Students interested in pursuing graduate studies in maritime archaeology are invited to apply to programmes hosted by the Koç University in Istanbul, Turkey. The research activities are coordinated through the Mustafa V. Koç Maritime Archaeology Research Center (KUDAR).
Founded in 2017, KUDAR conducts and supports interdisciplinary research exploring the historical relationship between societies and the sea in the Mediterranean and surrounding regions. The centre is currently involved in several projects examining late antique and medieval shipwrecks, seafaring in the Byzantine world, and broader maritime cultural landscapes.
Funding and Support
Graduate students admitted to the programmes benefit from comprehensive financial support, including:
- Full tuition waiver for both MA and PhD students
- Monthly stipend during the funded period
- On-campus housing opportunities for most students
Funding is provided for:
- Up to two years for MA students
- Up to five years for PhD students
Students are expected to complete their degree requirements within three years for the MA and six years for the PhD.
Research Environment
KUDAR provides a dynamic research environment where students contribute to ongoing projects in maritime archaeology, museum research, and heritage management. Current and recent student research topics include:
- Graffiti on Byzantine amphorae from the Çamaltı Burnu shipwreck
- Ship graffiti documented in the Ayşe Kadın Mosque
- The maritime cultural landscape of the Bay of Kotor in Montenegro
- Distribution modeling of Hellenistic imported amphorae in Pergamon
- Applications of 3D additive printing for museum conservation
- Policy work related to World Heritage guidelines for maritime heritage
International Collaboration
KUDAR is an active member of the UNESCO UNITWIN Network for Underwater Archaeology and collaborates internationally with institutions including the University of Copenhagen and the University of Oldenburg through the Sustainable Ocean Management Programme, endorsed by the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development.
Learn More and Apply
Prospective students are encouraged to consult the programme guidelines and application requirements:
Further information about KUDAR’s research activities can be found on the centre’s website:
https://research.ku.edu.tr/en/kudar/
You can also follow their activities on Instagram: @kudar.maritimearch.