Program Overview

Environmental Archaeology - Problem Orientation, Research Planning, and Applications

The Environmental Archaeology - Problem Orientation, Research Planning, and Applications course is a 7.5-credit course that utilizes theories and methods from various scientific disciplines, including geology, biology, chemistry, and ecology. Advanced tools such as Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and quantitative environmental reconstruction are employed to understand human impact on and interaction with the environment. This course provides interdisciplinary perspectives, incorporating practical exercises in experimental archaeology, GIS, statistics, environmental reconstructions, and interpretation and presentation of environmental archaeological data.

About the Course

Environmental archaeology integrates data from multiple sources, including geoarchaeology, pollen analysis, fossil insects, and plant macrofossils, to facilitate the interpretation of archaeological remains and their surrounding landscape. The course is problem-oriented, featuring applied experimental exercises.

Eligibility

To be eligible for this course, students must have completed 90 ECTS courses in archeology, environmental archaeology, geology, environmental chemistry, physical geography, or equivalent, as well as 15 ECTS credits in Environmental Archaeology - Advanced Study in Theory and Methodology or equivalent. Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2 is also required.

Selection

Selection is based on academic credits.

Application and Tuition Fees

As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA), or Switzerland, students are required to pay application and tuition fees. The application fee is SEK 900, and the tuition fee for the first installment is SEK 12,075.

Course Details

• Starts: 19 February 2026
• Ends: 23 March 2026
• Number of credits: 7.5 credits
• Type of studies: On site
• Study pace: 100%
• Teaching hours: Daytime
• Study location: Umeå
• Language: English
• Application code: UMU-F1304

Additional Information

The course is given by the Department of Historical, Philosophical, and Religious Studies. For more information on how to apply, please refer to the step-by-step guide provided. International students can also find essential information in the International Student Guide. Study guidance is available for students with study-related questions.