Archaeological Science at Leiden University is an MSc specialisation that delves into the specifics of archaeological methods and techniques. The combination of hands-on field experience and laboratory work offers a challenging and rewarding research environment.

What does this master's programme entail?

Scientific methodology is an important approach in modern archaeology and it is at the heart of archaeological science. Hypotheses, data, theory, experiments, observations, as well as presentation and interpretation, are all key to our understanding of our past.

The programme gives you the freedom to choose your own focus based on your own interests. You may study archaeobotany and archaeozoology, or prefer to dive into human osteoarchaeology. You may rather explore material culture, or further develop your skills in digital archaeology. All of these choices can be combined with lectures on specific regions or time periods. After graduation you are thus an expert in the field of your choice, in relation to a specific area.

Why Archaeological Science at Leiden University?

• Benefit from our wide range of expertise. Match your preferred archaeological science methods with one of the regions we lecture on, from the Americas to the Near East.
• Study in a faculty that ranks in the top 10 worldwide in academic reputation and research impact (February 2019 QS World University Ranking by subject).
• Follow lectures given by our outstanding international faculty staff, whose members are involved in projects all over the world, 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 Master of Science degree in Archaeology and enter the job market with a strong basis in the archaeological sciences.

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