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Education Bachelor's degree programmes Archaeology
Header image Archaeology

Archaeology

Welcome to our versatile Archaeology programme, judged best in the Netherlands for the last 10 years, which will help you become a top-level archaeologist. All pre-university profiles are accepted!

The Bachelor’s degree programme in Archaeology at the University of Groningen, taught mainly in Dutch, allows you to study cultures from the Palaeolithic to the Middle Ages, and the Mediterranean all the way up to the Arctic region.

In your first year, you will take introductory classes in Classical and Mediterranean Archaeology, Archaeology of the Netherlands, and Arctic Archaeology, as well as in the history, methods and materials of the field, and finish with one month of fieldwork. In your second year, you will learn about bioarchaeological approaches and choose from a range of in-depth courses in Classical and Mediterranean Archaeology or Archaeology of North-West Europe and you will have practicals on bioarchaeology (seeds/pollen/animal and human bone material). The year is closed with a field trip abroad and participation in an excavation in the Netherlands or abroad. In your third year, you will follow a Minor at the UG or other university in the Netherlands or abroad and complete your Bachelor’s degree programme by writing a thesis.

With your Bachelor's degree in hand, you an continue on to the one-year Master’s programme in Archaeology. Students who perform exceptionally and who enjoy doing research can enter the two-year Research Master’s programme in Archaeology.

Facts & Figures
Degree
BA in Archaeology
Course type
Bachelor
Duration
36 months (180 ECTS)
Croho code
56703
Language of instruction
Dutch
Start
September
Faculty
Arts
Studie in Cijfers
Why study this programme in Groningen?
  • Archaeology has been in first place in the Elsevier and Higher Education Guide student surveys for years. Proclaimed a Top Degree Programme by the Higher Education Guide from 2013 until 2024
  • You will gain a lot of experience during excavations and while studying finds
  • Good laboratories for archaeobotanical, archaeozoological and osteoarchaeological research as well as material and conservation studies
  • All our lecturers are excellent researchers
  • The programme has an active study ass
Programme

In your first year you will follow course units in the following fields:

  • an overview of prehistoric and early historical archaeology of the Netherlands, classical archaeology of Greece and Italy, and studies conducted in the Arctic region,
  • theory and history of archaeology: how can you draw conclusions based on your observations,
  • soil science; material knowledge and conservation,
  • excavation technique: participation in an excavation and its reporting.
Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Arctische Archeologie (5 EC)
Griekse Archeologie in de 21e eeuw (5 EC)
Prehistorie van Nederland (5 EC)
Archeologie van de Romeinse Wereld (5 EC)
Conservatie en Archeometrie (5 EC)
Historische Archeologie (5 EC)
Bioarcheologie (5 EC)
Geschiedenis en theorie van de Archeologie I (5 EC)
Materiaalkennis (5 EC)
Archeologisch veldwerk I (10 EC)
Geoarcheologie (5 EC)

Your second year will include several electives: in the first semester, you will follow the course units that are most interesting to you. In the second semester, you will follow course units in Biological Archaeology (archaeozoology, archaeobotany and osteoarchaeology). You will also participate in a major research excavation and join a field trip abroad.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Cultural Anthropology (5 EC)
Archaeology: Italy and the Roman Empire (Keuzegroep A, 2 vakken kiezen uit deze groep) (10 EC, optional)
From Agamemnon to Alexander (Keuzegroep A, 2 vakken kiezen uit deze groep) (10 EC, optional)
Handelaren en Koningen (Keuzegroep A, 2 vakken kiezen uit deze groep) (10 EC, optional)
Jager-Verzamelaars & Vroege Boeren (Keuzegroep A, 2 vakken kiezen uit deze groep) (10 EC, optional)
Archeologische Gegevensanalyse (5 EC)
Archeobotanie (5 EC)
Human Osteoarchaeology (5 EC)
Zooarchaeology (5 EC)
Archeologisch veldwerk en excursie II: KMA (Keuzegroep B, één van de twee varianten kiezen) (10 EC, optional)
Archeologisch veldwerk en excursie II: P en P (Keuzegroep B, één van de twee varianten kiezen) (10 EC, optional)
Integrated Bioarchaeology (5 EC)

