Program Overview

Public Archaeology MA

Overview

The MA in Public Archaeology explores innovative ways we can engage the public in archaeological research (and practice) as an audience, as clients, and as co-producers. It combines the theory and context of the relationship between archaeologists, archaeology, and the public with active research and practical experience.

Course Details

• Level: Postgraduate
• Start date: October 2025, October 2026
• Duration: 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time
• Location: Exton Park, Chester
• UK fees: £8,775 for a full-time course (2025/26)
• International fees: £15,000 (2025/26)

Course Structure

The course runs across three terms with the fourth (summer) term dedicated fully to the research dissertation.

Modules

• Advanced Research Skills: This module examines the skills and methodologies required for advanced archaeological, historical, and heritage research.
• Key Concepts in Public Archaeology: Drawing on current research, this module explores theoretical and practical debates in public archaeology.
• Critical Perspectives on the Past: Why and how does the past matter? Why and how do academic researchers tackle the human journey and its significance in today's world?
• Public Archaeology, Sustainability, and Nature Conservation: This module explores the relationship between public archaeology, sustainability, and nature conservation in Britain and the continent.
• Professional Project: This module offers experiential learning opportunities in the form of bespoke placements, or experiential or research projects that are embedded in professional practice.
• Historic Landscapes and Digital Worlds: This module interrogates specialist approaches to a shared endeavour of history, archaeology, and heritage studies: to tell the story, and to critique the stories we tell, about past worlds.
• Research Dissertation: Each student researches and writes a 12,000-word dissertation on a historical, archaeological, museums, or heritage-related topic of their choosing.

Teaching and Assessment

• Teaching is flexible, primarily based upon seminars and individual tutorials.
• Assessment is via essays, literature reviews, reports, and oral presentations.
• The principal methods of delivery will be a mixture of lectures, seminars, and individual tutorials.

Entry Requirements

• Home Students: A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent qualification is required.
• International Students: A minimum of a 2:2 honours degree in a relevant discipline or equivalent qualification is required.
• English Language Requirements: Applicants whose first language is not English must provide evidence of proficiency to IELTS 6.5 with no less than 5.5 in each band or equivalent.

Who You'll Learn From

• Dr Caroline Pudney: Senior Lecturer
• Dr Barry Taylor: Senior Lecturer
• Professor Howard Williams: Professor
• Dr Morn Capper: Senior Lecturer

Where You'll Study

• Exton Park, Chester: Close to the city centre of Chester, a city like no other and an amazing place to live as a student.
• Modern learning resources and library: We have dedicated resources and IT services across campus, as well as our Seaborne Library.
• Fitness facilities: Exton Park boasts an impressive choice of indoor and outdoor sports and leisure facilities.
• Student Services: Exton Park is home to a number of our central support services, including Disability and Inclusion, Careers and Employability, and Student Support.
• Chapel, chaplaincy, and multi-faith spaces: Built in 1847 by former students, the University Chapel offers regular services and a venue to services.
• Accommodation: Most of our student accommodation is located either on or near Exton Park.
• Catering: We have several catering outlets available onsite, offering a wide selection of hot and cold food to students and visitors.

Fees and Funding

• Home Students: £8,775 for a full-time course (2025/26)
• International Students: £15,000 for a full-time course (2025/26)
• Scholarships: The University of Chester offers generous international and merit-based scholarships for postgraduate study, providing a significant reduction to the published headline tuition fee.

Your Future Career

• Job Prospects: Students may go on to find meaningful employment in the industry or pursue a research degree. Destinations include heritage organisations, museums, and the civil service or education sectors.
• Careers Service: The University has an award-winning Careers and Employability service which provides a variety of employability-enhancing experiences.