Master of Arts in Archaeology of the Ancient World (MAAW) Freie Universität Berlin

Archaeology of the Ancient World is an advanced two-year interdisciplinary research Master's with a regional focus on Western Asia and Europe. The programme is based on research areas strongly represented at the Freie Universität Berlin, namely classical archaeology (Mediterranean antiquity), prehistoric archaeology (stone, bronze and iron age societies), and Near Eastern archaeology (south-western Asian antiquity).

The two-year programme offers a combination of interdisciplinary courses that focus on advanced theories and methods in archaeology, practical modules (internships), and a specialisation in one of the three involved disciplines, following a personal course profile. Master's students broaden their knowledge of a specific discipline and a particularly chosen research topic, acquiring excellent skills in methodological and theoretical aspects of archaeology. This choice of focus also extends to your career once you graduate. You can learn about current research from Europe to the Middle East and how to contribute your skills to the academic field or pursue an internship to learn how to apply these skills to the professional field.

To apply to the programme, you need to have a first university degree (usually a BA) in a discipline relevant to archaeology representing 180 ECTS (European Credit Transfer and Accumulation System credit points) and containing at least 60 ECTS in courses in archaeology.

In total, the semester contribution amounts to 358.80 EUR. It includes a fee of 213.80 EUR for the transportation ticket contribution. This allows you to use local public transport in Berlin and nationwide for free. Other costs covered by the semester contribution include a 50 EUR enrolment fee, a 85 EUR semester contribution to the student support service ("studierendenWERK Berlin"), and a 10 EUR contribution to the student union.

Compared to other European countries, the cost of living in Germany is quite reasonable. However, the cost of living has also risen in Germany in recent years. The prices for food, accommodation, clothing, cultural events, etc. are slightly above the EU average. You will need around 900 to 1,300 EUR each month to cover your living expenses. The biggest expense is monthly rent, which is between 500 and 700 EUR in Berlin (for a room in a shared apartment).

There are many ways of earning money while you study, for example as wait staff, academic assistants, or private tutors. Knowledge of German will improve your chances of finding a part-time job, but it isn’t necessarily required. However, it is important to be aware of the legal regulations.The student support service at the university, called "studierendenWERK Berlin", and the local representative of the "Bundesagentur für Arbeit" (Federal Employment Agency) can provide information about jobs for students.

When searching for a job, look at online job boards, notice boards on campus, and ads in local newspapers.
You can also work on campus. The Freie Universität Berlin regularly offers positions for students in science, teaching support and administration that you can find on our careers portal.

The Deutschlandstipendium scholarship enables students at Freie Universität Berlin (FU Berlin) from all nations and walks of life to fully concentrate on their studies. The programme supports talented students with 300 EUR per month. To apply, you must already be enrolled and be within the standard period of time given to complete your degree during the funding period, or you must have a letter of acceptance to start a degree programme at Freie Universität Berlin.

The Career Service of Freie Universität Berlin aims to support international students at Freie Universität by providing information, advice, and events related to career planning, internships, and job applications.

You have the option to stay in a public/private student dormitory or in a private (shared) apartment. Student dormitories are not administrated by the university itself, so Freie Universität Berlin does not have any on-campus housing. However, it works together with "studierendenWERK Berlin" regarding student accommodation.

If you do not wish to stay in a student dormitory, you can try to find a room or an apartment on the private housing market. Many students in Berlin live in shared apartments ("WGs"). You can find these offers online (e.g. WG-Gesucht or Kleinanzeigen) or on notice boards on campus.

Available rooms/apartments near the university are rare. Therefore, students mostly commute from other parts of the city. The commute via public transportation usually takes between 30 minutes and an hour, which is considered a normal travel time in Berlin due to the size of the city.