Archaeology of North Western Europe

The Archaeology of North Western Europe MSc programme at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers a comprehensive and in-depth exploration of the archaeological history and cultural development of Northwestern Europe. This master's track is designed for students who are passionate about understanding the complex narratives of ancient societies, their interactions, and the material remains they left behind. Throughout the programme, students will engage with a diverse range of archaeological periods, from prehistoric times through the Roman era and into the Middle Ages, providing a broad yet detailed perspective on regional history.

The curriculum emphasizes both theoretical frameworks and practical skills, enabling students to critically analyze archaeological data, interpret findings, and apply modern techniques such as GIS, remote sensing, and other digital archaeological methods. Students will learn about excavation strategies, artifact analysis, and conservation techniques, equipping them with the capabilities to contribute meaningfully to archaeological research projects or cultural heritage management. The programme encourages interdisciplinary approaches, integrating insights from history, anthropology, and conservation science to enrich understanding.

Students will have opportunities for hands-on experience through fieldwork, internships, and collaborations with museums and archaeological sites. The programme also explores key themes such as socio-economic developments, cultural transformations, and interactions between different groups and civilizations in Northwestern Europe. The academic staff comprises experts in European archaeology who foster a stimulating learning environment focused on critical thinking, research skills, and innovative methodologies.

Graduates of this MSc programme will be well-prepared for careers in archaeological research, cultural heritage management, museum curation, or further academic pursuits such as PhD studies. The programme’s international orientation and emphasis on regional archaeology make it an ideal choice for students interested in the rich archaeological heritage of Northwestern Europe and seeking to contribute to its preservation and understanding through scholarly work or professional practice.

Specializations

Master's Students in Archaeology of North Western Europe can choose one of the following specializations:

• Late Prehistory and Roman Archaeology of North Western Europe

This specialisation explores the Celtic/Germanic societies of North Western Europe during the late Iron Age, and their eventual integration into the Roman Empire. Archaeological analyses of results from recent fieldwork and material culture are combined with the exploration of theoretical concepts and ideas about integration processes - and the therein occurring variations - within the Roman Empire.

• Medieval and Early Modern Archaeology

This specialisation focuses on the study of the origins and developments of cities (especially Amsterdam) in conjunction with developments in landscape, as well as the settlement and agrarian strategies in various Dutch landscapes.

Structure

The programme comprises 60 ECTS credits:

• 42 credits for core courses
• 18 credits for a thesis

Field work

You learn the skills you need for doing fieldwork. Apart from analysing, reporting and presenting field data, these skills also include managing and conducting fieldwork, e.g. making reasoned choices, adhering to deadlines, delegating tasks and working within a group. You will learn these skills in a practical setting at one of ACASA's current research locations in the Netherlands and in the Mediterranean.

As a Master’s student you can also do a protocol internship in the field, followed by the writing of a protocol book (maximum of 12 ECTS).

Thesis

The Master’s thesis (18 ECTS) reports on research carried out by the student under the supervision of two academic staff members involved in the programme. The subject of the thesis must be mutually agreed upon by the student and the academic adviser.

Admission and application

Admission is based on a strict selection procedure. The Faculty’s Admission Board will decide upon your admission after having evaluated your complete online application. If you have read the admission criteria below and feel you are eligible for admission, please take the following steps to submit your application. Note that the initial application procedure is fully online and that scans of your relevant documents are required.

Step 1: Meet admission criteria 
Step 2: Prepare documents and apply online 
Step 3: Await decision on admission 
Step 4: Finalize registration and move to Amsterdam! 

Step 1: Meet admission criteria

In order to gain admission to one of our Master’s programmes, you will need to have at least a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited research university including at least three full years of academic study amounting to a minimum of 180 ECTS or equivalent. 

Specific admission requirements for the Master’s Programme Archaeology, specialization in Archaeology of North Western Europe

Students with a Bachelor’s degree in Archaeology are eligible for admission. 

You must always present official test results proving your proficiency in English. Only students who have completed a  full high school/International Baccalaureate in English or bachelor’s degree in Canada, USA, UK, Ireland, New Zealand, or Australia may be exempted. You can already apply online without having the test results. In case you haven’t taken a test yet we advise you to plan a test date as soon as possible. Below you will find the minimum English test scores for the English taught programmes at the Faculty of Humanities: 

TOEFL score (score 600 paper based with a minimum of 55 in each of the subtests plus 4.0 in TWE, score 250 computer based or score 100 internet based with a minimum of 20-23 in each of the subtests).  IELTS score of 7.0 overall band score (with none of the separate section scores dropping below a minimum score of 6.5). 

