M.A. in Archaeology: Mediterranean Archaeology

The Master’s degree programme in Archaeology is offered jointly by two universities. The University of Amsterdam (UvA) and VU Amsterdam have combined their expertise in the fields of Archaeology, Ancient History and Classics in the Amsterdam Centre for Ancient Studies and Archaeology (ACASA). This merging of specialisations encourages collaboration and extends the options when it comes to the supervision of your Master’s thesis.

The programme is made up of four compulsory core courses, two research labs, an individual assignment and your Master’s thesis.

The start date of this programme is September 1st.

In your first semester, you’ll take two courses to get you acquainted with archaeology and its most recent developments in theory and research. The first course introduces you to cutting-edge archaeological research on the issue of human mobility, of both voluntary and forced migration, studied from multiple sources and angles. The second course focuses on historical archaeology. Since our research and teaching focus on periods for which textual evidence is important, familiarity with the theories and methods of historical archaeology is required.

In your second semester, you’ll take courses to prepare you for the labour market: Digital Practice in Archaeology, and Archaeology, Heritage and Society. At the same time, you’ll participate in two research labs and do an individual research assignment or a short internship. The two research labs focus on archaeological interpretation and the study of archaeological materials – you’ll work in small groups and report on your findings. You’ll finish the year by writing a Master’s thesis on a subject of your own choice.

European Archaeology

If you decide to follow the European Archaeology track, you’ll focus more on the history of ancient Europe – from the Bronze Age until the Early Modern Period.

The structure of the programme is the same for both tracks.

However, you’ll specialise in European Archaeology during the research labs, which are separate for each track. With the explicit aim of developing your knowledge in your chosen area of specialisation, these tutorials are related to research projects by ACASA Archaeology staff members who are experts in European Archaeology. Your individual research assignment and Master’s thesis may also be on a topic of your choice within your area of specialisation.

Mediterranean Archaeology

If you decide to follow the Mediterranean Archaeology track, you’ll focus more on the history of the ancient Mediterranean world – from the Bronze Age until the Early Modern Period.

The structure of the programme is the same for both tracks.

However, you’ll specialise in Mediterranean Archaeology during the research labs, which are separate for each track. With the explicit aim of developing your knowledge in your chosen area of specialisation, these tutorials are related to research projects by ACASA Archaeology staff members who are experts in Mediterranean Archaeology. Your individual research assignment and Master’s thesis may also be on a topic of your choice within your area of specialisation.