Master in Archaeological Materials Science at Sapienza University of Rome
Two-year English-taught Erasmus Mundus joint master in archaeometry, with semesters at Évora, Thessaloniki and Sapienza in Rome and a joint diploma. Entry needs a relevant science or humanities bachelor's and English such as IELTS 6 or TOEFL iBT 87.
Master
2 years
Rome
English
Sapienza University of Rome
Archaeological Materials Science (ARCHMAT) is a two-year, 120 ECTS master's degree (class LM-11) taught in English by Sapienza University of Rome with the universities of Évora and Thessaloniki, as an Erasmus Mundus Joint Master with semesters in all three cities. Entry needs a bachelor's in a relevant science or humanities field and English such as IELTS 6 or TOEFL iBT 87. A limited number of Erasmus Mundus scholarships go to top-ranked candidates.
Entry requirements
Detailed entry requirements
ARCHMAT asks for a bachelor's degree or equivalent in a relevant science or humanities field, English shown by TOEFL iBT 87, IELTS 6, a Cambridge certificate or a year of English-taught university study, and a merit ranking that includes an online interview. Reviewed 8 October 2026. [1]
Degree requirement
The 2026/27 call asks for a bachelor's (first-cycle) degree or legal equivalent in one of two areas: [1]
- Science: chemistry, geology, physics, biology or another relevant background.
- Humanities: history and archaeology, cultural heritage, conservation science, restoration or another relevant background.
A foreign degree must be recognised as meeting the same objectives as a bachelor's, and a strong academic, scientific or professional CV can also be recognised as showing you can complete the course. The call does not set a minimum grade. [1] The consortium's website asks for a bachelor's worth 180 ECTS and also lists engineering, architecture and art history among the accepted fields. [3]
What this means for your transcript
As a guide, based on the rule above:
- Usually a fit: a B.Sc. in Chemistry, Geology, Physics, Biology or Biochemistry, or a BA in History or Archaeology.
- Check carefully: a B.Tech or B.E., which the consortium's website lists but the call does not, or a B.Sc. in Environmental Science, Materials Science or Biotechnology, or a BA in Fine Arts. These fit only if your subjects link to archaeology, heritage or materials analysis, and the consortium decides.
- Often short: a B.Com, BBA, BCA or a BA in an unrelated subject, without coursework in science, archaeology or heritage.
We check your transcript and CV against these fields before you apply. [1][3]
English
You need one of the following: [1]
- TOEFL iBT with a score of at least 87
- IELTS with an overall score of at least 6
- a Cambridge certificate (the call sets no grade)
- proof of at least one year of English-taught study at university level
The consortium's website says citizens of some countries where English is an official language, including India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Singapore, the UK and the US, do not need an English test, but must still show that their university education was taught in English. [3] The interview also assesses your English. [1]
Selection
There is no written entrance test. A committee ranks eligible candidates out of 100: [1]
- Academic qualifications, 20%: the area and level of your degree.
- CV analysis, 40%: scientific and technical activities and publications, professional experience in the field, training in transversal skills, and conference participation.
- Interview, 40%: understanding, vocational aptitude, motivation and commitment, and English, weighted equally.
Candidates scoring above 60 are admitted. Erasmus Mundus scholarships are assigned down the ranking list, and other admitted candidates can join as self-paying students, up to 30 students in total, with proof that they can fund the whole course. [1] Interviews are held online by Google Meet. [3]
2026/27 deadlines
These dates come from the 2026/27 call. The 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [1]
- Erasmus Mundus scholarship applications: 27 February 2026.
- Interviews: shortlisted candidates for the 2026 to 2028 edition were to be invited by 13 March 2026. [3]
- Start of the programme: September 2026.
- Final-year students: you could apply if you would complete your degree by 30 October of the admission year. In the first application phase you could have at most 6 course units or 36 ECTS left, in the second phase at most 3 units and in the third phase at most 1 unit.
For 2026/27, the University of Évora listed 30 initial places in the first phase: 5 for EU and 25 for international students. [5]
Documents and non-EU steps
Applications are made only online, through the form on the ARCHMAT consortium's website. During the application stages you submit: [1]
- a passport copy with photo
- a scanned, translated copy of your bachelor's diploma
- a scanned, translated transcript
- a CV in Europass format
- a motivation letter of one A4 page at most
- two recommendation letters from academic referees
- your English certificate or proof of English-taught study
Selected candidates send certified translated copies of their diploma and transcript by post before the course starts. [3] Because the first semester is at the University of Évora in Portugal, the visa route differs from a standard Sapienza master's, and we plan it with you once you are selected. [1]
Sources and verification
Checked by the ApplyAZ admissions team against the university's official documents listed below. Entry rules can change with each new call, and we re-check them before every application.
