MA in Archaeology (Research)

Leiden University

The research master’s programme in Archaeology is the most diverse in the Netherlands. Benefit from our extensive experience and international reputation in archaeological research, and lay the best foundation for a career in academia.

What does this master's programme entail?

The two-year master's programme in Archaeology (research) is organised around the excellent research for which Leiden has reached international renown. Students in this programme will choose a supervisor with whom they set up a personal study plan. The supervisor will be the student's personal coach throughout the research master's.

Supervisors are either Professors or Associate Professors and are specialised in a range of research topics.

The programme's courses aim to intensify and broaden the students' knowledge base and to develop research and publication skills. You are encouraged to visit conferences, contribute to workshops and to take courses outside the department.

Academic career

The research master's programme forms an excellent preparation for an academic career in archaeology. Graduates are also eligible for archaeological functions at consultancies or in public service. Graduates may also find employment in positions not directly or indirectly related to their field: journalism, publishing, public relations and international organisations.

Why Archaeology (research) at Leiden University?

• Study at a Faculty that has quite rightly earned a place in the top ten of archaeology research and teaching institutes in the world.
• Explore fascinating regional and thematic specialisation possibilities. The programme stimulates extra-talented and motivated students by exposing them to cutting-edge research and making them part of it;
• Gain all the 21st century professional and transferable skills you need, and find your own place in the wide world of archaeological careers;
• Benefit from our research facilities and labs, field schools and excavation projects, experimental archaeology projects and the Dutch national research schools (ARCHON, OIKOS). The programme offers excellent opportunities for every prospective researcher.

Career prospects

Open up a world of opportunities with your master's degree in Archaeology from Leiden University!

Broad array of skills

The broad array of skills that you will acquire as an archaeologist will make you an attractive target for a wide range of employers. These skills will equip you for a variety of positions in the Netherlands or abroad, in government or in business. They will also make you an objective, critical and, above all, articulate and creative thinker.

Creative thinkers have the ability to draw logical and accurate conclusions from incomplete information, and to come up with practical and original solutions. This ability will make you a great fit with many different professions.

Stepping-stone to the job market

Your archaeology master’s can be a stepping-stone up to a career in almost every sector of the job market. It is the winning combination of practical knowledge and academic skills that fuels employers’ demand for Leiden University’s archaeology graduates.

Our graduates find employment as:

field archaeologists
researchers
PhD candidates at Leiden University or other universities
policy advisors at governmental institutes or NGOs
consultants with independent or commercial companies
museum curators
cultural resource managers (Heritage)
university or secondary school teachers
journalists
publishers
public relations officers
project managers
digital education officers at museums
digital specialists