The first semester of the third year enables you to follow a Minor outside the field of archaeology or to spend time studying abroad. In the second semester, you will be introduced to spatial analyses and conservation of monuments/heritage, follow a second theoretical course unit, and write your Bachelor's thesis.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Minor (semester 1) (30 EC)
Mens en Materiële Cultuur (5 EC)
Ruimtelijke Analyse (Keuzegroep C, één vak kiezen) (5 EC, optional)
Themes in Bioarchaeology (Keuzegroep C, één vak kiezen) (5 EC, optional)
Theorie en Praktijk (5 EC)
Bachelor's Thesis Archaeology and Research Seminar (10 EC)
Archeologie tussen Monumentenzorg en Politiek (keuzegroep D, één vak kiezen) (5 EC, optional)
Mediterranean Connections (keuzegroep D, één vak kiezen) (5 EC, optional)
Programme options
Minors (minor)

A Minor is a coherent set of courses that support you in your next career step: the choice of a specific Master's degree programme or access to the labour market.

Besides that the Faculty minor gives you the opportunity to look beyond your field of study. A Minor comprises 30 ECTS.

More information about this option

University of Groningen Honours College (honours program)

The Honours College will give talented, motivated students the chance to be challenged even more by following Honours programmes and taking part in numerous other activities.

The Honours College comprises a broadening part and a deepening part and has a study load of 30 ECTS credit points besides the 180 ECTS credit points from your regular Bachelor programme.

More information about this option

Study abroad

  • Study abroad is optional
  • For an average of 16 weeks
  • Maximum of 30 EC

There will be an opportunity in the first semester of the third year to spend time at a foreign university. We currently have partnerships with a number of universities, including Leicester (UK), Aarhus (Denmark), Ghent (Belgium), Venice, and Rome (Italy). If you would like to study abroad, please contact to the coordinator, Lidewijde de Jong (lidewijde.de.jong rug.nl).

Entry requirements

Admissible Dutch diploma profiles

  • VWO Natuur & Techniek

    Met het VWO examen Engels voldoe je aan de taaleis.

  • VWO Natuur & Gezondheid

    Met het VWO examen Engels voldoe je aan de taaleis.

  • VWO Economie & Maatschappij

    Met het VWO examen Engels voldoe je aan de taaleis.

  • VWO Cultuur & Maatschappij

    Met het VWO examen Engels voldoe je aan de taaleis.

  • HBO propedeuse

    Taaleis Engels: een VWO diploma, deelcertificaat voor VWO Engels (cijfer 6 of hoger), minimum TOEFL eis iBT 90 (met een minimum van 21 voor alle onderdelen), of IELTS 6.5 (met een minimum van 6 voor alle onderdelen). Cambridge C1 Advanced of C2 Proficiency met een minimum score van 180. Klik op de link voor meer informatie: https://www.rug.nl/let/studeren-bij-ons/bachelor/aanmelding-en-inschrijving/language-requirements-ba

Choice of degree programme check

The degree programme will organize a matching procedure. Attendance is optional. The advice is not binding.

Explanatory notes

De Faculteit der Letteren gaat er van uit dat jij, via een bezoek aan de Open dagen, deelname aan een Eén Dag student en/of aan een Webklas, jezelf goed hebt voorbereid op de opleiding van jouw keuze. Op basis van deze voorlichtingsactiviteiten bepaal jijzelf of je goed matcht met de opleiding.

Vragen over matching bij de Faculteit der Letteren? Hier kun je verdere informatie vinden: www.rug.nl/matching

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025

Choice of degree programme check

The Faculty of Arts believes students can decide for themselves whether they match with their chosen program based on the available bachelor program information, by visiting the Open Days, and by participating in a Webclass and/ or Student for a Day. If you are unable to attend one of these activities, a final opportunity for matching is to contact one of the students of the program in June.

If you have any further questions about matching, check out: www.rug.nl/matching

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education
language test

International students will have to satisfy an additional Dutch language requirement, which can be met by passing the State Examination in Dutch as a Second Language (NT2, programme II). This examination guarantees Dutch proficiency at CEFR level B2. However, Dutch proficiency at CEFR level C1 or higher is recommended.