- University of Évora, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki and Sapienza University of Rome. Call for applications for admission to the Erasmus Mundus Joint Master in Archaeological Materials Science (ARCHMAT), academic year 2026/2027. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Sapienza University of Rome, Department of Environmental Biology. Archaeological Materials Science (class LM-11) programme description and study plan, 2024 cohort. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- ARCHMAT Erasmus Mundus Joint Master consortium. Who can apply, how to apply and scholarships pages, 2026 to 2028 edition. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- Sapienza University of Rome. Archaeological Materials Science course and enrolment pages, academic year 2026/2027. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
- University of Évora. Archaeological Materials Science (ARCHMAT) master's course page, academic year 2026/2027. Reviewed 8 October 2026.
About the programme
Archaeological Materials Science (ARCHMAT) is a two-year, 120 ECTS Erasmus Mundus Joint Master taught in English. It is run by a consortium of three universities, the University of Évora in Portugal, Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and Sapienza University of Rome, which together award a joint master's diploma. [1] At Sapienza it is a master's degree (laurea magistrale) in class LM-11, conservation and restoration of cultural heritage, run by the Department of Environmental Biology with in-person teaching. [2][4]
The programme trains specialists in archaeometry: the physical, chemical and biological sciences applied to archaeological and cultural heritage materials, from prehistoric megalithic sites to Greek and Roman times. It is built for students from either a science background, such as chemistry, geology, physics or biology, or a humanities background, such as archaeology, cultural heritage or conservation science. [1]
Where you study
Mobility is compulsory for every student: [1]
- Semester 1: University of Évora, Portugal
- Semester 2: Aristotle University of Thessaloniki, Greece, at its School of Chemistry
- Semester 3: Sapienza University of Rome, at its Department of Environmental Biology
- Semester 4: thesis at Évora, Thessaloniki or Rome, depending on the university of your main supervisor
Associated museums, research centres and companies give seminars, practical and field classes, internships and thesis topics. [1]
What you will study
The 2024 study plan published by Sapienza includes: [2]
- Introduction to Archaeometry (12 CFU) and Megalithic Culture (6 CFU) in the first semester
- Advanced Scientific Methods in Archaeometry (9 CFU), Greek Archaeology (6 CFU) and the ARCHMAT Summer School (6 CFU) in the second semester
- Environmental and Experimental Archaeology (9 CFU), Biological and Physical Methods in Archaeological Materials Science (9 CFU) and Roman Archaeology (6 CFU) in the third semester
- Electives such as GIS and Statistical Tools, Smart Materials for Conservation and Human Bioarchaeology, plus bridging courses in science for humanities graduates and in excavation methods for science graduates
- A 30 CFU thesis, written and discussed in English, supervised by staff from at least two partner universities
Careers
The consortium says graduates are qualified for doctorates in archaeometry and in science applied to conservation and cultural heritage, and for work in restoration companies, museum science laboratories, ministries of culture, regional and national authorities, and international bodies such as ICCROM and UNESCO. [1] Sapienza also lists universities, heritage superintendencies, museums, research centres, and companies working on the recovery, restoration and study of ancient finds. [2]
Scholarships
Candidates are ranked on merit, and a limited number of Erasmus Mundus scholarships funded by the European Union go to the top-ranked candidates. Other admitted candidates can join as self-paying students, up to 30 students in total, with proof that they can fund the whole course. [1][3]
How to apply from outside the EU
Applications are accepted only online, through the form on the ARCHMAT consortium's website. For 2026/27, the deadline for applications for Erasmus Mundus scholarships was 27 February 2026, and the programme started in September 2026. The 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [1]
Because the first semester is at the University of Évora in Portugal, the visa route differs from a standard Sapienza master's, and we plan it with you once you are selected.
How ApplyAZ helps
ApplyAZ is an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities. We can include this programme in a shortlist of 20 to 30 English-taught programmes that fit your profile, so your plan never rests on a single application.
For eligible students who start with us, a named person owns each stage, from A to Z:
- We check your transcript against Sapienza's entry rules for this programme.
- We write your CV and a tailored statement of purpose.
- We prepare and submit your ARCHMAT consortium application, motivation letter and supporting documents.
- We help you declare your family income for reduced fees and file your DiSCo Lazio scholarship application at the right time and in the right format.
- We prepare your visa file.
