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

Archaeology

Are you interested in developing a dynamic and marketable skill-set in archaeological method and theory? Do you want to combine your archaeological interests with current societal issues such as climate change and migration? Do you want to learn how to write a peer-reviewed article on archaeology?

Our two-year Research Master’s (ReMA) programme provides the progressive and practical training early-career archaeologists need in a changing field. This programme is designed with present-day societal challenges and opportunities in mind--including, but not limited to climate change, structural social inequality and migration. You can specialise in a variety of fields, including:
  • human osteology,
  • archaeobotany,
  • zooarchaeology,
  • archaeometry,
  • digital archaeology,
  • ethnoarchaeology and
  • heritage studies.
Additionally, you have access to our state of the art laboratories, reference collections, and expertise. Our instructors carry out cutting-edge research around the world--in Europe, the Near East, the Mediterranean, the Arctic and southern Africa to investigate past identities, migrations, technology, climate adaptation and societal resilience. Through structured seminars and tutorials you co-design with our researchers, you will develop essential skills in laboratory methods/techniques, academic writing and outreach.

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 programme offers: Intensive training in world-class labs (human osteology, GIS, zooarchaeology, archaeobotany, conservation, isotope and aDNA sampling, archaeological illustration)

  • Close mentoring and collaborative work in small groups
  • Fieldwork and internship opportunities
  • Embedding in major international research projects and networks
  • Training in practical, transferable skills, such as grant-writing
  • Vibrant university city–close to prehistoric dolmens and World Heritage sites
Programme

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

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Archaeometry: Scientific Approaches to Material Culture (10 EC)
Landscape Archaeology: Europe's Settled Landscapes (10 EC)
Research and Professional Skills in Archaeology (5 EC)
Flexible Component 1 (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.

Semesters
CoursesCourse Catalog >1a1b2a2b
Scientific approaches to Material Culture (10 EC)
Flexible Component 2 (10 EC)
Flexible Component 3 (5 EC)
National Research School courses (10 EC)
Archaeometry: Scientific Approaches to Material Culture (ADVANCED) (10 EC)
Landscape Archaeology: Europe's Settled Landscapes (ADVANCED) (10 EC)
Research and Professional Skills in Archaeology (ADVANCED) (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.


Please note that individual courses may possibly still change in the event of a programme change.
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 202501 September 2025
EU/EEA students01 May 202501 September 2025
non-EU/EEA students01 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 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€ 18700full-time
EU/EEA2025-2026€ 2601full-time
non-EU/EEA2025-2026€ 19200full-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

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
Master's Weeksdiverse locatiesMore information

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
  • Manou Jonink (coordinator: for all questions regarding application)
    Email: rema.arts rug.nl
  • Atze Sijtsma (Student Ambassador)

NL Scholarships

The University of Groningen offers NL Scholarships to international students from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) who want to do their master’s in the Netherlands. Read more on the NL Scholarships and on how to apply.
Read more

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.