Site Diagnostics and Archaeological GIS in Practice

Programme registration number: FIR3-K2/157/1/2025
Launch approval number: –

Programme leader(s): Gábor Bertók

Qualification awarded: Specialist in Site Diagnostics and Archaeological GIS

Field of study: Humanities

Credits required: 60 ECTS

 

Programme Description

In line with the principles of lifelong learning, the programme aims to provide specialised knowledge in site detection, GIS, geodesy, and geophysics. Graduates will be able to apply the latest technologies, techniques, and software used in archaeology.

Participants will gain the ability to understand and manage the professional processes required for large-scale development projects and contribute effectively as solution-oriented professionals within institutions engaged in archaeological heritage protection.

 

Curriculum →

 

Who Should Apply

Anyone interested in modern archaeology.

 

Skills and Competences Acquired

Graduates will:

  • Gain thorough knowledge of non-invasive archaeological research and documentation methods, as well as widely used archaeological GIS software and workflows
  • Understand the theoretical and legal framework of cultural heritage management, including administrative and financial aspects
  • Be familiar with international best practices in heritage protection and the Hungarian institutional system
  • Acquire both theoretical and practical knowledge in:
    • geodesy
    • remote sensing
    • geophysics
    • cartography
    • IT and positioning systems
  • Learn to apply 3D archaeological methods and produce excavation and digital documentation
  • Understand photogrammetry, GIS processing, and documentation workflows
  • Gain foundational knowledge in:
    • mathematical principles of geophysics
    • wave phenomena and force fields
    • geodetic theory
    • remote sensing and mapping
    • heritage protection legislation
  • Develop practical skills to:
    • use photogrammetry and navigation tools
    • select appropriate field equipment (GPS, GNSS, total station, ground-penetrating radar, magnetometer)
    • produce, interpret, and process aerial archaeological data
    • process geophysical datasets
    • build archaeological databases
    • use basic scripting (Python, Visual Basic)
  • Be capable of:
    • organising field research projects
    • processing and evaluating collected data
    • using GIS software effectively
    • handling administrative and legal aspects of heritage management

 

Entry Requirements

A Bachelor’s (BA/BSc), Master’s (MA/MSc), or equivalent college/university degree (including degrees from earlier systems).

 

Practical Information

  • Planned start: September 2026
  • Tuition fee: 200,000 HUF / semester
  • Duration: 2 semesters
  • Schedule: Twice a month (Friday–Saturday)
  • Maximum number of students: 30
  • Location: Budapest
  • Application deadline: 15 July 2026

 

Application Requirements

Applicants must submit:

  • Completed application form
  • Professional CV
  • Motivation letter
  • Proof of payment of the application fee (9,000 HUF), payable:
    • by bank card via the PPKE webshop
  • Copy of diploma (English version if available)

All documents must be sent during the application period to:
szakiranyu@btk.ppke.hu 

Please include the applicant’s name and the selected programme in the subject line.
Applications without the required documents are invalid.

 

Additional Information

szakiranyu@btk.ppke.hu 

  • The application fee (9,000 HUF) is non-refundable.
  • Due to the maximum cohort size of 30, applications are processed in order of submission.

 

Student Information →