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Education Master's and PhD degree programmes Archaeology - Research
Header image Archaeology

Archaeology

Are you interested in archaeology and want to increase your chances in the competitive job market? Do you want a graduate programme which combines intensive training and a flexible structure?

Then this is the programme for you! The aim of the two-year Research Master in Archaeology is to provide you with the theoretical abilities and methodological skills which will enable you to pursue a successful career as a researcher, a specialist or a professional in leading positions. You will develop a thorough understanding of key debates in archaeology, develop a critical attitude and acquire essential organizational, networking and teaching skills. Most importantly, you can tailor the programme to your needs and special interests. The Research Master in Archaeology has a broad geographical and chronological coverage – from the Arctic and North-western Europe to the Mediterranean and the Near East, from the Mesolithic to historical archaeology.

Sign up now for the Master's Week from 18-22 March!

Facts & Figures
Degree
MA in Archaeology (research)
Course type
Research master
Duration
24 months (120 ECTS)
Croho code
60133
Language of instruction
English
Start
September
Faculty
Arts
Why study this programme in Groningen?

The REMA Archaeology has been designated Top-Rated Programme, i.e. the best graduate programme in Archaeology in the Netherlands, for two years in a row. The programme offers:

  • Challenging multidisciplinary approach
  • A combination of taught courses and (a broad range of) elective components
  • Intensive supervision by high quality researchers in small groups
  • Close monitoring of progress
Programme

In the first year, you will attend three compulsory courses and two elective ones (or Flexible Components).

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Anthropocene: Humans shaping the Earth (10 EC)
Current Issues in Archaeological Theory (10 EC)
Death as a Mirror of Life (10 EC)
Flexible Component 1 (10 EC)
Flexible Component 2 (10 EC)
National Research School courses (10 EC)

In the second year, you will attend three compulsory courses, and one elective. You will complete the programme by writing a thesis on a topic of your choice. Please note: compulsory module Death as a Mirror of Life (5 ECTS) is offered also as a 5 ECTS option but only in the academic year 2021-2022; afterwards, it will only be given as a 10 ECTS module every other year.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Flexible Component (5 EC)
Research and Professional Skills (5 EC)
Scientific approaches to Material Culture (10 EC)
The Archaeology of the Settled Landscape (10 EC)
Research Master's thesis in Archaeology (30 EC)

Curriculum

Throughout their study, students can build up their own programme by choosing elective courses ('Flexible Component') from MA or REMA courses in Groningen or in other Dutch Universities, or opting for tutorials supervised by a member of staff – always in consultation with the Director of Studies. Students are expected to attend research seminars, which they can also help organize.

They will also participate in courses on offer by the National Research School of Archaeology Archon, or in workshops and intensive courses on location in the Institutes in Rome, Athens or Istanbul (they can take these courses throughout their two years), for a mandatory minimum of 10 ECTS. They are encouraged to participate in the department's ambitious research programme which builds on a long and internationally renowned tradition of multidisciplinary approaches. They can also do an internship with an external partner, e.g. a museum or research institute.

Programme options
major (major)

The Research Master in Archaeology offers an ideal combination of a strong taught programme organized along thematic courses and a flexible structure which offers ample opportunities for further specialization. The compulsory lectures revolve around the main research interests of the Groningen Institute of Archaeology: the integration of archaeological theory and archaeological science, the archaeology of the settled landscape, the relation between humans and the environment, mortuary studies and the analysis of material culture. During these courses students will be trained in networking and in writing articles, grant applications and PhD proposals.

Study abroad

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

Spending a period abroad is encouraged. Participation in fieldwork projects or work in the various laboratories at the department or elsewhere is facilitated.

Entry requirements

Transfer options

Transferring from...

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
All Research universities

Via a pre-master

More information:

Students with a demonstrable knowledge of archaeology at university Bachelor's level are admissible to this programme. The Admissions Board will assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, will consider the level and curriculum of your previous stud

ArchaeologyAll Research universities

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.

Study programmeOrganizationTransition
ArchaeologyUniversity of Groningen

Additional requirements

More information:

This programme has a selection procedure.

