Archaeology (BA)
Continuing your studies
The master’s programme in Archaeology at Leiden University is the most diverse in the Netherlands. There are several regional and thematic focus areas and research is incorporated in the education programme. Join our international classroom: half of the students come from outside The Netherlands, as well as half of the teaching staff. All programmes are taught in English.
Master's in Archaeology
With a master's degree you will have completed a full academic education, and you will enter the job market with a maximum of theoretical understanding. Continuing your studies, therefore, is recommended. The only question is, what master's programme will you follow?
The master's in Archaeology taks 1 year. We have four master's specialisations available:
- MA Applied Archaeology
- MSc Archaeological Science
- MA Heritage and Museum Studies
- MA Global Archaeology
Research master's in Archaeology
A research master’s is an advanced two-year postgraduate programme with an even higher research component than the regular master’s programme. Admission takes place after selection; selection is based on criteria like high grades and a good academic posture. The programme prepares you for a career in academia.
Marian Leech
Master's student
'I chose to specialise in Museum Studies within the master's programme of Archaeology because I am interested in object-oriented histories that can engage with more deep-time perspectives. Museums are some of the most hegemonic institutions out there, so to reframe their practices and collections from the bottom-up (literally) breathes new life into the discipline.'
Lysanne Michels
Research master's student
'I am enrolled in the research master's in Archaeology and I am focusing on Osteoarchaeology - the study of past people themselves rather than their artefacts. This combines everything I'm interested in: human behaviour, medicine, forensics, and of course the archaeology of multiple regions and periods.'
Full overview
For a full overview of all one-year master’s programmes and two-year research master programmes at Leiden University, visit the Master's website.