Study Details: MA 1 year full-time,
2 years part-time,
3 years part-time
Establish wide-ranging, advanced practical skills, while gaining a deep theoretical knowledge and understanding of the logistical challenges, legal requirements and ethics involved in archaeological fieldwork.
Devised to meet demand for professional training both within the UK and internationally, this challenging and rewarding course offers you the perfect blend of theory and practice. It will give you a thorough knowledge of the history and development of archaeological fieldwork and the current state of the art, acquainting you with the key methods employed in modern fieldwork, analysis and dissemination. You'll learn to think strategically about project design and tactically about project implementation.
Under the supervision of our experienced and well-connected staff and situated within a community of practitioners that is unrivalled in the UK, you'll build a deeper understanding of the values, theories, legislation and ethics which underpin modern fields of practice in archaeology. You will explore how they impact upon our fieldwork methodologies and will be able to supplement this knowledge with a range of practical modules and placement opportunities with professional archaeological organisations, to further develop the skills and knowledge essential for varied archaeological careers.
2:2 or equivalent in Archaeology or a relevant subject.
Mature students or those with less conventional qualifications but with relevant professional experience in this field will be considered. Candidates lacking sufficient previous experience will be required to spend at least three weeks prior to entry on either one of the department’s own training excavations or another approved project. To find out if your experience or qualifications are appropriate, please contact the Course Director. We normally interview applicants before making an offer.
For fees and funding options, please visit website to find out more
We’ll confirm more funding opportunities for students joining us in 2022/23 throughout the year.
Our graduates have gone on to pursue research degrees or take up managerial positions working for museum, conservation and archaeological services and for local councils, national authorities, field units and heritage bodies. Other graduates have set up their own archaeological businesses, both within the UK and in other countries. You’ll also develop transferable skills that are applicable to a multitude of careers beyond archaeology and heritage.
Core modules
Critical Approaches to Archaeological Practice
Option modules
You will choose five option modules from examples including:
Heritage options
Curated Placement
Digital Creativity
GIS and spatial analysis
Heritage Principles and Concepts
Museums, Audiences & Interpretation
Virtual Reality and 3D Modelling
Bioarchaeology/osteology options
Ancient Biomolecules
Animal Bones for Archaeologists
Professional Practice: Zooarchaeology or Human Osteology
Skeletal Evidence for Health in the Past
The Archaeology of the Human Skeleton
Zooarchaeology in Context
Artefacts options
Artefacts and Materials Analysis
Data Science for Archaeology
Experimental Archaeology
Thinking through Material Culture
Field skills options
Artefacts and Materials Analysis
Curated Placement
Digital Approaches to Archaeology
Landscape survey and geophysics
Project Management
You'll also have the opportunity to choose options from our full module catalogue. Some option modules combinations may not be possible. The option available to you will be confirmed after you begin your course.
Becoming Human
Debates in Funerary Archaeology
Histories of Conservation
Researching & Analysing Historic Buildings
Contemporary Issues in Museums
Critical Approaches to Archaeological Practice
Mesolithic Life and Death
The Ancient Celts: Archaeology and Identity in Iron Age Europe
Roman Europe
Roman Archaeology: Ancient pasts, current issues
Making the Nation
Building Conservation Projects
Buildings Recording
Prehistoric Art: Origins and Transitions
Life and Death in Iron Age Britain and Ireland
Death, Burial and Commemoration in the Roman World
Archaeologies of Colonialism in the British Atlantic World
Medieval Settlement and Communities
Plants in Archaeology
Presenting Historic Houses
Sustainable Buildings
Sustainable Conservation Challenges
Sustainability I: definitions of sustainability & methods of assessment
Sustainability II: understanding sustainability as change through time
The Archaeology of Roman Religion
The Viking Age: People, Places, Things
Understanding & Interpreting Historic Buildings
Our modules may change to reflect the latest academic thinking and expertise of our staff, and in line with Department/School academic planning.
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