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Archaeology● OpenMastersPreview

Master of Science in Archaeological Science

Explore the intersection of archaeology, science, and technology through hands-on fieldwork and laboratory research at Leiden University.

Best for:Best for students with a passion for archaeology who seek to integrate scientific methods and technology into their research, with a focus on interdisciplinary approaches and hands-on fieldwork.

Leiden University · Leiden, Netherlands
More professors at Leiden University
archaeobotanyarchaeozoologyhuman osteoarchaeologymaterial culturedigital archaeologyregional and temporal studies
This is a masters position — not a PhD studentship.
Deadline
Apr 1, 2027
169 days
Funding
—
2 years (11 months per academic year)
Start date
Flexible (typically September intake)
Location
Leiden
Netherlands

Overview

This Master of Science programme in Archaeological Science at Leiden University combines theoretical knowledge with practical experience in archaeological methods and techniques. Students engage in scientific methodology, including hypothesis testing, data analysis, and interpretation, to uncover insights about the past. The curriculum offers flexibility, allowing students to specialise in areas such as archaeobotany, osteoarchaeology, material culture, or digital archaeology. Supervision for the thesis is guaranteed within the chosen specialisation, though the specific supervisor and topic may be subject to availability.

archaeological methodsscientific methodology in archaeologyfieldwork and laboratory analysisthesis supervisioninterdisciplinary archaeologyhands-on research experience

What you'll do

  • Conduct hands-on fieldwork and laboratory analysis to apply archaeological science techniques.
  • Develop and test hypotheses using scientific methodologies to interpret archaeological data.
  • Engage in research projects that combine theoretical knowledge with practical experience.
  • Choose a specialisation and conduct independent research for a thesis under faculty supervision.
  • Participate in lectures and seminars focused on specific archaeological regions, time periods, or techniques.
  • Collaborate with faculty members to refine research questions and methodologies.

Requirements

Degree required: Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology or a related field

Degree offered: Master of Science (MSc)

Language: English; Cambridge Certificate of Proficiency in English (C1), or IELTS overall band score of 7.0, or TOEFL internet-based score of 100

Instruction: English

Required skills
  • Proficient use of scientific methodologies in archaeological research
  • Ability to conduct fieldwork and laboratory analysis
  • Strong analytical and interpretative skills for archaeological data
  • Basic proficiency in research writing and academic presentation
Nice to have
Prior experience in archaeological fieldwork or laboratory workFamiliarity with digital tools for archaeological analysisKnowledge of specific archaeological regions or time periods
Eligibility
  • No specific nationality restrictions
  • No age restrictions
  • No prior experience caps beyond a Bachelor’s degree

Funding & terms

Type
Unknown
Amount
—
Duration
2 years (11 months per academic year)
Programme
—

Programme and admissions

Admissions not verified

A catalogue listing does not mean applications are open or funding is guaranteed. Check the source for your intake.

Intake
Not confirmed by the source
Duration
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Teaching language
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Taught / research mode
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Study mode
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Campus
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Prerequisites
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Application instructions
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Tuition
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Funding
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How to apply

Deadline: 2027-04-01

Applicants must submit their application through Leiden University’s official online portal. Required documents include a CV, a letter of motivation, academic transcripts, proof of English proficiency, and a research proposal. Additional documents may be requested depending on the application.

Documents required
  • CV
  • Letter of motivation
  • Academic transcripts (Bachelor’s degree)
  • Proof of English proficiency (Cambridge C1, IELTS 7.0, or TOEFL 100)
  • Research proposal
↗Check programme and admissions
Lab
Faculty of Archaeology
Leiden University
Netherlands
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