Master in Archaeological Sciences

The program aims to offer English-language training in archaeology strongly anchored in cutting-edge international research. It focuses on the potential of science-based approaches to reconstruct human–environmental interactions in past societies. It combines a range of teaching formats and modes of assessment, enabling students to develop advanced knowledge of archaeology, theoretically and methodologically. The education concludes with an archaeological thesis (15 ECTS). The program is designed to prepare students for doctoral studies as well as to enhance their employability within the archaeological sector.

Entry to the program requires a Bachelor of Arts degree (180 ECTS) in Archaeology or an equivalent qualification, or alternatively a Bachelor of Arts degree in Heritage Studies including at least undergraduate and master courses (60 ECTS) in Archaeology. Applicants must demonstrate proficiency in English equivalent to English 6 from the Swedish upper secondary school or an equivalent level on an internationally recognized test. Accepted tests include IELTS Academic, IELTS Online, IELTS UKVI (Academic), IELTS One Skill Retake (Academic), TOEFL iBT, TOEFL iBT Home Edition, and TOEFL iBT Paper Edition.

The programme awards a Master’s degree in Archaeology, 60 ECTS.

The program consists of two semesters of full-time study, concluding with a Master’s thesis in Archaeology.

First Semester

Compulsory courses:
- AE2036 Introduction to Archaeological Sciences (7.5 ECTS)
- AE2038 Archaeological Material, Contexts and Scientific Methods (7.5 ECTS)

Optional 15-credit courses include:
- AE2037 Environmental Archaeology and its Methods
- AE2041 Bioarchaeology
- AE2045 Archaeology as Sustainability Science
- AE2043 Nordic and European Bronze Age Societies
- AE2044 Stone Age Societies and Environments in Europe
- AE2052 3D Data and Visualization in Archaeology and Cultural Heritage Studies

Second Semester

Compulsory courses:
- AE2071 Archaeological Theory and Method in Academic Writing (15 ECTS)
- AE2012 Archaeological Thesis (15 ECTS)

Description of Course Components

Semester 1

AE2036 Introduction to Archaeological Applications, 7.5 credits, introduces students to scientific research specialisations and their applications within archaeology. Teaching staff will introduce students to their respective research areas, facilitating more advanced study in the subsequent elective courses during Semester 1.

The second course, AE2038 Archaeological Materials, Contexts and Scientific Methods, 7.5 credits, enables students to develop in-depth knowledge of various field and laboratory methods. Students will reflect on selection processes and methodological applicability in order to understand the outcome of scientifically analysing archaeological material.

The previously mentioned elective courses have a clear scientific profile:

AE2037 Environmental Archaeology and its Methods provides in-depth learning of environmental archaeology principles and practices for field and laboratory-based applications, including soil chemical analyses, soil micromorphology and analysis of plant microfossils.

AE2041 Bioarchaeology provides knowledge of biological remains and current scientific methods within bioarchaeology. The course also includes critical analysis and problematisation of these scientific methods as well as the application of osteology within archaeology.

AE2044 Stone Age Societies in Europe and their Environments focuses on the transition from hunter-gatherer societies to agrarian communities during the Stone Age, highlighting the living conditions of the respective economies and their environmental impact in relation to contemporary climatic changes. The course also addresses themes such as migration, pandemics, and the emergence of large-scale funerary monuments. Scientific applications including environmental DNA and strontium isotope analysis are examined.

AE2043 Bronze Age Societies in the Nordic Region and Europe provides advanced knowledge of the complex lifeways of the Bronze Age through themes such as production, warfare and economy, examined from both a Nordic and a broader European perspective. The course highlights scientific applications such as DNA and isotope analysis.

AE2052 3D Data and Visualisation in Archaeology and Heritage Studies equips students with knowledge of 3D modelling as a research tool and as an instrument within the heritage sector. Modelling is a valuable resource for the scientific analysis of archaeological remains and for making them accessible to a wider public. The course has a practical focus on advanced software in 3D and artificial intelligence, while also addressing sustainability considerations and ethical issues relating to the management of archaeological remains.

Semester 2

During the second semester emphasis is placed on independent research and academic writing. AE2071 Archaeological Theory and Method in Academic Writing, 15 credits, aims to assist students in formulating a productive research project, with regard to theoretical framework, state of research, research questions, selection of materials and empirical strategies, in preparation for the subsequent degree project, AE2012 Archaeological essay, 15 credits, which concludes the program.

After completing the program the student is expected to:

Knowledge and Understanding

- Demonstrate an advanced understanding of archaeology’s potential to reconstruct prehistoric societies and living conditions using scientific methods.
- Display knowledge of a series of different scientific methods and their application within archaeology.
- Demonstrate specialized understanding of the development of archaeology in relation to scientific methods.

Skills and Abilities

- Address methodological problems and challenges in the use of different scientific methods and digital technologies orally, in writing, and in practice.
- Apply practical and laboratory skills to archaeological material in an independent and reflective manner.
- Formulate a well-defined research question within a chosen field of study.
- Conduct a scientific research project independently and creatively, with relevance to scientific applications.

Judgement and Approach

- Critically evaluate different scientific methods and assess their applicability.
- Independently and creatively select appropriate methods in laboratory practice and research.
- Critically discuss archaeological interpretations in relation to relevant scientific, societal, and ethical aspects.
- Critically reflect on the selection of archaeological material in relation to the application of various scientific methods.

The study programme will be followed up and evaluated in accordance with the applicable Policy for the Quality Assurance and Continuous Quality Improvement of Education at the University of Gothenburg (Policy för kvalitetssäkring och kvalitetsutveckling av utbildning vid Göteborgs universitet).

Students who follow the programme at the normal pace and achieve passing results are guaranteed a place in all courses within the programme. This general placement guarantee also applies to the 15 ECTS of optional courses.