Master's programme
The programme comprises of two years of study. Two courses are compulsory: Field Archaeology and Landscape Interpretation (30 credits) and the Master’s thesis (30 credits). During the remaining two terms of study, the students select courses offered by the Department of Archaeology or other faculties/departments. The Department of Archaeology offers a number of optional courses each term comprising either 15 or 30 credits. These courses give students the opportunity to specialise in key areas within the four areas of study at the department and are closely associated with the research carried out within the department. Here we can mention Archaeological Theory and Material Culture, Buildings as Archaeology, Human Landscapes, Text and Interpretation and our digital courses. GIS and Spatial Analysis in Archaeology and Advanced 3D Recording, Processing and Visualization in Archaeology. Please note that some of the courses have changed since the syllabus was written.
The compulsory course Field Archaeology and Landscape Interpretation provides students with in-depth practical experience of cultural heritage activities, archaeological excavations, the archaeology of buildings and all the relevant aspects of field archaeology, such as the inventory, management, documentation and communication of archaeological findings.
The Master’s thesis is written in a subject relevant to one of the four areas of study at the Department of Archaeology and Ancient History. Students are expected to work independently with a selected problem area, and to acquire in-depth insights into theoretical and methodological aspects as well as applications of them. The programme is intended to prepare for doctoral studies but also for tasks that require the ability to make presentations orally and in writing. Through dealing with a specific issue, the student acquires specialist knowledge in the field of study and the ability to produce scholarly texts.
Admission Requirements
The programme is intended for students who have a degree of Bachelor specialising in one of the areas of Archaeology, Historical Archaeology, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History or Historical Osteology. Students with a degree from another university need to document that they have completed equivalent studies. Students applying from outside Sweden must provide documentation of their proficiency in English read more here Entry requirements. The selection criteria for admission to the programme are academic qualifications as well as a statement of purpose.
How to apply
Visit www.universityadmissions.se to apply. Applicants must submit a statement of purpose before the final application date. State in no more than 300 words why you want to attend this programme and what research interests you have.
- A student in Archaeology may for example chose Humans and Landscapes in a long-term perspective and Scientific methods in archaeology as thematic courses and the two digital archaeology courses and the field course as other electives.
- A student in Historical Archaeology may chose the two digital archaeology courses and the field course as other electives.
- A student in Historical Osteology may chose Humans and Landscapes in a long-term perspective and Scientific methods in archaeology as thematic courses and the two digital archaeology courses and the field course as other electives.
A student in Classical Archaeology and Ancient History may chose Building archaeology and Text and materiality as thematic courses and a reading course and apply for a course at the institutes in Rome or Athens as other electives.
During the fourth and final semester, students complete a 30 ECTS master’s thesis within their chosen discipline. This independent research project allows for in-depth exploration of a topic related to the student’s specialization and serves as the capstone of the programme.
The programme is designed to support both academic progression and individual flexibility. A clear structure ensures students develop critical, analytical, and methodological skills, while elective options enable them to shape their academic path. Students admitted to the full programme are guaranteed a place in all programme courses. While many courses can also be taken independently, access to the thesis project requires at least 30 ECTS of completed master’s-level coursework.
Please note: the programme structure may vary depending on the year of admission. For example, the selection of specialization courses available in a given year follows a two-year cycle. Full details on the upcoming course schedule and study options will be provided during orientation and on the programme website.
Graduates from the programme are well prepared for careers in research, cultural heritage management, museums, and public or private institutions that engage with archaeological and historical knowledge. The programme also provides an excellent foundation for doctoral studies.