Archaeology (research)

Degree: Master of Science in Archaeology (research)
Mode of Study: Full-time
Duration: 2 years
Start date: September, February
Language of instruction: English
Location: Leiden
Croho/isat code: 60133
Specialisations:
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The Research Master’s Programme in Archaeology focuses on the research areas that are strongly represented in Leiden. The heart of the programme is organised around the excellent research with which Leiden has made a name for itself internationally. The research master’s is an advanced two-year postgraduate programme. It distinguishes itself from the regular master of arts courses in that it engages the student in top quality interdisciplinary research and emphasises the acquisition of research skills. Methodological, theoretical and scientific-philosophical aspects will be highlighted within the general, communal part of the research master’s programme.

There are four different specialisations, centred on four research projects that reflect the broad spectrum of research undertaken within the department:

  1. Human Origins
  2. Prehistoric Farming Communities in NW Europe
  3. Town and Country, with a focus on the Mediterranean region and the Near East
  4. Religion and Society, with a focus on Native American cultures

Within the specialisations, courses are aimed at the intensification and broadening of the knowledge base and the development of research and publication skills. Research master’s students are stimulated to visit international conferences, contribute to international workshops within the department and abroad, and to take courses outside the department at related (international) institutions.

Career
The research master’s programme forms an excellent preparation for an academic career in archaeology. Graduates can, for instance, apply for a paid research traineeship, but they are also eligible for archaeological functions at consultancies or in public service. Similarly to academics in other fields, graduates might find employment in positions not directly or indirectly related to their field: journalism, publishing, public relations and international organisations.

What our students say

Benjamin Vis

“In the research master’s, you have a bit more time and freedom that can be used to go abroad for specific education, or for fieldwork purposes that can help you in your particular research.”

“In my bachelor’s I already focused on Native American archaeology, so it was not hard to imagine continuing along the same line in the Research Master’s. At a relatively small scale, while maintaining an international orientation, the programme aims at optimising personal contact and frequent communication within the department. The programme offers a wide range of topics that are presented in their courses, which means you can easily develop your own individual interests and shape them into a research plan. As opposed to regular master’s programmes* you have a bit more time and freedom that can be used to go abroad for specific education, fieldwork purposes that can help you in your particular research.

For me this meant I could participate in several international schools on aerial archaeology and archaeological remote sensing. This followed on the field experience from my bachelor’s featuring prospection techniques. Having strong theoretical interests I was able to incorporate this in the papers I wrote for the courses, even though it was not particular to Native America anymore. Establishing my own network through the international schools and conferences I visited and developing a personalised research trajectory now brings me in the position to apply for PhD positions when I finish my thesis.”

Benjamin Vis, 2nd year MA Archaeology Research

Art meets science

Play Discover Archaeology at Leiden University: Art meets Science