Overview
Key facts
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.
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 Environmental Archaeology programme at Umea University 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.
Programme Structure
Courses Included:
- Environmental archaeology, field and laboratory methodology
- Environmental archaeology - advanced study in theory and methodology
- GIS for environmental archaeology and archaeology
- Magister thesis in environmental archaeology
- Master Thesis in Environmental Archaeology
Key information
Duration
- Full-time
- 24 months
Start dates & application deadlines
- Starting
- Apply before , International
- Apply before , EEA/EU
- Apply before , National
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Language
Credits
Delivered
Disciplines
Archaeology Environmental Sciences View 44 other Masters in Environmental Sciences in SwedenAcademic requirements
We are not aware of any academic requirements for this programme.
English requirements
Other requirements
General requirements
- A bachelors 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/5. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
Tuition Fee
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International
4432 EUR/yearTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 4432 EUR per year during 24 months. -
EU/EEA
FreeTuition FeeBased on the tuition of 0 EUR per year during 24 months.
- Application fee SEK900
- Tuition fee, first instalment SEK46,500
- Total fee SEK186,000
Living costs for Umeå
The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.
Funding
Studyportals Tip: Students can search online for independent or external scholarships that can help fund their studies. Check the scholarships to see whether you are eligible to apply. Many scholarships are either merit-based or needs-based.