Welcome to Archaeology and the Master´s degree program
Dear student
Welcome to the Master Programs in Prehistoric and Medieval and Renaissance Archaeology at Aarhus
University! We very much look forward to meeting you, and to working with you in the coming months!
Your courses here will explore the history of humans from their earliest traces in the Stone Age to the
Renaissance period and beyond. The main emphasis of your studies will be on the archaeology of southern
Scandinavia, but your courses will also relate this region to the rest of Europe and beyond. Scandinavian
archaeology has a long tradition and has produced a unique archaeological material: the spectacular shell
mounds of the Mesolithic hunter-gatherers, thousands of megalithic monuments constructed by the first
farming communities, well-preserved oak log coffins or intriguing rock carvings from the Early Bronze Age,
spectacular royal sites of the Viking Age or impressive fortresses from the Medieval period – these are just
a few of the highlights. Through your studies you will have the opportunity to involve yourself in this rich
heritage and study the finds, the societies and the people of this region’s past.
At Aarhus University, we have a long tradition for interdisciplinary investigations, and both programs are
characterized by interdisciplinary cooperation, both within the humanities and with the natural sciences. As
a student in this environment you will come into contact with a wide range of possible specializations, and
it will to a significant degree be up to you to decide, which direction your work is going take in the coming
months and years. Courses are offered on the various main (pre-)historical periods with a thematic focus,
for instance on war, mobility and religion or specific topics such as buildings and artifacts. In general, you
choose your own subjects within such overall themes. Furthermore, you will gain insights into theoretical
aspects of archaeology, and you will work with analytical methods and IT to enhance your ability to
systematize, structure and interpret the often very extensive and complex data sets with which
archaeologists work.
Most graduates from the MA program choose to work as archaeologists, mainly at museums where they
assume responsibility for excavations or for the dissemination of knowledge about the past, or cultural
issues in general. Some are employed within the wider cultural administration sector, where their general
analytical and theoretical abilities allow them to carry out a variety of different jobs. Another option is to
make a career in research and teaching. You can apply for a PhD scholarship at Aarhus University, either
during the first year of the MA program or after completing your MA thesis.
One of the many special things about studying archaeology at Aarhus University is Campus Moesgård – an
old manor house located just south of Aarhus, by the Moesgård woods and less than 2 kilometers from the
nearest beach. You will spend most of your time as a student at Moesgård, and we hope that you will not
only come here for courses and library work – but also to take part in the lively student life happening here.
We encourage you to join the association for students at the two departments, who organize academic
discussions about your studies and field trips as well as contact with local museums – not to mention the
famous bars, parties and other social events.
In order to ensure that your MA education gets off to a good start, we have put together an introductory
program for all new and old students. Here, we will tell you more about the program and your
opportunities as a student, and we will introduce you to Campus Moesgård and the student environment.
We hope you will join us!
Mette Svart Kristiansen
Associate professor, Course Director
Andres Dobat
Assistant professor
Time and venue:
 2. September, 10:15 – 17:00, Campus Moesgård, Building 4206, room 129 (see map over Campus
Moesgård below)
 9. September, 14:00 – 17:00, Campus Moesgård, Building 4206, room 117 (see map over Campus
Moesgård below)
N.B.: You reach Campus Moesgård by Bus 18 from Aarhus city center (see here: http://data.midttrafik.dk)
Program:
2. September: Studying Archaeology at Campus Moesgård (Building 4206, room 129)
10.15-10.45: Welcome and Introduction, Coffee
10.45-11.15: Courses and expectations (Andres S. Dobat, Prehistory and Mette Svart Kristiansen, Medieval
and Renaissance)
11.15-12.00: Guided tour at Campus Moesgård – lecture rooms, museum, manor and park
12.00-13.00: Lunch at the cafeteria (you can either purchase food or bring your own)
13.00-13:30: Introduction to Moesgård library and access to course literature, semester shelves, etc.
(chief-librarian Michael Qvotrup)
13.30-15.30: The Master’s degree program – structure, optional subjects, practical training, studying
abroad, Master's thesis, etc.) (Student advisor Martha Thorup Mouritsen)
15.30-17.00: Reception in the students’ bar
9. September: Research and PhD opportunities in Archaeology at AU (Building 4206, room 117)
14.00-15.00
Introduction to the PhD School for History, Archaeology and Classical Studies for BA- and
MA-students (PhD School director Nina Koefoed)
15.00-17.00: Current research and PhD projects at Archaeology - presentations by researchers and PhD
students (Welcome by Director of the Research Program "Materials, Culture and Heritage"
Helle Vandkilde)
October 2013: Studying Archaeology at Aarhus University (venue and detailed program to be announced)
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Dialogue on study experience
Competences and carrier opportunities for Archaeologists
Map of Campus Moesgård (most of the teaching takes place in building 4206)