Applied Archaeology (MA)

The master’s track in Applied Archaeology provides you with the best start to your professional career in archaeology. Offered jointly by Leiden University and Saxion University of Applied Sciences, it prepares you to work in field archaeology, commercial archaeology, archaeological policy, and heritage management. It combines a strong academic programme with practical training in investigating, managing, and preserving archaeological sites and landscapes.

Part of

Archaeology (MA/MSc)

No more February intake for MA Archaeology

Please note that from the academic year 2026–2027 onwards, only the September intake will be offered for the Master's programme in Archaeology.

For the Research Master's in Archaeology, enrolment in the February intake is still possible.

Daudi Cijntje

Alumnus

"I decided to pursue the master Applied Archaeology, because it’s my aim to become a project leader in the near future and without a master degree leadership positions in fieldwork are difficult to attain. Being from Curaçaoan descent, it was important for me to specialize in Caribbean archaeology during the master programme. My wish is to co-create archaeological projects with ABCSSS communities, in order to safeguard our heritage for future generations."

Richard Jansen

Lecturer

“Applied Archaeology at Leiden University provides you with the best programme you can possibly begin your career with. Do you want to be a field archaeologist working in the Netherlands? In Applied Archaeology you can choose Dutch case studies and make your assignments in Dutch."

Do the 360 Tour of the Faculty of Archaeology

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What does this master's programme entail?

Our courses will deepen your knowledge of archaeology as a professional field and its relationship with heritage management. You will explore current Dutch and European policy frameworks on archaeology and heritage and consider the complexities of present and future archaeological work.

More practically, you will learn how to design research, assess survey methods, and advise policy makers and heritage stakeholders on further investigations or preservation. An internship allows you to gain experience in the field of professional archaeology.

In your thesis or graduation project, you will apply what you have learned to a research topic or practical question arising from work in the field.

In the Applied Archaeology track you will dive into field archaeology as well as archaeological policy. An internship is an obligatory part of this.

Why Applied Archaeology at Leiden University?

Benefit from our wide range of expertise. Match your preferred archaeological interests with one of the many regions we lecture on.
Study at a Faculty that has quite rightly earned a place in the top ten of archaeology research and teaching institutes in the world.
Be part of our large network in national and international research and in professional archaeology.
Gain a solid basis for a career in archaeology, heritage management or heritage policy.
Get the best of both worlds through the unique partnership of Leiden University and Saxion University of Applied Sciences.
Improve your practical skills in our cutting-edge laboratories.

More reasons to study Applied Archaeology at Leiden University.