Program Overview

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Archaeology

Introduction

Archaeology at Aberdeen has a distinctive northern flavour and is far-reaching, both in terms of our geographical scope and methodological expertise.

Spanning the circumpolar region from Mongolia to the Canadian Arctic, and the Palaeolithic to the present day, our research incorporates the latest technical, theoretical and scientific approaches in archaeology. Closer to home, our staff are recognised experts in the archaeology of Scotland.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Degree Qualification: MSc or PhD

Research Interests

Archaeology of the North

At a time when the global North has increasingly become a contested space that pits geopolitical competitions for diminishing natural resources against issues of environmental conservation and sustainability, Aberdeen is at the forefront of pushing the boundaries of our understanding of northern cultural diversity both in the past and present.

• Supervisors: Professor Kate Britton, Dr Rebecca Crozier, Dr Charlotta Hillerdal, Dr Edouard Masson-MacLean, Professor Gordon Noble, Dr Jeff Oliver, Dr Michael Stratigos, Dr Joshua Wright

Human Palaeoecology & Bioarchaeology

Research related to the origin, nature and rate of long-term environmental and climatic changes and their impact on human responses. Our staff have in-house methodological specialisms in osteoarchaeology and palaeopathology, zooarchaeology, isotope analysis, ancient DNA and palynology.

• Supervisors: Professor Kate Britton, Dr Rebecca Crozier, Dr Linus Girdland Flink, Dr Edouard Masson-MacLean, Dr Michael Stratigos, Professor Tim Mighall (Geography), Dr Ed Schofield (Geography)

Public, Community, and Indigenous Archaeologies

Archaeology finds its contemporary relevance in research projects discussing concepts including: identity, heritage, ethics, social engagement, and public involvement.

• Supervisors: Dr Charlotta Hillerdal, Dr Elisabeth Niklasson, Professor Gordon Noble, Dr Jeff Oliver, Dr Michael Stratigos

Entry Requirements

To apply for this programme you must have at least a good Honours degree in a related subject or discipline.

If English is not your first language you must also show evidence of attaining standards in English.

Fees and Funding

View the tuition fee rates.

Scholarships

Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship.

Careers

Many of our researchers pursue an academic career undertaking research, teaching, and curatorial posts in universities, museums and private institutions and work in a range of areas from interpreting ancient environments to communicating archaeology to the public.

In addition to more traditional occupations, a growing number of archaeologists are now employed by a range of governmental and non-governmental heritage organisations. Outside of archaeology and the heritage sector, the skills developed during a PhD in Archaeology are applicable to many areas of graduate-level careers.

Career Opportunities

• Field Archaeologist
• Government Officer
• Heritage Advisor
• Museum Researcher
• Project Archaeologist
• Public Engagement
• University Lecturer

Features

Department Research

Archaeological research at Aberdeen spans the the arts and humanities, physical and biological sciences, reflecting the interdisciplinary nature of the Archaeology and the collaborative ethos within the University.

International community

We are a Scottish university that was founded with international connections. Our community of 3,600 staff and over 14,000 students includes more than 130 nationalities, which enriches our teaching, research, and students' experiences.

Related Postgraduate Taught Degrees

• Archaeology
• Archaeology of the North
• Bioarchaeological Science
• Biomolecular Archaeology
• Cultural Heritage
• Museum Studies
• Osteoarchaeology

Aberdeen Global Scholarship

Eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Research Masters' students starting in September 2025 will receive the Aberdeen Global Scholarship.

World-leading research

90% of Archaeology research at Aberdeen was ranked as world-leading or internationally excellent by REF 2021.

Useful Fact about this Research Area

Aberdeen is ranked 3rd in the UK for Anthropology and Archaeology** (Guardian University Guide 2025) and in the Global Top 100 for Archaeology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024)