Computer and Geoscience in Archaeology

Overview

This English-taught MSc programme brings together archaeology, computer science and spatial information science to train specialists who can apply modern technologies to the study of material culture. Built by an interdisciplinary team, the course is intended to deepen cooperative skills across these fields and to upskill graduates coming from varied archaeological and related backgrounds.

What you will learn

You will gain core knowledge in computer and geosciences alongside practical methods used in contemporary archaeological practice. Key technical training includes GIS, remote sensing and 3D documentation and processing. The curriculum also covers research data management with a strong emphasis on open data policies and linked open data, plus strategies and technologies for sharing knowledge, engaging the public, and meeting legal and ethical standards in heritage work.

Practical experience and outcomes

Students are able to join research projects run by partner institutions, obtaining hands-on field and project experience during their studies. The programme focuses on preparing graduates to identify problems and develop practical, technology-driven solutions for a range of employers in archaeology and cultural heritage organisations and enterprises.

Requirements (summary)

• Degree awarded: Master of Science
• Language of instruction: English
• Interdisciplinary focus: archaeology, computer science, spatial information science
• Intended for graduates from archaeology or related disciplines seeking technical and methodological upskilling
• Includes practical training in GIS, remote sensing, 3D documentation, research data management (open/linked data), outreach, and ethics
• Opportunities to participate in partner research projects and gain field experience
• For detailed admission criteria (academic prerequisites, required documents, language certificates, deadlines), consult the university’s official admissions information.

Curriculum overview This interdisciplinary Master’s program combines classroom teaching (lectures and seminars) with practice-oriented tutorials and hands‑on labs to train students in the digital methods used at the intersection of computer science, geoscience and archaeology. The course sequence is structured over four semesters: foundational and technical modules in the first two semesters, applied and advanced digital documentation and remote sensing in the third, and an independent master’s thesis in the fourth. Practical components such as fieldwork or an internship and project work are embedded alongside theory to ensure graduates can apply tools and workflows in real archaeological contexts.

Key modules and learning outcomes

• Geodesy & Geographic Information Systems (GIS): understand coordinate systems, geodetic surveying and spatial data management to accurately locate and analyse archaeological features.
• Photogrammetry & Remote Sensing: acquire and process aerial and terrestrial imagery (including UAV/UAS data) and sensor data to create orthophotos, DSMs and derive landscape-scale information.
• Digital 3D Documentation & Reconstructive 3D Modelling: capture, register and visualise three‑dimensional cultural heritage data; learn mesh generation, texturing and methods for reconstructive interpretation and presentation.
• Foundations in Data Science, Databases & Research Data Management: clean, analyse and model archaeological datasets; design and use databases; apply best practices for metadata, preservation and FAIR research data handling.
• Applied Mathematics & Computer Science; Programming (Python, introduction to Java): develop algorithmic thinking, scripting skills and software tools for data processing, analysis and automation.
• Computational Archaeology & Project Seminar: apply computational methods to archaeological research questions, manage a project through from question to deliverable, and present results to specialist and non‑specialist audiences.
• Academic Research & Writing; Language course: build skills in scientific writing, publication practice and communication in a multilingual research environment.
• Fieldwork / Internship: gain practical experience by applying digital acquisition and analysis methods on-site or within a professional placement.

Program requirements (concise)

• Complete core modules across all four semesters (lectures, seminars/practice, hands‑on tutorials).
• Participate in practical components: fieldwork or internship and laboratory/tutorial sessions.
• Take elective courses in semester 2 and 3 to deepen chosen specialisations.
• Pass the project seminar in digital archaeology (semester 3) demonstrating applied project work.
• Submit and defend a research‑based master’s thesis in semester 4.
• Demonstrate programming competence (Python; introductory Java) and proficiency in data handling, documentation and scientific communication.
• Full programme completed over four semesters (including coursework, practicals, project and thesis).

Graduates are prepared for technical and research roles at the intersection of archaeology and digital technologies, such as archaeological data analyst, GIS/remote sensing specialist, 3D documentation and visualization expert, and heritage IT specialist. Employers include universities and research institutions, museums, cultural heritage organisations, archaeological services, heritage consultancies and commercial firms offering geospatial or digital documentation services.

The programme's focus on research data management, open/linked data and public outreach also supports careers in digital archives, cultural data curation and policy or project roles in public-sector heritage agencies. Graduates seeking an academic path can pursue doctoral research in digital archaeology, geospatial sciences or related fields.