Archeology

The curator in the “Archaeology” specialization contributes to the knowledge and management of archaeological heritage. They are dedicated to protecting, studying and promoting this heritage. As a researcher and field practitioner, they are responsible for both programmed and preventive archaeological excavations. He plays an important role in the public presentation of excavation results.

The training program for students in the Archaeology specialization is coordinated by Christian Cribellier, General Curator of Heritage, Deputy Director, Archaeology Sub-Directorate, General Directorate of Heritage and Architecture, and involves heritage professionals.

Au Dépôt archéologique des Milles à Marseille - Photo : Patrick Dumeix / Inp

Chantier-école au dépôt du Centre d'Ile de France de l'Institut national de recherches archéologiques préventives - Photo : INP

A joint course with students in the Historic Monuments and Inventory specialization and State architects and urban planners trained at the Ecole de Chaillot also covers the restoration of historic monuments and archaeological research.

Students in this specialization also take part in a session of the Centre national de recherche en archéologie (CNRA) and an inter-regional commission for archaeological research (CIRA).

Speciality work placements

The specialised training is supplemented by two work placements which place students in a professional situation so that they can carry out the tasks - design, supervision, project management - that will be entrusted to them as soon as they start work.

Etude du lapidaire de l’abbaye de Blanche-Couronne - Photo : DR

Specialised heritage internship - duration: 5 months

The aim of the internship is to prepare the student curator for his or her future role by working alongside the intern's supervisor to help him or her discover all aspects of the profession.

The trainee is also given a scientific project for which he or she is responsible and which must be delivered at the end of the course. This gives them the opportunity to experience the interaction between the scientific aspects of their job and their administrative responsibilities, while at the same time learning about the practical and human realities of their future role.

Internship abroad - duration: 6 weeks

This is an immersion course in a heritage institution in the trainee's field of specialisation.

The aim is to introduce trainees to working methods and approaches to heritage other than those used in their own country, and to encourage them to forge links with foreign curators who will be useful in their future careers, developing projects at an international level.

The choice of country for this work placement is made in consultation with the Inp's international relations department. Where appropriate, 2 of the 6 weeks take the form of a work placement on collections abroad, which the student carries out in the company of fellow students doing their work placement in the same country.