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

Bachelor degree in:

  • Archaeology

Students with a demonstrable knowledge of archaeology at university Bachelor's level are admissible to this programme. The Admissions Board will assess whether your educational/academic background meets the specific programme requirements, will consider the level and curriculum of your previous studies, and will decide whether or not you are admissible to this programme.

grade list

An excellent academic record: An overview of the results achieved so far within the Bachelor's degree programme and/or other university degree programmes is required

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A Curriculum Vitae (CV)

language test

Additional English language requirement: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 100 (with a minimum score for speaking and writing of 25 (each)), or an IELTS score of 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 185.

reference letter

Two personal letters of recommendation from staff members who can comment on the students' affinity with and capacities for research

(motivation-) letter

A letter outlining the prospective student's motivation for selecting the programme and Research Master's track, including their expectations and interests.

other admission requirements

Furthermore, the selection procedure is also based on an evaluation of degree certificates, individual results and the thesis or paper.

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025

Admission requirements

Specific requirementsMore information
previous education

BA degree in:

  • Archaeology
grade list

An excellent academic record: An overview of the results achieved so far within the Bachelor's degree programme and/or other university degree programmes is required

Curriculum Vitae (CV)

A Curriculum Vitae (CV)

language test

Additional English language requirement: A VWO diploma or a subject certificate for VWO English (mark 6 or higher), minimum requirement of TOEFL iBT 100 (with a minimum score for speaking and writing of 25 (each)), or an IELTS score of 7 (with a minimum of 6.5 on all items). Cambridge C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency with a minimum score of 185.

reference letter

Two personal letters of recommendation from staff members who can comment on the students' affinity with and capacities for research

(motivation-) letter

A letter outlining the prospective student's motivation for selecting the programme and Research Master's track, including their expectations and interests.

other admission requirements

Furthermore, the selection procedure is also based on an evaluation of degree certificates, individual results and the thesis or paper.

Selection procedure

Application deadlines

Type of studentDeadlineStart course
Dutch students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 May 202401 September 2024
01 May 202501 September 2025
Tuition fees
NationalityYearFeeProgramme form
EU/EEA2023-2024€ 2314full-time
non-EU/EEA2023-2024€ 16000full-time
EU/EEA2024-2025€ 2530full-time
non-EU/EEA2024-2025€ 18700full-time

Practical information for:

After your studies

Job prospects

The degree is an excellent preparation for a research career in archaeology. While many of our graduates are successful in capturing a PhD position in the Netherlands or abroad, they also have the possibility of obtaining other research oriented positions (f.i. in museums, heritage institutions and research institutes).

Job examples

  • Research oriented career
  • PhD research
  • Position in research institutes
  • Position in museum
  • Position in heritage institutions
Research

Research in Archaeology

The Research Master in Archaeology is offered by the Graduate School for the Humanities, which offers also courses for Research Master students. The programme has close links with excellent national and international research schools and institutes, research projects, museums, laboratories and cultural heritage services. The University of Groningen is well known for its superior laboratory facilities, excellent reference collections and technical support which support archaeological research.

Research takes place in different institutes and centres at the University of Groningen.

GIA

The Groningen Institute of Archaeology (GIA) is a research institute within the Faculty of Arts, responsible for all archaeological research within the University of Groningen.

Arctic Centre

The Arctic Centre functions as an information centre for polar research in the Netherlands. Part of this research is carried out at the centre itself, by the archaeologists, biologists, ecologists, geographers and historians participating in the centre in close co-operation.

CRASIS

CRASIS is an inter faculty research institute at the University of Groningen, dedicated to the study of the ancient world. Their aim is to advance interdisciplinary study of the interplay between culture, religion and society. They run monthly seminars and a very successful annual meeting, followed by a Masterclass.

Centre for Isotope Research (CIO)

The Centre for Isotope Research operates under the Faculty of Science and Engineering (FSE) and the Energy and Sustainability Research Institute Groningen (ESRIG). The Centre specializes in radiocarbon and stable isotope analysis and collaborates closely with the Groningen Institute of Archaeology.

Research Schools

It is possible for research master students to participate in seminars, courses and summer schools organized by the Dutch national research schools, such as OIKOS and ARCHON. These 'schools' are organized for the training of PhD students, but some activities are open to or specially set up for you as a research master student. These events give you the opportunity to deepen your disciplinary profile and to become acquainted with top researchers in your field.

