Archaeology - theory and practice - Master's Programme

In this programme, you will gain advanced knowledge in archaeology and ancient history through a combination of theoretical, methodological, and practical training. You will explore material culture, historical landscapes, texts, and scientific data, while developing interdisciplinary thinking and critical analysis. A shared foundation in theory, method, and ethics supports your engagement with key debates and practices in the field. The programme promotes both independent and collaborative work, and strengthens your skills in academic writing, field methods, and digital tools.

The programme is international, and lectures and literature are in English throughout.

The programme starts with a core course in theory, method, and ethics, providing a shared academic foundation. You will then choose two out of four specialisation tracks, offered on rotating terms:

• Either Humans and Landscapes or Text and Materiality
• Either Scientific Methods in Archaeology or Building Archaeology.

These tracks allow you to tailor your studies to your academic interests and apply your knowledge in practical settings. Additional electives include digital archaeology, fieldwork, and in-depth reading courses. In the final term, you will complete a thesis aligned with your chosen specialisation. The programme is designed for flexibility while ensuring academic progression. The order of the courses may vary depending on your year of admission within a two-year cycle. 

After graduation, you will be well prepared for work in contract archaeology, research, cultural heritage, museums and other public or private organisations that deal with archaeological and historical knowledge. The programme also provides a solid foundation for further studies at the doctoral level.

Prerequisites

A first-cycle degree in one of the main fields of Archaeology, Historical Archaeology, Classical Archaeology and Ancient History or Historical Osteology or the equivalent. Proficiency in English 6 from Swedish upper secondary school.

Selection criteria

Based on academic qualifications and a letter of intent.

Tuition fees for non-EU/EEA citizens

Citizens of countries outside:

• The European Union (EU)
• The European Economic Area (EEA) and
• Switzerland

are required to pay tuition fees. You pay an instalment of the tuition fee in advance of each
semester.

Tuition fees, payments and exemptions

Full programme/course tuition fee: SEK 270,000
First payment: SEK 67,500

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Note that you may also need to pay an application fee, or provide proof of exemption.

Application fee

No tuition fees for citizens of the EU, EEA and Switzerland

There are no tuition fees for citizens of the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) and Switzerland.

Lund University Global Scholarship Programme

The Lund University Global Scholarship programme is a merit-based and selective scholarship targeted at top academic students from countries outside the EU/EEA.

Lund University Global Scholarship

African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship

Within the framework of the Lund University Global Scholarship programme, the University also offers the African Research Universities Alliance (ARUA) Scholarship targeted at top academic students from selected African research universities. 

ARUA Scholarship

Swedish Institute Scholarship: Global professionals

The Swedish Institute offers scholarships to international students from certain countries who are applying for select Master's programmes in Sweden. 

Scholarship information on the Swedish Institute website 

Country-specific scholarships and funding options

Lund University has agreements with scholarship organisations and funding bodies in different countries, which may allow applicants to apply for funding or scholarships in their home countries for their studies at Lund University. Most agreements are intended for Master’s applicants, although certain opportunities may also be available to Bachelor’s students.

Country-specific scholarships

External scholarships

In addition to scholarships offered by Lund University or through its partner agreements, there are external opportunities. On the page below, you’ll find examples of organisations that may provide financial support for international students from specific countries. 

External scholarships