Cambridge English: Cambridge Proficiency Exam A, B, C, or Cambridge Advanced Exam A, B, C.

Step 2: Prepare documents and apply online 

Please prepare the following documents. You can find an explanation of each document on the application page. All documents should be provided in English. 

• Copy of your valid passport or ID (ID only for EU residents) 
• Curriculum Vitae
• Motivation Letter
• Two Letters of Recommendation
• Transcript of records 
• Thesis (or another sample of academic writing, at least 5 pages plus a list of used literature)
• A description of the relevant courses you have taken during your previous higher education 
• A list of all the main literature used during your previous higher education  

After having prepared the required documents, please follow the online application procedure. After you have completed the application, our international student advisors will contact you via email.

Step 3: Await decision on admission
The admission board will review your application as soon as it is complete. Normally this takes about four weeks, but it might take longer in busy periods so be sure to apply as soon as possible. If you gain admission, you will receive a letter of conditional admission by email. You can start planning your move to Amsterdam!

Step 4: Finalize your registration and move to Amsterdam!
Make sure to finalize your registration as a student before the start of the programme. Here you will find an explanation what to do after admission. When all conditions are met you will be ready to start your programme at VU University Amsterdam! 

Want to improve your English level for admission?

Prepare for the program requirements with English Online by the British Council.

• ✔️ Flexible study schedule
• ✔️ Experienced teachers
• ✔️ Certificate upon completion

📘 Recommended for students with an IELTS level of 6.0 or below.

Enroll in the course

The financing options for the Archaeology of North Western Europe master’s program at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam are designed to accommodate a diverse group of students, including Dutch, EU/EEA, and international students. The program itself does not have a dedicated scholarship fund, but students can explore a range of potential funding sources to finance their studies. Dutch and EU students may be eligible for government grants and student loans, such as the Dutch student financing system (Studiefinanciering), which offers various forms of financial support, including loans, grants, and possibly tuition fee reimbursement, depending on individual circumstances. Non-EU international students are generally required to pay the full international tuition fees, which are specified annually by the university, and are encouraged to seek other funding opportunities through external scholarships and grants offered by governmental agencies, international organizations, and private foundations. Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam participates in several scholarship programs, such as the Holland Scholarship, which provides scholarships for talented non-EU students to study in the Netherlands. Additionally, students can look into university-specific bursaries or external funding options like Erasmus+ mobility funding if they plan to participate in exchange programs or internships abroad as part of their studies. Financial planning is strongly recommended prior to application, as studying in the Netherlands entails various costs beyond tuition, including accommodation, health insurance, living expenses, and study materials. The university offers a dedicated International Student Desk that provides detailed guidance on financing options, application procedures for scholarships, and financial planning. Moreover, some students may be eligible for part-time work during their studies, subject to visa regulations for international students, which can help offset living costs. It is also advisable for students to check with national and international scholarship databases, as well as their home country’s education funding agencies, to identify additional sources of financial assistance. Ultimately, prospective students are encouraged to start their financial planning early and consult the university’s official resources for the most accurate and updated information on tuition fees, scholarship opportunities, and financial aid procedures related to the Archaeology of North Western Europe program.

The Archaeology of North Western Europe program at Vrije Universiteit Amsterdam offers students a comprehensive understanding of the archaeological heritage and history of the Northwestern European region. The curriculum is designed to cover a broad spectrum of topics, including the prehistoric to the early medieval periods, with a focus on material culture, archaeological methods, and theoretical approaches. Students will explore various archaeological sites, artifacts, and landscapes across countries such as the Netherlands, Belgium, and parts of Western Germany and France. The program emphasizes research skills, including excavation techniques, artifact analysis, and the interpretation of archaeological data within cultural and historical contexts. The faculty comprises experts in European archaeology, providing students with insights into the latest research developments and fostering an international academic environment. Practical training is integrated through fieldwork components, enabling students to gain hands-on experience in excavation and laboratory analysis. Additionally, the program promotes interdisciplinary approaches by incorporating insights from history, anthropology, conservation, and digital technologies. Graduates are prepared for careers in archaeological research, cultural heritage management, museums, and academic roles. The program duration is typically one year for a master's degree, with full-time study, and may include opportunities for internships or fieldwork abroad. Overall, the Archaeology of North Western Europe at VU Amsterdam aims to develop critical thinking, analytical skills, and a deep appreciation of the region’s rich archaeological record, preparing students for a dynamic professional landscape in archaeology and heritage studies.