Archaeology: Field Archaeology

This specialisation is part of the Master’s programme Archaeology.

After graduation, many archaeology students start their careers in (commercial) Field Archaeology. The collection of data ‘in the field’ literally forms the essence of all archaeological research. It is therefore essential to have the skills necessary to plan, execute, and elaborate fieldwork.
The specialisation Field Archaeology teaches students how desk-based research, various kinds of prospective methods, excavations and elaborations are planned and carried out; not only in theory, but also in practice. The courses aim to be of relevance anywhere in the world. From Palaeolithic flint scatters to urban centres, from Near Eastern tells to pre-Columbian settlements in the Caribbean, and the Dutch coast.

The various periods and research objects, differing per country/region, have different (potential) research goals and raise questions that can only be answered by using the right (innovative) field methods. The Field Archaeology specialisation educates students in framing clear and meaningful research questions and teaches them how to translate these questions into adequate fieldwork strategies, how to plan and conduct fieldwork (including elaboration), and how to work in a team. The programme consists of two seminars with assignments, and an internship in prospective field archaeology.

Staff: drs Richard Jansen, prof. dr Harry Fokkens.