Master's Programme in Environmental Archaeology 120 credits

Image: Malin Grönborg

About the programme

Specialize in Environmental Archaeology and learn to gather information to interpret ancient landscapes and environments through inventory, mapping and sampling. By mixing theory with practical exercises in the field and laboratory, you prepare for a career in a number of different disciplines and you can work both locally and globally with important societal issues such as sustainability, climate change and cultural environment work.

Problem solving in real projects and excavations

Teaching builds on real problems and gives you a toolbox of methods for excavation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of archaeological data.

The Environmental Archaeology Laboratory

At Umeå University you have access to a high-quality environmental archaeology laboratory throughout your education.

While studying

During the degree programme you will build upon your existing knowledge of archaeology, Quaternary science, physical geography or related subjects. You will develop skills in methods for analysing environmental evidence in the form of plant and insect remains. You will also learn to read traces left in soils and sediments by studying their physical and chemical properties.

Environmental archaeology is about understanding how people have impacted on, and interacted with, environments. By studying organic and chemical remains or artefacts using methods from the natural sciences you can build a picture of the role humans have played in different ecosystems. Within the field we study long time perspectives, from the end of the Ice Age until historical times, and include farming as much as hunter gatherers.

Problem solving in real projects and excavations

When studying environmental archaeology, you mix theory with practice in the field and lab. You learn specialised methods to investigate questions such as what prehistoric people grew and ate, what the landscape looked like and how climate has changed. Teaching is mainly based around real problems, and during the programme you build up a toolbox of methods and skills for excavation, analysis, interpretation and presentation of archaeological and environmental data. You will work closely within a real life project and excavation environment.

Structure of the degree

During the first year of the programme, you will obtain a solid foundation in environmental archaeological field and lab methods, followed by more detailed theory and methods. In order to effectively map excavation sites, you will also learn Geographical Information Systems (GIS) for archaeology and environmental archaeology. The first year ends with an independent thesis (15ECTS), which allows you to apply for the degree of Magister.

During the second year, you may customize your degree according to your interests. If you choose a generalist profile, then you may take electives or traineeship for an entire term. If you choose a specialist profile, it is half a term of electives or traineeship followed by the Methodological specialisation course. The final term consists of a 30 ECTS Master's thesis.

Programme overview

First year

Environmental archaeology, field and laboratory methodology
Environmental archaeology - advanced study in theory and methodology.
GIS for environmental archaeology and archaeology
Environmental archaeology - problem orientation, research planning and applications
Magister thesis in environmental archaeology

Second year

Optional/elective courses or internship/work placement.
Master Thesis in Environmental Archaeology.

Show programme syllabus

Future and career opportunities

This degree prepares you for work as an archaeologist, environmental archaeologist, administrator or investigator at a heritage board, administrative organisation or museum. Other employment possibilities include those within landscape management and conservation, creating exhibitions, as a nature/heritage guide or museum curator.

The programme also prepares you for working with Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and various laboratory processes. Potential workplaces include administrative organisations, land survey agencies and forestry or conservation agencies. The degree is also highly appropriate for building a career in environmental archaeology, paleoecology, Quaternary science or similar research fields. You will also be eligible to apply for PhD studentships in archaeology, environmental archaeology and related subjects.

Interested in becoming a scientist?

During the degree you will develop your capacity for independent thinking and scientific writing – essential skills for moving on to a career in research. After having read the Master's degree in Environmental Archaeology, you will be eligible to apply for PhD positions in archaeology or environmental archaeology in Sweden and internationally.

Learn more about doctoral studies at Umeå University

Degree

Master of Arts degree in Environmental Archaeology.

Apply

Autumn 2025
- Master's Programme in Environmental Archaeology
  
  Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Start
  Autumn Term 2025
  
  Number of credits
  120 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Length
  2 years
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-M8056
  
  Eligibility A Bachelor's degree or equivalent within archaeology, environmental archaeology, Quaternary geology, physical geography or comparable major, or equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A/6. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits
  
  Degree
  Degree of Master or Arts. The degree is issued in environmental archaeology.
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 January 2025. The application period is closed.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 48,300
  
  Total fee: SEK 193,200
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding
- Master's Programme in Environmental Archaeology
  
  Autumn 2025 / Umeå / English / On site
  
  Submit a late application
  
  Show more Show less
  
  Start
  Autumn Term 2025
  
  Number of credits
  120 credits
  
  Type of studies
  On site
  
  Study pace
  100%
  
  Length
  2 years
  
  Study location
  Umeå
  
  Language
  English
  
  Application code
  UMU-P8056
  
  Eligibility A Bachelor's degree or equivalent within archaeology, environmental archaeology, Quaternary geology, physical geography or comparable major, or equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English A/6. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
  
  Selection
  Academic credits
  
  Degree
  Degree of Master or Arts. The degree is issued in environmental archaeology.
  
  Application
  Application deadline was 15 April 2025. Submit a late application at Universityadmissions.se.
  
  Application and tuition fees
  As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
  
  Application fee: SEK 900
  
  Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 48,300
  
  Total fee: SEK 193,200
  
  Details about tuition, fees and funding

Apply online via universityadmissions.se
You apply to our programmes and courses via universityadmissions.se – the official website for higher education applications in Sweden. There, you can track your application, check that your documents have been registered, and log in to find our your admission results.
 
Late applications
Admissions to most programmes and courses typically close after the final application deadline. However, some programmes and courses may still accept late applications if seats are available. These are marked “Open for late application” on universityadmissions.se. Please note that late applications are not guaranteed to be reviewed.

More about application and admission

Frequently asked questions

Can I study this programme remotely (as online courses)?

No. Study takes place on campus in Umeå with scheduled lectures, laboratory practicals, field studies, examinations and compulsory modules.

Can I start studying in the autumn or spring term?

The programme only has an autumn intake.

Can I study this degree part-time?

No, it is only offered as a two-year full time study programme.

Can I accredit points from previous courses?

Yes, evaluation of previous courses in ecology, Quaternary science, or equivalent, is performed on an individual basis. You may also be able to accredit points from other relevant subjects, after evaluation, as your second year elective courses.
Learn more about Transfer of credits at the Student website

Can I study abroad within the programme?

Yes, after discussion with the director of the programme, and primarily during year two.

What does the job market look like for graduates of this programme?

There is significant competition for jobs within archaeology and a Master's degree can give you a competitive advantage. It may also advisable to broaden your education during the degree by reading subjects such as pedagogy, anthropology, history or journalism to widen your range of skills.[PIB2] You should also be prepared to move within Sweden or internationally in order to increase your chances of finding a job that suits you.

Our Master's programme is held in high regard internationally and many of our previous students work or are researchers abroad, including the UK, Norway and Denmark. A Master's degree also makes you eligible to apply for PhD positions in archaeology or environmental archaeology in Sweden and internationally.

Research excellence at Umeå University

Be a part of a world-class environment for teaching and research – where the Nobel Prize-winning discovery of CRISPR-Cas9 geneediting began, and where innovation continues to shape the future.

Innovative with international impact

Research for society, nature and the future. Read about our research research environments and infrastructure.
Open climate for groundbreaking research

Emmanuelle Charpentier credits the research environment in Umeå as a key factor in her discovery.

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