Professional opportunities
## Archaeolgy
## Functions
In current archaeological training, a predominantly “national” approach prevails, meaning it is focused mainly on the cultural context in which the professional is trained, or on other specific contexts.
The Mediterranean Archaeology Degree Programme (CdS) aims to provide professional training based on a multi-thematic and diachronic understanding of a broader, supranational and cross-cultural context such as the Mediterranean. This knowledge is complemented by the acquisition of the most up-to-date methodologies, procedures, and techniques in archaeological research.
Professionals trained in this way will be able to operate internationally, as they will possess knowledge covering diverse contexts and cultures on a wider scale. This will enable them to take on the role of archaeologist with a broader and more solid operational and cultural perspective.
The knowledge of archaeological heritage in its various forms, combined with the ability to place monuments and artifacts in their historical and literary context, enables graduates to perform a range of functions in the study of past societies and their relationships with each other and with the environment. This is achieved through the recovery, analysis, and interpretation of material evidence, using methodologies that allow reconstruction of ways of life and their evolution over time.
In particular, the archaeologist:
* conducts archaeological investigations with responsibility, from preliminary analysis (sources, bibliography, prior evidence, surveys) to fieldwork (survey and excavation);
* connects material culture evidence to its historical and cultural context;
* plans and manages activities of inventorying, classification, and cataloguing of archaeological finds from excavations or stored in museums, heritage offices, and collections, according to national and regional standards, also promoting public access through digital tools;
* produces and interprets graphic, cartographic, and photographic documentation of sites and artifacts, using advanced technologies;
* develops research projects as well as initiatives for management, protection, and enhancement of archaeological heritage.
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## Skills
The archaeologist possesses:
* specialized knowledge of archaeological disciplines and methods;
* solid knowledge of historical, literary, and art-historical disciplines;
* ability to work with sources and bibliography, including knowledge of one or more ancient languages and at least two EU languages;
* knowledge of European, national, and regional legislation;
* technical skills in cataloguing, documentation, and recording of archaeological data;
* ability to use digital tools and software for cultural heritage management;
* ability to design research projects and heritage management strategies in collaboration with other professionals.
In addition, the archaeologist is able to:
* design, carry out, and lead field investigations (non-invasive analysis, excavation, documentation, architectural and topographical surveys) in any Mediterranean context;
* apply these activities to preventive archaeology and archaeological impact assessment in public works across Mediterranean countries;
* classify and document artifacts from different historical periods across Mediterranean contexts.
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## Career opportunities
Graduates can work in:
* archaeological heritage management;
* collaboration with research and heritage protection institutions;
* direction of excavations, documentation projects, museums, and archaeological parks;
* national and international research projects.
They may also work in:
* cultural heritage communication;
* specialized publishing.
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## Museum curators and conservators, highly specialized communicators
### Functions
The Mediterranean Archaeology Degree Programme also aims to train professionals with a broad and diachronic knowledge of Mediterranean archaeology, enabling them to work as museum curators and conservators.
These professionals can work in archaeological museums or specialized museums requiring expertise in specific historical periods or Mediterranean regions.
Their skills enable them to contribute to:
* heritage protection, enhancement, and communication;
* design and implementation of museum exhibitions and educational activities.
In particular, the curator/conservator:
* is responsible for conservation, security, management, and enhancement of collections;
* manages museum sections dedicated to archaeology, ancient art, history, or ethnology;
* collects, organizes, preserves, and displays artifacts in compliance with national laws and international standards;
* coordinates museum education activities;
* develops educational and communication tools for museums and cultural sites;
* provides consultancy for exhibitions and cultural events.
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## Skills
The curator/conservator possesses:
* specialized knowledge of conservation, enhancement, and communication of archaeological heritage;
* strong background in historical and cultural disciplines;
* language and research skills (ancient languages and EU languages);
* knowledge of relevant legislation;
* technical skills in cataloguing and documentation;
* ability to use digital tools;
* ability to design heritage conservation and communication strategies.
They are also able to:
* manage collections according to advanced scientific and legal standards;
* ensure conservation of museum heritage, including stored collections;
* promote cultural communication and reconnect artifacts with their original contexts.
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## Career opportunities
Graduates can work in:
* conservation, enhancement, and communication of archaeological heritage;
* collaboration with research and heritage institutions;
* museum and archaeological park management;
* cultural heritage projects at national and international level;
* communication and specialized publishing in the cultural sector.