Industrial archaeology is the science that deals with the recording, research, interpretation and, to a certain extent, the preservation of the material heritage of trade and industry-related artefacts, plants and systems in their cultural and historical context. By recording and documenting artefacts from the history of trade, industry and transport, industrial archaeology makes a contribution to the general preservation of historical monuments in the field of technical and industrial monuments. Due to the special subject matter and the diverse principles and methodological procedures, industrial archaeology is an interdisciplinary scientific field.

The Industrial Archaeology degree programme is aimed at students with an interest in history, a talent for mathematics and natural sciences and an interdisciplinary orientation. The TU Bergakademie Freiberg cooperates very closely with heritage conservation and museum institutions to impart practical professional skills. With its great industrial and mining history tradition, Saxony offers an ideal environment for industrial archaeological teaching and research.

Numerous technical museums and the Saxon Industrial Museum network complement and expand this state-wide "industrial archaeological laboratory" and open up the possibility of practical training for a wide range of professional activities.