Program Overview

---

MSc in Archaeological Science

The MSc in Archaeological Science is designed to give a broad but detailed grounding in the theory as well as practical experience in the major applications of science in archaeology.

About the Course

The MSc in Archaeological Science provides a broad introductory education for those with a first degree in archaeology wishing to apply science-based research methods, or for those with a first degree in a science subject wishing to learn specifically about archaeological issues amenable to scientific methods.

It is intended for archaeologists or scientists who wish to go on to undertake research in archaeological science, or archaeologists who intend to pursue a career in the management of archaeological projects or become policy makers in this area and would like to have a sound understanding of the potential of science to elucidate archaeological problems. The MSc also acts as preliminary training for doctoral research.

Course Structure

The MSc in Archaeological Science is based on the research strengths of the Research Laboratory for Archaeology. The MSc consists of three elements taught over two nine-week terms, comprising materials analysis and the study of technological change, molecular bioarchaeology, and principles and practice of scientific dating, plus a five-month research project chosen in consultation with the supervisor. The research project provides opportunity for specialisation within these areas.

• Materials analysis and the study of technological change
• Molecular bioarchaeology
• Principles and practice of scientific dating
• Research project

Attendance

The course is full-time and requires attendance in Oxford. Full-time students are subject to the University's Residence requirements.

Resources to Support Your Study

As a graduate student, you will have access to the University's wide range of resources including libraries, museums, galleries, digital resources and IT services.

Supervision

For this course, the allocation of graduate supervision is the responsibility of the School of Archaeology and it is not always possible to accommodate the preferences of incoming graduate students to work with a particular member of staff. Under exceptional circumstances a supervisor may be found outside the School of Archaeology. You will meet with your supervisor at least once a term.

Assessment

The course is assessed using a diverse range of methods including written assignments, written examinations, oral tasks, and the submission of a dissertation.

Graduate Destinations

Many graduates from the MSc in Archaeological Science continue to further degree programmes in Archaeology, especially at Oxford, or to careers in archaeological project management or more generally in commercial archaeology, industry and heritage management.

Entry Requirements

Proven and Potential Academic Excellence

The requirements described below are specific to this course and apply only in the year of entry that is shown.

• A first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in archaeology or a related subject.
• Substantial professional experience may be taken into account.
• Applicants may have either a predominantly archaeological or science-based education, although it is advantageous to have some experience of both subjects.
• Relevant publications are not expected, but may add to the strength of an application.

English Language Proficiency

This course requires proficiency in English at the University's higher level.

Funding

For entry in the academic year, the collegiate University expects to offer over 1,100 full or partial graduate scholarships across a wide range of graduate courses.

Costs

Annual Course Fees

The fees for this course are charged on an annual basis.

• Home: Ł20,640
• Overseas: Ł38,430

Additional Costs

There are no compulsory elements of this course that entail additional costs beyond fees and living costs. However, as part of your course requirements, you may need to choose a dissertation, a project or a thesis topic. Please note that, depending on your choice of topic and the research required to complete it, you may incur additional expenses, such as travel expenses, research expenses, and field trips.

Living Costs

In addition to your course fees and any additional course-specific costs, you will need to ensure that you have adequate funds to support your living costs for the duration of your course.

College Preference

Students enrolled on this course will belong to both a department/faculty and a college.

• The following colleges accept students on the MSc in Archaeological Science:
  • Blackfriars
  • Brasenose College
  • Campion Hall
  • Harris Manchester College
  • Hertford College
  • Keble College
  • Kellogg College
  • Linacre College
  • Magdalen College
  • Merton College
  • Regent's Park College
  • St Catherine's College
  • St Cross College
  • St Hugh's College
  • St Peter's College
  • Wolfson College
  • Wycliffe Hall

How to Apply

You should refer to the information below when completing the application form, paying attention to the specific requirements for the supporting documents.

• Three overall, academic preferred
• Official transcript(s)
• Personal statement: A maximum of 500 words
• Written work: Two essays of a maximum of 2,500 words each

Admission Status

Open to applications for entry in

Deadlines

• Friday 14 November 2025: Applications more likely to receive earlier decisions
• Friday 9 January 2026: Latest deadline for most Oxford scholarships
• Tuesday 3 March 2026: Final application deadline for entry in

Key Facts

• Course code: TM_AS1
• Expected length: 12 months
• Places: c. 20
• Applications/year: 42
• Expected start: 11 October 2026
• English language: Higher level required