With operations in all 20 Italian regions, we follow each region's scholarship rules and deadlines as they change. The university decides admission, the region decides the scholarship and the consulate decides the visa, so no one can promise an outcome. You pay in milestones, and every service you pay for is either delivered or its fee is refunded (terms apply).
Programmes at Italian public universities can be tuition-free for eligible students. Check if you are eligible and book a one-to-one consultation session with one of our Italy experts, or see how ApplyAZ works.
Questions and answers
What degree do I need for the Archaeological Materials Science master?
A bachelor's or equivalent first-cycle degree in a science field such as chemistry, geology, physics or biology, or in a humanities field such as archaeology, cultural heritage, conservation science or restoration. The consortium's website asks for 180 ECTS, and the call sets no minimum grade. [1][3]
Is there an entrance exam?
No written test. The committee ranks you on your degree (20%), your CV, including research, publications and experience (40%), and an online interview (40%) covering understanding, aptitude, motivation and English. You need a score above 60 out of 100. [1]
What English level is required? Do I need IELTS?
The call accepts TOEFL iBT 87, IELTS 6 overall, a Cambridge certificate or at least one year of English-taught university study. The consortium's website exempts citizens of India, Pakistan, Bangladesh and some other countries from a test, if their university education was taught in English. [1][3]
When is the deadline for non-EU students?
For 2026/27, applications for Erasmus Mundus scholarships closed on 27 February 2026, and the course started in September 2026. Applications are made only online through the ARCHMAT consortium's website. The 2027/28 dates are not yet published. [1]
Can I apply before I graduate?
Yes. The 2026/27 call accepted final-year students who would finish by 30 October of the admission year, with at most 6 course units or 36 ECTS left in the first application phase. The scholarship rules ask for the degree before the course starts. [1][3]
I have a B.Tech or a B.Sc. in Biotechnology. Can I apply?
Possibly. The call names chemistry, geology, physics and biology among science degrees and accepts other relevant backgrounds, and the consortium's website also lists engineering. Your subjects need a clear link to materials analysis, archaeology or heritage, and we check your transcript before you apply. [1][3]
Do I study only in Rome?
No. Every student spends the first semester at the University of Évora in Portugal, the second at Aristotle University of Thessaloniki in Greece and the third at Sapienza in Rome. The thesis semester is at your main supervisor's university, and you receive a joint diploma. [1]
Are there scholarships for this programme?
A limited number of Erasmus Mundus scholarships go to top-ranked candidates, and other admitted candidates can join as self-paying students with proof that they can fund the whole course. [1][3]
Can someone handle my whole application to Archaeological Materials Science at Sapienza?
Yes. ApplyAZ, an Italy-based consultancy that works only with public universities, checks your transcript against Sapienza's rules for this programme, handles the application and Universitaly pre-enrolment, helps you file the DiSCo Lazio scholarship application at the right time and in the right format, and prepares your visa file, for eligible students. Start by checking your eligibility.
I'm applying from India. What is the route into Archaeological Materials Science?
A recognised Indian bachelor's in chemistry, geology, physics, biology or archaeology can fit, and the consortium's website also lists engineering. Indian citizens can skip an English test if their degree was taught in English. You apply online to the ARCHMAT consortium, then an online interview follows. Teaching starts in Évora, Portugal, before Thessaloniki and Rome. [1][3] Indian students apply for the type D study visa at the Italian embassy or consulate that covers their state, such as New Delhi, Mumbai or Bengaluru.
Is the route different from Pakistan, Bangladesh or Sri Lanka?
No. The academic rules for Archaeological Materials Science are the same whatever your nationality. Applicants from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka follow the same steps as India: an online application to the ARCHMAT consortium, assessment of your degree and CV, and an online interview, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for their country of residence. Read our guide for students in Dhaka.
I live in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, Oman or Bahrain. Where do I apply for the visa?
At the Italian embassy or consulate responsible for the country where you legally live, after Universitaly pre-enrolment. The academic rules for Archaeological Materials Science are the same whatever your nationality, and Gulf residents follow the same steps: an online application to the ARCHMAT consortium, assessment of your degree and CV, and an online interview. Read our guides for Dubai, Riyadh and Doha.
I studied or live in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore or Kuala Lumpur. What is the route?
The academic rules for Archaeological Materials Science are the same whatever your nationality, and your degree is assessed like any other foreign qualification. Non-EU applicants who live abroad follow the same route: an online application to the ARCHMAT consortium, assessment of your degree and CV, and an online interview, then a type D study visa from the Italian mission for where they live. Read our guides for students in London, New York, Toronto, Vancouver, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur.
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