Master in Archaeological Materials Science

Archaeological Materials Science is a two-year master's degree taught in English at Università degli Studi di Roma "La Sapienza" in Roma, Italy. This field, often called archaeometry, applies scientific and analytical techniques from chemistry, physics, and geology to the study of artifacts and materials recovered from archaeological sites. Coursework typically covers the composition and manufacturing techniques of materials such as ceramics, metals, glass, stone, and organic remains, examining how these materials were produced, used, and altered by burial and environmental exposure over long periods of time. Students learn analytical methods used to characterize archaeological materials, including techniques for identifying elemental composition, mineral structure, and manufacturing traces, which help researchers reconstruct ancient technologies and trade networks. Dating methods relevant to archaeological contexts are also commonly addressed, alongside approaches for sourcing raw materials to determine where they originated and how they moved across regions in antiquity. Fieldwork or laboratory placements often complement classroom study, giving students direct experience handling and analyzing archaeological samples under controlled conditions. Courses on archaeological theory and the history of technology typically provide context for interpreting the scientific data gathered through material analysis, connecting technical findings to broader questions about past societies and their economies. Graduates of archaeological materials science programs commonly pursue roles as archaeometrists or materials specialists within museums, heritage agencies, and research institutions, or continue toward doctoral study. Delivered in English at an Italian university situated in Roma, the program offers proximity to an unusually dense concentration of archaeological sites and collections relevant to this area of study.