Archaeology and Archaeological Sciences Master’s Degree

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The majority of our courses are taught in French. We invite you to also have a look at the list of courses offered in English at Rennes 2.

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texte

This degree is a continuation of the Master’s Degree in Archaeology and History that started in 2004. It is co-accredited by the following universities: Rennes 2, Nantes, Rennes 1, Western Brittany (Brest) and Maine (Le Mans).

Master 1 is a core syllabus for the entire degree, and classes mainly take place at Rennes 2.

There are three pathways in this degree:

  • Prehistory and Archaeological Sciences (Pathway 1), Rennes 2

  • Archaeology of Historical Periods (Pathway 2), Rennes 2

  • Careers in Archaeology (Pathway 3), University of Nantes

Objectives

This degree is closely connected to current archaeological practices, in particular preventive practices, and offers various prospects: DRACs (Regional Archaeological Services in Regional Directorates for Cultural Affairs), Archaeology or Heritage Services in local and regional authorities, INRAP (French National Institute for Preventive Archaeological Research), private operators in preventive archaeology, CNRS (French National Centre for Scientific Research), Universities, etc.). Taking into account students’ future prospects and the professional environment are fundamental aspects in this Master’s Degree.

Skills

  • Collecting and organizing the data necessary to research a specific theme.

  • Keeping up to date with the latest Archaeology and History research (conferences, seminars).

  • Understanding archaeological prospecting or excavation by putting together a grant application to incorporate the field phase and management of the team.

  • Interpreting field and laboratory data.

  • Writing excavation and scientific reports.

  • Presenting research results to different audiences (in seminars, symposia, to the general public).

  • Writing articles and papers for scientific journals.

Course Content

The Master 1 modules are mainly held at Rennes 2, with some options being taught at Nantes.

The Master 2 modules are held at Rennes 2 for pathways 1 (prehistory) and 2 (historical periods) and Nantes for pathway 3 (archaeological careers).

Master 1: the classes are organized in two six-week semesters.

  • Fundamental classes (3 modules each semester).

  • Specialization (writing seminars and workshops).

  • Technical tools (archaeological sciences, techniques and methods).

  • Modern languages (scientific English).

Master 2, pathways 1 and 2: classes are held over six weeks in November and December, with the rest of the year given over to the research dissertation.

  • Semester 1: research seminars with external speakers, specialization.

  • Semester 2: writing and defending a research dissertation.

Master 2, pathway 3:

  • Semester 1: refresher course on all the components specific to archaeological careers.

  • Semester 2: individual and group professional immersion courses.