Al Tikha Archaeological Field School (Oman) ~ UNIPI

Language: English

Period: 10 – 31 January 2026

Application Deadline: 1 December 2025

Program Intensity: Full time

ECTS: 6

Tuition fees: 1000€

Other costs: 1000€ to cover board and lodging

Since 2021, the Universities of Pisa and Sultan Qaboos have been engaged in a joint archaeological mission at Al-Tikha, within the modern city of Rustaq in the al-Batinah Governorate of Oman. Conducted under the supervision of the Ministry of Heritage and Tourism of Oman, the project is supported by the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, alongside both universities.

Now in its fifth year of fieldwork, the project represents a major contribution to the study of the archaeology of the Arabian Peninsula and the Gulf region. Excavations at Al-Tikha are uncovering the remains of an extensive settlement dating back to the second half of the 3rd millennium BCE (Umm an-Nar period, 2700–2000 BCE), including domestic and productive areas, and a necropolis.

Finds from the site are both diverse and significant: locally produced and imported ceramics, soft-stone vessels, and an outstanding series of seals from the Umm an-Nar period and the Iron Age (1st millennium BCE). These discoveries underline the importance of Al-Tikha as a key settlement and research hub. The excavation areas encompass domestic and multifunctional buildings, workshops zones, the necropolis, and a monumental platform-tower by the wadi.

The variety of contexts explored at Al-Tikha offers a unique opportunity to approach the archaeology of the Arabian Peninsula from multiple perspectives, urbanism, economy, material culture, and funerary practices.

Together with its outreach activities, the project serves as a reference point for the academic community and for wider audiences interested in antiquity, making Al-Tikha an ideal venue for the Winter School and for training a new generation of students and researchers.

Accommodation is provided by the Omani-Italian Archaeological Expedition at al Tikha. The facility includes a kitchen, shared bedrooms and bathrooms. Laundry is nearby the house. Airfare is not included (participants will take care of the arrival at the International Airport of Muscat), while transportations from/to the airport to the excavation house and from/to the excavation house to the archaeological site is provided by the Omani-Italian Archaeological Expedition at al Tikha.

The Winter School will be activated with at least 4 students. The maximum number of participants is set to 7 students.

The Winter School will be held on campus in the archaeological site of Al Tikha, Al Ghashab Rustaq, Oman, 318.

Aim

The Winter School aims to provide participants with a comprehensive understanding of the different activities involved in archaeological research in Al- Tikha, Oman, both in the fi eld and in the processing of materials.

The Winter School at Al-Tikha offers a unique opportunity for students to gain first-hand experience in the investigation of an ancient settlement of South-East Arabia, working side by side with experienced researchers. The staff will guide participants through the main stages of archaeological practice, from the stratigraphic excavation to the documentation and analysis of materials and architectural remains, sampling strategies, and the processing of finds. Special emphasis will be placed on the integration of digital tools and interdisciplinary approaches: participants will be introduced to field methods, excavation recording techniques, and the use of integrated digital models for 3D reconstruction and data management. Training will also include the use of different databases, as well as practical skills in material processing, ceramic analysis and drawing.

Who can apply

Bachelor’s, Master’s and PhD students from European and extra European Universities in Archaeology or Cultural Heritage, professionals in this field.

Application

Admission Requirements

Proof of enrollment in a degree program in Archaeology or Cultural Heritage (or possession of the degree).

Required documents:

Identity Document (PASSPORT in case you are a foreign student)
Enrolment Form
Curriculum Vitae
Proof of enrollment in a degree program in Archaeology or Cultural Heritage (or proof of the possession of the degree).
Proof of tetanus vaccination

All the documents must be in pdf format, in order to upload them on the portal when required.

Application has to be submitted via Alice portal following the instructions of the “How to apply” page.

Fees

Tuition fees: 1000€

Other costs: 1000€ (for board and lodging)

Pay fees by Debit/Credit Card or PayPal online using the following Payment Form.

Notice:

International students without Italian Tax Code: please tick the box ‘Anonymous’ in order to disable the field ‘Italian personal ID/VAT number’.
Please type your NAME and SURNAME next to the pre-filled text of the field ‘Reason’.
Please pay only after receiving the admission letter.
Only tuition fees (1000€) are included in the total amount of the payment form. Please contact directly Prof. Pizzimenti at sara.pizzimenti@unipi.it to receive instructions for the payment of the 1000€ for board and lodging

Refund policy

In the event of documented health reasons, student accident, or close relative bereavement, the tuition fees will be refunded, provided the request is submitted within 15 days of the start of the Summer School.

Contacts

Coordinator
Prof. Sara Pizzimenti sara.pizzimenti@unipi.it

Summer/Winter School Office support.summerschool@unipi.it

Didattica

Campus e Servizi

Ricerca

Innovazione

Università e Società

Ateneo

News

Al Tikha Archaeological Field School (Oman)

Admission Requirements

Required documents:

Contacts