Research Institutes abroad

Check the websites of the Dutch Institutes in Rome (KNIR), Athens (NIA), Istanbul (NIT) for exciting courses on archaeology, heritage, history and the role of archaeology in the modern world – but also for language courses.

Apply nowBrochureEventsContact

Contact

  • Dr. Canan Çakirlar (Programme Coordinator)
    Email: c.cakirlar rug.nl
  • Ask Your Question Here (please fill in this contact form, we will answer you as soon as possible.)
  • Caroline Dijkema (Study Advisor)
    Email: rema.archaeology.advice rug.nl
  • Mireya Harmsen BSc (coordinator: for all questions regarding application)
    Email: rema.arts rug.nl
  • Laurien Folkerts (Student Ambassador)
    Email: l.a.folkerts student.rug.nl

PhD Researcher at the University of Groningen

On 4 June I defended my thesis Corded Ware Coastal Communities, Using Ceramic Analysis to Reconstruct Third Millennium BC Societies in the Netherlands. Analysis of earthenware has told us much more about the people who lived along the Dutch coast in the fourth millennium BC.

These were people who lived from agriculture and livestock farming combined with hunting, gathering and fishing. What is special is that the earthenware that these people used is extremely similar to earthenware found in an area stretching from Scandinavia to Switzerland and from Russia to the Netherlands, so alongside regional roots, the coastal communities also had a large international exchange network.

The Research Master’s programme in Archaeology was the perfect preparation for this. This two-year programme gave me a lot of freedom and extra time to delve into a topic. During my studies, I specialized in the analysis of earthenware from the fourth and third millennia BC. Analysis of this earthenware tells us more about the people who made and used it as well as about their society. In my PhD research I was able to put this into practice.

Read more

For my MA I am specializing in hunter-gatherer cultures in Northwestern Europe during the Late Stone Age

I'm Pir Hoebe, 24 years old, and I grew up in the most beautiful part of the province – what was once the fiefdom of Westerwolde. From a young age I was able to nurture my love for the past. While roaming through the woods and fields, I would fantasize about medieval knights and Roman legionaries. When I heard that there was such a thing as archaeologists, I lost no time attacking the back garden with a spade.

When it came to choosing a Bachelor’s programme, I tossed up briefly between history and archaeology, but archaeology really brings you into close contact with the past and that really appealed to me.

For my MA I am specializing in hunter-gatherer cultures in Northwestern Europe during the Upper Palaeolithic (Late Stone Age) and the Mesolithic (Middle Stone Age). The Research Master’s (ReMa) programme in Archaeology allows me plenty of freedom to explore my interests within this specialist area. There are only a few core modules in the ReMa. For the rest you can choose course units from the regular master's tracks (Prehistory and Protohistory, Mediterranean Archaeology, Maritime Archaeology, Bioarchaeology, Arctic Archaeology). And there is still enough time to specialize further through tutorials with lecturers. This involves coming up with a research question, or choosing material or a method that you want to study. On top of that, there are opportunities to earn part of your ECTS credit points at other universities or abroad.

Read more

Placement at the National Museum of Natural History

I have learned a lot of different things during my internship. During my internship I conducted my own research under the supervision of Dr. Stanford. Naturally I learned a lot from him about the peopling of the Americas and the details of American archaeological issues. I learned about what it is like to work in such a major research environment. The museum has many resources that attract students from all over the world: collections, libraries and experts in various fields.

I loved the museum. Just being surrounded by all these amazing artefacts was a motivation by itself to come to work everyday with a smile on my face. I loved taking the long route to the office through the Dinosaur and Ice Age halls, walking by the T-Rex, Mastodons and Mammoths everyday. In Dr. Stanford’s office were all the prehistoric projectile points that I was studying. It is just a lot of fun to actually study real artefacts, especially when you have been reading about those very artefacts for years. Besides the artefacts I truly enjoyed being in this environment where something always seems to be happening. People are passionate about their work and are enthusiastic to tell you all about it but they are also very much interested in your work. I have felt very much accepted by many different people during my stay in Washington DC.

