Archaeology (MA/MSc)

Studying archaeology at Leiden University is all about studying societies and cultures from the past, trying to reconstruct them and bring them back to life. You will apply your interest in the past to make a meaningful contribution to resolving present-day societal issues, such as migration, globalisation and climate change.

Specialisations

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The Archaeology programme at Leiden University

gives you a solid basis for a national or international career in archaeology, heritage management, heritage policy or within the museum world.
provides you with a variety of regional expertise on Europe, the Near East, the Mediterranean, and the Americas
has earned a place in the top of archaeology research and teaching institutes in the world.
hosts enthusiastic students and staff who form a dynamic international research community, active all around the world.
offers teaching that is strongly linked to our research, so you do not only hear about our research in the classroom, but also participate in it.

Go hands on with the latest field technology. Our researchers, for example, employ drones in archaeological surveys.
In the specialisation Heritage and Museum Studies you explore how to protect heritage in conflict zones.
Investigate the ancient environment by studying pollen in the specialisation Archaeological Sciences.
Participate in excavations around the globe in our specialisation World Archaeology.
Dive into the ethical dilemmas regarding ownership in the specialisation Heritage and Museum Studies.

Choosing archaeology at Leiden University

Choose from a wide variety of challenging regional and thematic courses.
Study in a faculty that ranks in the top 10 worldwide in academic reputation and research impact (April 2024 QS World University Ranking by subject).
Benefit from the tuition and support of our outstanding international faculty staff, whose members are involved in projects in the Netherlands as well as abroad, with a strong emphasis on field archaeology.
Work with top researchers and benefit from the strong connection between our current research projects and our curriculum.
Gain a multidisciplinary focus by drawing on theories, methods and techniques from the humanities, social sciences, and other sciences. Add substantial value to your research by adopting the perspective of the ecologist, anthropologist, and geologist.

Master of Arts or Master of Science

If you specialise in Archaeological Science you’ll receive a Master of Science degree in Archaeology.

If you specialise in Applied Archaeology, World Archaeology or Heritage and Museum Studies, you’ll receive a Master of Arts degree in Archaeology.