The MA in Archaeology is a 180 credit course composed of several modules including two 15 credit modules aimed at imparting skills in archaeological research and practice, and two 30 credit specialist modules relating to the strands (usually one each, per term). A 20,000 word dissertation worth 90 credits is developed over the course of the second and third terms, and the summer, in consultation with an appointed supervisor, usually in the student’s strand.

In discussion with the department, you can take a 20 credit language module from the Centre for Foreign Language Study in lieu of the practical skills module. There is also the option of substituting a strand specialist module with another MA module on offer in the department, and in some instances, one offered by another department in the University. For example, in recent years students have substituted a strand specialist module with a full 30 credit course on Biomolecular and Isotopic Archaeology run by the department; and The Anglo-Saxon World, an interdisciplinary course run by English, History and Archaeology. The options available vary from year to year; students should consult with the department to check for updates periodically. 

Part-time students are expected to complete the course in 2 years. Typically part-time students complete the two 15 credit and two 30 credit modules in the first year and the dissertation in the second year.

Module Details
Research and Study Skills in Social Archaeology (RSSSA) – 15 credits

This module runs in Term 1 and will provide you with information and skills relevant to pursuing archaeological research for your MA dissertation and beyond. It combines thematic classes/seminars on key topics in archaeology with lectures and workshops introducing fundamental datasets and software applications for archaeology, and assisting the development of advanced visual and written communication skills. 

Practical Research and Study Skills (PRSS) – 15 credits

This module runs in Term 2. You will select two from a range of options in hands-on ‘Master Classes’ led by professionals and academic experts, typically taught through short blocks of workshops. In recent years options have included:

GIS (Dr Dan Lawrence)
Geophysics (Dr Tom Moore)
Access analysis (Prof. John Chapman)
Ceramics analysis (Dr Alejandra Gutierrez)
Ceramic materials analysis (Dr Kamal Badreshany)
Glass finds analysis (Dr Pam Graves)
Numismatics (Dr Craig Barclay, Oriental Museum)
Museum artefact cataloguing (Helen Armstrong, Oriental Museum)
These classes provide the opportunity to develop professional capacity skills, assessed through ‘authentic’ assignments, such as reports one would be expected to produce as a professional in the fields of archaeology, museums and galleries or cultural heritage. 

As noted above, it is possible to substitute PRSS with a 20 credit language module from the Centre for Foreign Language Study.

Research Topics – 30 credits

Research Topics are detailed courses focussing on particular periods, areas or themes, and are taught by the Department’s leading experts on their specialist topics. Teaching is typically delivered through a series of lectures and small group seminars/tutorials, usually over one term with sessions each week, but sometimes over the year with biweekly sessions. 

You typically will chose two modules relevant to your strands, although in consultation with your academic advisor you may opt for a course which is not directly related to your strand. 

It is possible, as noted above, to substitute one of the Research Topic modules for another MA module run by the department. In consultation with the Department, it may also be possible to substitute a Research Topic for an MA module run by another department, or for a multi-departmental module.