Environmental archaeology uses theories and methods both developed within the discipline as well as those adapted from other areas of science, for example geology, biology, chemistry and ecology. Advanced tools, including as Geographical Information Systems (GIS) and quantitative environmental reconstruction are used in combination with more general theorizing around human's impact on, and interaction with, their surrounding environment in order to understand changes through time, both before and during the Anthropocene. Within environmental archaeology, data from several different information sources within geoarchaeology (-morphology, -chemistry and spectroscopy, isotopes) are integrated; pollen analysis; fossil insects; plant macrofossil all of which facilitate interpretation of archaeological remains and their surrounding landscape. This course provides interdisciplinary perspectives, where practical exercises are included in using experimental archaeology, GIS, statistics, environmental reconstructions as well as interpretation and presentation of environmental archaeological data.
The course is problem-oriented with elements of applied experimental exercises.
Environmental archaeology - problem orientation, research planning and applications, 7.5 credits
Spring Term 2026
Starts
19 February 2026
Ends
23 March 2026
Study location
Umeå
Language
English
Type of studies
Daytime,
100%
Required Knowledge
Univ: 90 ECTS courses in archeology, environmental archaeology, geology, environmental chemistry, physical geography, or its equivalent, as well as Environmental archaeology - advanced study in theory and methodology 15 ECTS credits, or its equivalent.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
Academic credits
Applicants in some programs at Umeå University have guaranteed admission to this course. The number of places for a single course may therefore be limited.
Application code
UMU-13010
Application
The online application opens 15 September 2025 at 09:00 CET.
Application deadline is
15 October 2025. How to apply
Application and tuition fees
As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
Univ: 90 ECTS courses in archeology, environmental archaeology, geology, environmental chemistry, physical geography, or its equivalent, as well as Environmental archaeology - advanced study in theory and methodology 15 ECTS credits, or its equivalent.
Proficiency in English equivalent to Swedish upper secondary course English 6/level 2. Where the language of instruction is Swedish, applicants must prove proficiency in Swedish to the level required for basic eligibility for higher studies.
As a citizen of a country outside the European Union (EU), the European Economic Area (EEA) or Switzerland, you are required to pay application and tuition fees for studies at Umeå University.
