Program Overview

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Archaeology, MSc

Introduction

This one year Master’s programme provides students from a range of academic backgrounds with a broad-based postgraduate qualification in Archaeology, but with the option of pursuing specific archaeological specialisms, including Viking archaeology, museum studies, cultural heritage management, or biomolecular archaeology.

Study Information

At a Glance

• Learning Mode: On Campus Learning
• Degree Qualification: MSc
• Duration: 12 months or 24 months
• Study Mode: Full Time or Part Time
• Start Month: September

This MSc in Archaeology provides an ‘umbrella’ programme to appeal to archaeology students from a range of backgrounds interested in pursuing specific archaeological subjects under the banner of a broad degree designation.

Teaching is research-led and ties into current projects run by the staff at the department, who are prominent researchers and fieldworkers in Northern Europe, Scandinavia, Northeast Asia, the North Atlantic and the circumpolar region from Siberia to the Canadian Arctic.

You will learn about theory and method in archaeological research. The flexibility of our offering means you can choose courses based on your interests, such as Northern Worlds or Viking Archaeology. You can also learn key Geographical Information System (GIS) tools and techniques used in archaeology, and develop practical skills in cartography and geo-visualisation.

The University’s extensive museum collections also present unique opportunities to explore contemporary issues around the preservation and communication of archaeological finds, particularly in relation to osteoarchaeology.

This programme can be taken as preparation for higher research, as a professional qualification, or purely out of interest. This programme is also appropriate as a conversion course for students new to archaeology but with a background in a cognate discipline.

What You'll Study

Stage 1

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen (PD5006)
  • Theory and Method in Research (AY5002)
• Optional Courses:
  • Developing a Theory of Practice: Learning and Museums (ED503E) (30 credit points)
  • Northern Worlds (AY5001)
  • Viking Archaeology (AY5005)
  • Managing the Past: Heritage Politics and Practice (AY5010)
  • Ancient Biomolecules (AY5011)
  • Introduction to GIS Tools, Techniques, Cartography & Geovisualisation (GG5065)

Stage 2

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Advanced Archaeological Approaches (AY5504)
• Optional Courses:
  • Northern Peoples and Culture (AY5501)
  • The World of Vikings (AY5505)
  • The Archaeology of Death (AY5512)
  • Eurasian Archaeology (AY5513)
  • Current Applications of GIS (GG5540)
  • Introduction to GIS Tools, Techniques, Cartography & Geovisualisation (GG5565)
  • Advanced Spatial Analysis and Programming (GG5567)

Stage 3

• Compulsory Courses:
  • Dissertation in Archaeology (AY5902)

Fee Information

• EU / International students: £22,000
• UK: £10,000

Scholarships

All eligible self-funded international Postgraduate Masters students starting in September 2025 will receive an £8,000 scholarship.

Related Programmes

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

How You'll Study

• Learning Methods:
  • Field Trips
  • Field Work
  • Group Projects
  • Individual Projects
  • Lectures
  • Tutorials
• Assessment Methods:
  • Classes are taught through lectures, small group tutorials and seminars. A main focus of the MSc is development of individual research skills through dissertation work.
  • Assessment for each 30-credit taught module is on the basis of one 3000-word essay and one 3000-word project on topics relevant to the course.

Why Study Archaeology?

• You will benefit from the interdisciplinary nature of the archaeological research undertaken at the University of Aberdeen.
• Choose from a range of optional courses that complement the broader core courses, to tailor your MSc degree to your areas of archaeological interest.
• The University of Aberdeen is an excellent location to study archaeology due to the vast number of archaeologically significant locations in Aberdeenshire, and the Highlands and Islands.
• Study at an internationally renowned university for Archaeology.
• We are ranked 1st in Scotland for Overall Student Satisfaction in Forensic and Archaeological Sciences.

Careers

An Archaeology degree can be the gateway to many other professions, and the training in analytical and communication skills acquired by our graduates make them employable in a wide variety of fields including industry, commerce and research.

• Career Opportunities:
  • Conservation Scientist
  • Field Archaeologist
  • Heritage Advisor
  • PhD Researcher
  • Project Archaeologist
  • Project Manager
  • Research Consultant
  • University Lecturer

Entry Requirements

• Qualifications:
  • 2:2 UK Honours degree, or an Honours degree from a non-UK institution which is judged by the University to be of equivalent worth in Archaeology or a related discipline.
• English Language Requirements:
  • IELTS Academic: OVERALL - 6.5 with: Listening - 5.5; Reading - 5.5; Speaking - 5.5; Writing - 6.0
  • TOEFL iBT: OVERALL - 90 with: Listening - 17; Reading - 18; Speaking - 20; Writing - 21
  • PTE Academic: OVERALL - 62 with: Listening - 59; Reading - 59; Speaking - 59; Writing - 59
  • Cambridge English B2 First, C1 Advanced, C2 Proficiency: OVERALL - 176 with: Listening - 162; Reading - 162; Speaking - 162; Writing - 169

Document Requirements

• CV: an up-to-date CV/Resumé
• Degree Certificate: a degree certificate showing your qualifications
• Degree Transcript: a full transcript showing all the subjects you studied and the marks you have achieved in your degree(s) (original & official English translation)
• Personal Statement: a detailed personal statement explaining your motivation for this particular programme

International Applicants

Additional details for international applicants, including information specific to your country or territory, are available.