Archaeological Science (MSc)
The master’s track Archaeological Science provides you with an in-depth understanding of science-based approaches to archaeological problems and their role in archaeological practice and scholarship.
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Mike de Heij
Alumnus
'Every time I became more familiar with a subject, starting with Archaeology as a whole, I became more interested in specializing. Human Osteology and Funerary Archaeology caught my interest as it allows us to view our past lives, beyond the scope of the material. Working with human bones gives you a new sense of respect for the dead and, ironically, their way of life.'
Laura Llorente Rodriguez
Lecturer Archaeozoology
The programme is as broad as the research we conduct at the Faculty, allowing the student to get a comprehensive archaeological perspective from different disciplines while also learning state-of-the art skills in certain specialisations.
I particularly like that the archaeozoology students can get trained in the most recent advances in archaeological sciences to enrich their experience, from theoretical frameworks in (pre)historic archaeology, to the latest regional trends.
Students are also able to expand their academic or career opportunities by combining archaeozoology with other archaeological science courses like botany or computational archaeology. However, what students find most engaging and enjoyable is to be able to perform real research by studying archaeological material or analysing data by themselves. Seeing how students get excited about their master thesis is contagious and fascinating!
What does this master's track entail?
Within this track, you can choose to focus on various scientific fields, including osteoarchaeology, palaeoecology, material science, and computational archaeology. You will develop knowledge in the field of your choice and you will explore how the integration of scientific analyses and archaeological evidence provides new insights into past human societies.
This track combines theory with practical experience in our state-of-the-art laboratories and prepares you for research and professional work at commercial companies and consultancies where you can confidently apply quantitative and laboratory methods to the study of past populations, environments, and materials.
Our courses will deepen your knowledge of quantitative and analytical methodology, and you will learn how to select appropriate methods, critically evaluate their possibilities and limitations, and interpret the results within their archaeological context.
In your thesis, you will bring together what you have learned by conducting your own archaeological research within your chosen field, applying science-based methods to address archaeological questions and considering how your findings contribute to the understanding of the past.
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Focus on a variety of palaeo-zoological and palaeo-botanical topics, ranging in age from the Palaeolithic to historical periods. -
Gain detailed insight into the methods used to study human bones and teeth. -
Explore how we analyse the cultural biographies of all sorts of material objects. -
Dive into the computational methods and tools required to collate, analyse and manage digital data in archaeological research. -
Your focus can be supplemented with courses on specific regions or time periods.
Why Archaeological Science at Leiden University?
- Benefit from our wide range of expertise in archaeological methodologies
- Study in a faculty that ranks in the top 10 worldwide in academic reputation and research impact (April 2026 QS World University Ranking by subject).
- Follow lectures given by our outstanding international faculty staff, whose members are involved in projects all over the world, with a strong emphasis on field archaeology.
- Work with top researchers and benefit from the strong connection between our current research projects and our curriculum.
- Gain a Master of Science degree in Archaeology and enter the job market with a strong basis in the archaeological sciences.
More reasons to study Archaeological Science at Leiden University.