Program Overview

Environmental Archaeology, Field and Laboratory Methodology

The course provides in-depth insights into environmental archaeological survey methods and analysis techniques. Archaeobotanical analysis, insect analysis, pollen analysis, and various soil chemical-physical analyses and techniques are examples of the methods used. Through practical work in the field and in the laboratory, in groups and individually, skills are practiced for different sampling strategies in soil surveys and archaeological excavations.

Course Structure

The course consists of two modules:

1. Environmental Archaeological Field Methodology
2. Environmental Archaeological Lab Methodology

Module 1: Environmental Archaeological Field Methodology

In this module, the focus is on environmental archaeology field studies, with a combination of landscape excursions, site visits, and sampling where students get to familiarize themselves with soils and sediments and how to deal with them in an Environmental archaeology context.

Module 2: Environmental Archaeological Lab Methodology

This module is primarily aimed at the subsequent analysis of material and information gathered during module 1, where a chosen landscape/site will be analyzed to enable interpretation of the various aspects of site activities and landscape development.

Course Details

• Type: Course, second cycle
• Study pace: Full time
• Study location: Umeå
• Type of studies: On campus
• Language: English
• Number of credits: 15 credits
• Teaching hours: Daytime
• Application code: UMU-F1301

Eligibility

• A Bachelor's degree or equivalent first-cycle qualification comprising at least 180 ECTS or a corresponding qualification from an internationally recognized university.
• Specific entry requirements are 90 ECTS in one of the following subjects: Archaeology, Environmental Archaeology, Geography, Geology, History, Anthropology, Classics, Biological and/or environmental sciences, or an equivalent/related subject.
• Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English B/6.

Selection

• Academic credits

Application and Tuition Fees

• Application fee: SEK 900
• Tuition fee, first instalment: SEK 24,150
• Total fee: SEK 24,150

Important Dates

• Starts: 1 September 2025
• Ends: 2 November 2025
• Application deadline: 15 January 2025 (for international admissions round), 15 April 2025 (for EU/EEA citizens)

Provided By

• Historical, Philosophical and Religious Studies

Additional Information

• The course is part of the offerings at Umeå University, which is certified as a Healthy Campus with many initiatives promoting health and well-being.
• Umeå University is ranked #1 globally in the main categories of Living, Support, and Overall Satisfaction for international students.