Archaeology

Degree:	Master of Arts / Master in Science in Archaeology
Mode of Study:	Full-time
Duration:	1 year
Start date:	September, February
Language of instruction:	English
Location:	Leiden
Croho/isat code:	60805
Specialisations:	Archaeology and Anthropology of Mesoamerica and the Andes Archaeology of East and Southeast Asia Archaeology of Egypt Archaeology of the Caribbean and Amazonia Archaeology of the Near East Artefact Studies Classical and Mediterranean Archaeology Field Archaeology Heritage Management in a World Context Historical Archaeology Human Bones Studies Material Culture and Artefact Studies Museum Studies Palaeoecology Palaeolithic Archaeology Prehistory of Northwestern Europe
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The Master’s Programme in Archaeology at Leiden University is the most diverse in the Netherlands. There are several regional and thematic specialisations and the education programme is directly linked to ongoing research. The faculty staff are involved in projects all over the world, with a strong emphasis on field archaeology. There is an additional focus on ecology and geology, which is combined with iconological and historical studies, as well as with ethno-archaeological, anthropological and experimental approaches.

In-depth knowledge of a specific cultural area is combined with ongoing debates in general theory, the development of new methods and the advancement of the use of information technology in the discipline.

Master of Arts or Master of Science

Students have to choose two specialisations during their master’s. Students who choose Palaeoecology or Human Bone Studies as their first specialisation, and who write their thesis on one of these subjects, receive a Master of Science degree in Archaeology.
For all other specialisations students receive a Master of Arts degree in Archaeology.

Latest news

30 March: Information Day Archaeology

What our students say

Willem Liethof, 1st year master's student

“I chose Leiden because of the broad range of possible specialisations and because Archaeology in Leiden has such a good reputation.”

“I chose to study archaeology firstly because I wanted to do something I liked. I had always been digging in the garden. Secondly, I wanted to actually do something, not just sit in an office with books and a computer. I chose Leiden because of the broad range of possible specialisations and because Archaeology in Leiden has such a good reputation. As I like traveling and have always been interested in Mesoamerica, I decided to specialise in this area.

I like the fact that the study is not so large scale; you soon get to know the lecturers and it is easy to get in contact with them. Many people visit the Department from other institutions so it is easy to acquire a good network of contacts. My girlfriend Sissy and I went on two work placements last year in the Dominican Republic, one project was a Leiden University project and the other was run by a PhD who was conducting research there via Leiden. If you add a couple of weeks’ holiday on the end of the project, you can have a great summer, gaining a lot of experience both within and outside the study. After my study, I hope to continue to work in this area.”

Art meets science

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Interested in Research?

Consider the two-year Research Master’s in Archaeology