Study with Us

Teaching at the University of Helsinki ranges thematically from archaeological theory and methods, to more practical, lab- and fieldwork orientated courses, and to specializing units such as in maritime and scientific archaeology. Whenever possible, our teaching is team-taught, interdisciplinary, and close to latest research results.

Our teaching comprises archaeological courses for the Bachelor’s Program in Cultural studies and Master’s program in Cultural Heritage studies as well as doctoral research seminar in Archaeology.

If you’re interested in our current teaching courses in Archaeology – Go to the  system and enter either "Arkeologia" or "Archaeology" or "Arkeologi" in the search function.
Become a student

As a student in our program at the University of Helsinki, you will gain the knowledge you will need for a future career in archaeology. As a first-year student, you will learn about how archaeological work is conducted in Finland and at the end of the first year you will participate in our teaching excavations and learn archaeological field working methods on site.

As a discipline, archaeology can be combined with almost anything, from natural sciences to art history, religious studies and just about anything. In our five-year program you will find your specific area of interest and gain complete and well-rounded knowledge in both theoretical and field archaeology.

Additionally, as a archaeology student, you might have the opportunity to participate on our field work projects in Finland and abroad all around the world.

You can apply to become a student of archaeology in the yearly . You can choose archaeology as your major after being accepted as a student to the Programme of Cultural Studies.

if you’re interested in more information about our program and our on going projects – Visit our and !

Degree programmes

Join our student association!

is the student association of archaeology at the University of Helsinki. Fibula promotes the interest of archaeology students and works as a link between students and the archaeology department staff. Fibula organizes loads of fun and interesting events such as job-related panels, movie nights, study with us -sessions, sports events, picnics, game nights, and much more! Fibula also organizes archaeology-based excursions in Finland and abroad. We’re all about giving unique experiences for our members, helping students in their studies and creating connections between students, staff and alumni. 

The whole board of Fibula is happy to answer any questions when it comes to archaeology at the University of Helsinki! You can also drop us an email at .

You can find us on Instagram and Facebook  and !
Example schedule for archaeology courses, curricula 2026-2030

Below is a diagram showing the recommended order and timing for taking archaeology courses. It serves only as an initial guideline for your own planning, as many courses can be completed in alternative sequences. The availability of courses and their teaching periods may change, so always check the details in ! Also, don’t hesitate to ask the teaching staff for advice on your plan.
Mandatory studies:
KUKA-AR200 Archaeology, Intermediate Studies (60 cr)

 
KUMA-AR300 Archaeology, Advanced Studies (75 cr)

                

  •  
Optional study modules:
KUMA-AR500 Archaeological sciences (15 cr)

 

  •  
KUMA-AR510 Maritime archaeology (15 cr)

 

  •  
Courses with prerequisites:
Click to expand.

Prerequisites:

KUKA-AR212 (recommended) 

KUKA-AR220 

KUKA-AR219 

KUKA-AR216 

KUKA-AR217 & KUKA-AR225 

KUMA-AR512 

KUMA-AR512 

Course:

KUKA-AR2131

KUKA-AR219

KUKA-AR217

KUKA-AR225  

KUMA-AR315

KUMA-AR513  

KUMA-AR514
Tips and guidelines

There are some general guidelines that are good to observe: 

  • Begin your studies with the introductory courses , , and perhaps . 

     

  • The  should be completed as early as possible, typically during the summer of the first year of your studies as it is a prerequisite for other courses (see the prerequisite list below). Note that enrolment for the course takes place already in Period III, and that the course numbers do not indicate the order in which courses should be taken! 

     

  •  is recommended for the third year of study.  should be completed before or during the Proseminar. 

     

  • Many MA level courses can be taken already in the BA stage, although some can be challenging if you have not done the introductory courses to archaeology. Many thematic/optional courses are arranged only once or very rarely, so there may not be a new opportunity coming in near future. However, some MA level courses like  and  should only be taken when you have finished your BA studies. 

     

  • Some courses (e.g. ) are arranged bi-annually. If the course is not arranged in the present academic year or you can't fit it in your study calendar, you can complete the unit as a book exam. Also check whether it is offered by the  – these courses have a quota for archaeology students who may participate free of charge. The  also offers archaeology courses for which, although these require a fee. 

     

  • In addition to courses arranged by the Culture Studies BA program (KUKA) and Cultural Heritage MA program (KUMA), archaeology courses are occasionally arranged also in other BA and MA programs, including those in other faculties. Check for instance courses offered by Biblical Studies (in the Faculty of Theology), Ancient Near Eastern Studies (BA program of languages), and Classical Studies (KUKA). Searching SISU with keywords like "material culture", "prehistory" etc. can turn up a surprising number of courses highly relevant to archaeologists.