For me it has been a great adventure. Through my contacts at the museum I got into contact with archaeologists in Nevada and Alaska and I got invited to visit their archaeological sites after my internship. This once again shows what such an internship can mean for your career, it is the best way to meet people and to prove your own skills. If you are good at what you do people will notice and it can get you places.

Read more

“I chose Groningen for the personal guidance, the specialization options and the opportunities available to students.”

Without a doubt, the Research Master's programme in Archaeology was the right decision for me. After a rather broad Bachelor's programme, this Master's programme allowed me to focus on my interests and become more specialized. I followed the specialization in Bioarchaeology.

I chose the Groningen programme for the personal guidance, the approachability of lecturers, the wide range of specialization options and the opportunities available to students.

There are a lot of options within the Research Master's programme, so you can tailor the programme to your interests. Next to a few compulsory course units, there are lots of tutorials and you are free to choose your own topics (region, period, material category, etc.). You are expected to work independently, with discipline and set your own deadlines.

The Research Master's programme prepares you for a career as a research specialist. However, you will be trained in more than one specialization and that means that you will be able to work in a wide range of professional fields. I would like to work as a paleoecologist or archaeobotanist at a bioarchaeological research bureau, or continue to conduct academic research. A specialist position at a natural history museum also sounds very interesting.

Read more

Electing to do my Master's at the RUG was not a difficult choice. The education provided at the RUG is very personal, as classes and groups are often quite small.

A Lot of Self-study

You have about two to three courses per semester, nothing too excessive. However, the rest of your time is filled with self-study, such as reading and working on essays. In addition to this, it is recommended that you attend an internship to become connected and orientated within the field. The programme requires a high level of independence and dedication to handle the large amount of self-study.

Two Master Degrees

In Groningen you can choose between two archeology masters: Pre and Protohistory of Northwest Europe and Classical and Mediterranean Archeology (KMA). I chose KMA, mainly due to my interest in city and state formation and the related processes. Since the basis of these processes lie, in the case of the Netherlands, in the Mediterranean area, this programme has been perfect for expanding my knowledge on these subjects. The KMA program has been excellent so far, exceeding my initial expectations. A Master’s degree is essential for your future employment prospects in the field of Archeology, which is my main motivation for enrolling in the programme.

Personal Education

Electing to do my Master’s at the RUG was not a difficult choice. The education provided at the RUG is very personal, as classes and groups are often quite small. Also, the connection between the programme and the Groninger Institute for Archeology ensures that the lines in research projects are very short! I highly recommend this programme at the RUG to anyone who is interested in archeology!

Read more

Holland Scholarship

Are you an international student from a non EU/EEA member state starting a Research Master's programme or Erasmus Mundus Master's programme at the Faculty of Arts? If so, you could qualify for the Holland Scholarship, a partial scholarship which helps you to finance your studies.

Read more on the Holland Scholarship.

University of Groningen Orange Tulip Scholarship/Talent Grant of Faculty of Arts


Are you a non-EU/EEA student from Russia, India or Indonesia, starting a Master's programme at the Faculty of Arts? If so, you could qualify for the University of Groningen OTS/Talent Grant, Faculty of Arts, a partial scholarship which helps you to finance your studies.

Read more about the OTS/Talent Grant Faculty of Arts.

Master's degree programme in Archaeology

The Faculty of Arts also offers a one year master's degree programme in Archaeology (in Dutch).

Read more

Study associations

Synthesis

Synthesis is the new study association for all Research Master students from the Faculty of Arts. Synthesis is both a social network and a platform for the academic development of young scholars. Given our shared interest in academic research, Synthesis organizes a variety of seminars, lectures and workshops about academic skills or career strategy with interesting speakers from different fields.
Synthesis also aims to create and maintain an active Research Master community by organizing social activities such as drinks, dinners and fun trips. Join our Facebook group for more information.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/468316950175210/

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
Study support

If you have any questions or doubts about your studies, you can always contact the study advisor. He or she knows all the ins and outs of the program and personal planning. Study advisors are impartial and everything that is discussed is treated confidentially. They can also help you find the right institutions and student desks for your problems.