj.edu.pl
ul. Ingardena 6, 30-060 Kraków, Poland

Student’s life

Time spent at the university is not all about education and class participation; it is also an excellent opportunity to develop hobbies and interests. Many research societies and student organizations operate at the Jagiellonian University, including faculty- and university-wide ones. These societies allow students to spend their free time actively, gain knowledge, develop their talents, participate in engaging, unconventional projects, go on research and team-building trips, participate in conferences, and meet fellow students outside the lecture halls. The Archaeology Students Research Society is working at the Institute of Archaeology. Students usually participate in field activities during the holiday months, where they gain practical skills during excavations led by the institute in Poland, Ukraine, Egypt, and other places.

Students interested in the international dimension of studying can participate in a wide variety of exchange programmes, such as Erasmus+, Utrecht Network, bilateral exchange programmes, European university Una Europa, or the domestic mobility programme called MOST.

More than just studies

From our students

Michał Michał
Studying is not a good time to stay home and watch another TV series season. Student initiatives and projects are fun, but also you may learn a lot and use the theory in practice. Additionally, you may also meet lots of fantastic people.

Anna Anna
Studies at the Institute of Archaeology allow you to visit countries all over the world, such as Guatemala, the USA, Egypt, and Cyprus. Students interested in a particular subject may develop their interests and work on their skills as archaeologists in these places. During traineeships, students may also conduct research at many interesting sites in Poland.

From our lecturers

Prof. dr hab. Ewdoksia Papuci-Władyka Prof. dr hab. Ewdoksia Papuci-Władyka
Generally, I encourage you to study as it allows you to see your country and the world from a different perspective. Studies open your eyes to many matters, broaden your horizons, and give you lots of possibilities to learn more, not only in the chosen discipline but also in others. Studies give you opportunities to do internships and traineeships, meet people and visit countries. I particularly recommend studying at the JU, as it is one of two of the best universities in Poland, more and more recognized in Europe and in the world. The recently gained status of a research university will make it even more appealing.

All about admission

Admissions Office

Centre of Academic Support

welcome.uj.edu.pl
welcome@uj.edu.pl
ul. Ingardena 6, 30-060 Kraków, Poland

Admission to studies

Admission to study programmes at the Jagiellonian University is conducted electronically in the Online Application System: irk.uj.edu.pl. If you have any questions related to admission, please contact the Admissions Office directly or visit the websites: welcome.uj.edu.pl and irk.uj.edu.pl.

Detailed information about admission to this study programme, including information on the method of calculating the result, qualification criteria, fees, deadlines, and a list of required documents are available on the Online Application System (IRK): irk.uj.edu.pl

Transfer from other university or study programme

Transfer from another university, including a foreign one, or change of study programme within the University is possible with the dean's consent after completing the first year of studies and fulfilling additional requirements established by the Faculty Council. For inquiries regarding transfer, please contact the unit responsible for the specific study programme directly.

See also

Careers Service

Centre of Academic Support

biurokarier.uj.edu.pl
kariery@uj.edu.pl
ul. Ingardena 6, 30-060 Kraków, Poland

Graduates

Archaeology studies prepare students to participate in scientific, rescue, and commercial field activities on the territories under investment or at risk of war. Archeology graduates are specialists ready to work at conservation offices, archaeological museums, research units, tourism, and many more. Qualifications gained during the study programme allow them actively participate in archaeologic field works such as exploration, drawing up documentation, or interpreting research results. Best graduates may continue their studies or work at the JU Institute of Archaeology and other universities and research units.

A graduate can work at museums (various positions), cultural institutions, conservation offices, and research units. A graduate may conduct “commercial” archaeological activities, including starting an archaeology company or working in tourism.

A possible career is not limited to an archaeologist profession. Second-cycle studies allow working in other sectors involving cultural and archaeological heritage. Graduates have the knowledge, practical skills, and competencies allowing them to independently conduct an office or field archaeological research, both as a participant or a director. A graduate is fully competent to work as a leader of archaeological teams.

Further education possibilities

University in close-up

Centre for Communications and Marketing

promocja.uj.edu.pl
wycieczki@uj.edu.pl

Offer for school

The following events are conducted in Polish – to find out about the offer for English-speaking audience, please get in touch with the organizer directly. Additionally, due to the current pandemic, some faculty and university events may be canceled or conducted in a form other than that described below.

The Institute of Archaeology offers the following events:

  • Educational programme for students, doctoral students, and graduates of the Institute of Archaeology “Archeology without secrets”: this association conducts activities to promote archaeology and preservation of archaeological heritage in Poland and worldwide. The main aim is to educate children, young people, and adults. The association organizes lectures, discussions, and workshops with the presentation of monuments from various ages while teaching basic legal aspects regarding the protection of monuments and preservation of archaeological heritage.
  • “Jura” science camp for secondary school students co-organized by the Faculty of History, Faculty of Biology, and Faculty of Geography and Geology is an event aimed at presenting the broad spectrum of geologic structure, landscape, fauna, flora, prehistory, and history of Jura Krakowsko-Częstochowska. The event is currently suspended due to the pandemic.


We invite all schools to take part in the cycle of meetings "University Closer to You – visits to the Jagiellonian University". The aim of the meetings during the tours is to familiarize students with the history of our University through a rich educational offer (lectures, workshops, laboratory classes, etc.). The current programme of the event is available on the organizer's website – the Centre for Communications and Marketing of the Jagiellonian University.

The Jagiellonian Library offers tours of both the old and new parts of the building. The tour programme includes presentations on the history of the Library and the building itself, as well as a visit to the Department of Depositories. The offer of the Collegium Maius includes lessons on "The Trail of Science" and "The Trail of History and Art," as well as interactive online classes. We also invite you to explore the educational offer of the Botanical Garden, the Nature Education Centre, the Confucius Institute, and the Museum of Anatomy.

Contact

The study programme is conducted at the Institute of Archeology, a unit of the Faculty of History. The Institute is located in the historic centre of Kraków. For more information, please contact:

archeo.student@uj.edu.pl

ul. Gołębia 11
31-007 Kraków, Poland
Phone: (+48) 12 663 14 42, 663 12 79

archeo.uj.edu.pl
historyczny.uj.edu.pl