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 13100full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

If you want to continue with a Master's degree programme after your graduation, as most students do, you will have a wide range of programmes to choose from. With a Bachelor's degree in Archaeology, you have access to the following Master's tracks at the University of Groningen:

Job prospects

There are currently plenty of job opportunities for Archaeology graduates thanks to the legal requirement that archaeological research has to be conducted prior to any new building activity. Many graduates find jobs with archaeology firms that conduct such research. In addition, archaeologists are also needed at government institutions and museums. You could also find a job as a lecturer or researcher at a university.

Job examples

  • Journalist
  • Policy officer archaeology
  • Archaeologist at a museum that has an archaeology department
  • Field archaeologist at a commercial company
  • Field researcher in excavation projects
Research

Teaching and research are closely linked to one another in Archaeology. You will conduct research right from the start of the degree programme.

Archaeology research falls under the renowned Groningen Institute of Archaeology and focuses on:

  • Prehistoric, protohistoric and historical archaeology in the Netherlands, the Mediterranean region, and the Arctic region
  • Archaeobotanical and archaeozoological research
  • Material studies
  • Landscape archaeology

The Institute has its own modern laboratory facilities, as well as a ‘bone attic’.

Apply nowBrochureEventsContact
open dagdiverse locatiesMore information

Contact

  • Ask Your Question Here (please fill in this contact form, we will answer you as soon as possible.)
  • Drs. Marloes Bergmans (studieadviseur)
    Email: studieadviesarcheologie rug.nl

Web class

Are you a pre-university pupil and would you like to find out what studying at university is all about? The Archaeology degree programme offers a web class! A web class is a course offered by the UG via Brightspace (a digital teaching environment) for pupils in the 5th and 6th years of pre-university education. The course involves ten study hours, which serve as an introduction to Archaeology. You read texts, do assignments and hold discussions with other prospective students and a lecturer.

Interested? Sign up for the web class.

Read more

What does Archaeology entail?: Fieldwork and the Bone Attic

Are you curious about the Archaeology programme and would you like to know more about the fieldwork carried out by Bachelor's students? In this video you tag along with students that are digging around a convent in Ter Apel.

The Archaeology programme also has a bone attic. Here you will find the bone collection of the archaeologists of the UG. Based on these bones they learn about the cohabitation of humans and animals in the past. In this video, the collection manager gives a tour of the bone attic.

Read more

Study associations

Bachur

Bachur is the study association for all archaeology students of the University of Groningen. Next to offering various leisure activities, Bachur's goal is to expand archaeology students' network in order for students to find out where they would like to work. In this way, Bachur organizes various activities such as field trips and socials
https://www.bachur.nl/
Read more
Student profile

If you are interested in the development of humankind, in history and in other cultures, Archaeology is for you. Do you like to get to the bottom of things, but also like to get your hands dirty? And are you a real team player? Then Archaeology offers you the perfect combination! Digging and investigating, that is what you have to like!

(Binding) study advice
  • A minimum of 45 EC in the first 12 months (binding)

You will be offered study advice after the first year of study. You can expect a positive result if you have earned more than 45 ECTS credit points (out of a total of 60 ECTS). If you have earned fewer than 45 ECTS and are issued a negative result, you will not be allowed to continue with your degree programme.

You will receive preliminary study advice in December to make sure that you know where you stand. Please contact your study advisor as soon as possible if you have any questions about the BSA system. N.B. Some degree programmes use a tutoring system; please check with your study advisor.

Study support

The transition from secondary school to university changes many aspects in your life, therefore we provide extra support during the first year of your studies.

In orders to ease this transition, the UG offers mentor classes for first-year students. During the meetings, you will learn how to optimize and make informed decisions throughout your studies. Additionally, you can always arrange to meet with your study advisor. They will be able to answer your questions and provide advice related to your degree programme. They also offer support for students with functional impairments. Everything you discuss with a study advisor is confidential. They can also refer you to the student counsellors or workshops by Study Support.

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