Archaeology (BA)

After graduation

Elina Brohez

Bachelor's student

I do still wish to continue my studies for a Master’s degree, but career-wise my interests lie in heritage protection, specifically that of maritime cultural heritage. Maritime archaeology is still an emerging field, and the laws and legislations regarding the protection and conservation of these sites are not always set in stone. I would be equally interested in working in a museum as a Heritage Manager or Curator.

Irene Diez Garcia de Polavieja

Bachelor's student

I plan to go on to study a master’s after I am done with this bachelor, hopefully in Heritage Management or Museum Studies, as I’d love to work in a museum one day. But maybe writing my thesis will make me discover a different lane to go down! One of my favourite things about the Archaeology programme has been finding out all the different topics that archaeology encapsulates, and discovering plenty of them that appeal to me. It is certainly going to make it difficult to choose what to specialise in later down the line, but it’s always exciting to consider the wide amount of options for my career.

What are your skills with your bachelor's degree?

After three years of study, you have all the required knowledge of various materials, and you know about the possibilities of archaeometric and related techniques. You have the theoretical background needed to analyse your observations and hypotheses. Also, you are capable of reporting about your research. And you are well aware of the ethical aspects that are involved in working with cultural heritage.

Your career prospects

Where our alumni are employed after their studies depends on their chosen specialisations, personal interests and skills. Therefore it is extremely important to start thinking about your future well ahead of graduation. Do you want to continue your studies? Generally, a completed master's degree gives you a higher chance of an (academic) job, but with a bachelor's degree you can enter the archaeological job market as well.

Career advice

Leiden University provides extensive support to students who are venturing on the job market. For those who are looking for career advice, Career Service organises workshops on career orientation, writing application letters, doing job interviews, and taking assessments.