Archaeology of the Caribbean and Amazonia

Specialisation of: Archaeology
Degree: Master of Arts in Archaeology
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 1 year
Start date: September, February
Language of instruction: English
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 60805
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Archaeological fieldwork is combined with the study of historical documents and the documentation of the oral tradition. Teaching is inspired by ongoing research projects based on excavations and surveys in the Caribbean area and analysis of material remains.

Programme

Structure of the master programme

The master programme in Archaeology consists of a general part, two specialisations of your choice (15 ects each), one elective course and the thesis. The thesis subject is chosen within the first specialisation.

5 ects: Advanced methods and theory (general course)
15 ects: Specialisation I: Archaeology of the Caribbean and Amazonia
15 ects: Specialisation II: choose any other specialisation from the list below
5 ects: Supporting discipline (subsidiary course)
20 ects: Thesis

Total: 60 ects

Specialisations

For a list of specialisations, please see the Archaeology programme page .

Detailed programme information

For detailed information (courses, ects, etc.), see the e-study guide.

Fieldwork: fieldschools around the world

Play Archaeology Fieldwork: Leiden University Field schools around the world

What our students say

Amanda Guzman

“I chose to pursue a master’s degree in the Archaeology of the Caribbean and Amazonia because of the incredible, unprecedented range of multidisciplinary research projects undertaken by Leiden scholars.”

“Leiden is well-known for its multi-scalar, technological approaches to the study of the past, and it has been very gratifying for me to get directly involved in the faculty’s research through an invitation to join the discussions of the Caribbean Research Group. With my interests in Caribbean ceramic technology, I find Leiden an exceptional place to pursue research involving the provenance of clay sources and the characterisation of vessel assemblages.”

“Particularly, I have already had one-of-a kind, hands-on experiences in the Ceramics Laboratory as part of my second specialisation in Material Culture and Artefact Studies. I have conducted experimental archaeological projects which taught me the art of recreating prehistoric Caribbean clay vessels and have learned how to properly perform fabric analysis for the purposes of better understanding the technology behind the construction of ceramic finds. There are few academic institutions where I could successfully join my interests in Caribbean prehistory with my passion for the study of ceramics, and that quite simply can be attributed to the unique specialisation-oriented master’s programme at Leiden University.”