Master's programme: Archaeology – Theory and Practice
Master’s Programme in Archaeology and Ancient History – Theory and Practice, 120 ECTS
This interdisciplinary master’s programme is designed for students in Archaeology, Historical Archaeology, Historical Osteology, and Classical Archaeology and Ancient History. It offers a flexible and research-oriented curriculum that combines theoretical depth with practical training and specialization opportunities. The programme is open to both Swedish and international applicants.
All students begin with a compulsory introductory course (15 ECTS) that covers key theories, methodologies, and ethical considerations in the field. This course provides a common foundation for all students, regardless of academic background, and ensures a coherent progression into the more specialized parts of the programme.
Students choose two out of four thematic specialization courses (15 ECTS each), which are offered on a rotating schedule over two academic years:
- Building Archaeology – a blend of theoretical perspectives and hands-on training.
- Humans and Landscapes in a Long-Term Perspective – explores past environments and human-landscape interaction through theory and field methods.
- Text and Materiality – focuses on the interpretation of written and material sources.
- Scientific Methods in Archaeology – introduces laboratory techniques and interdisciplinary analyses of various materials.
These specialization courses are open to students in both their first and second year of study, creating dynamic learning environments that draw on diverse levels of experience. Despite differing stages of study, all students will have a shared theoretical foundation from the introductory course.
In addition to the thematic courses, students can choose among electives in digital archaeology, a field course, an internship, and an advanced reading course. Opportunities for international experience include courses offered through the Swedish Research Institutes in Athens or Rome. dies and application procedures.
- 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.