Program Overview

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Archaeology MSc

The Archaeology MSc programme enables students to develop a holistic approach to contemporary archaeological research and practice. It combines conceptual learning with independent research and project-based work, allowing students to create a portfolio of courses based on their individual needs and interests.

Programme Structure

This programme allows students to follow a pre-composed theme, such as Landscape Archaeology, Digital Archaeology, or Celtic and Viking Archaeology, or create their own flexible degree programme by selecting from optional courses across Archaeology and related programmes. The structure encourages interdisciplinary work integrated with core training in archaeological theory and methods, including training in archaeological sciences, and supports practice-based learning through Archaeology's collections and courses.

Core Courses

• Research and Professional Skills
• Archaeology Dissertation

All students participate in the 'Research and Professional Skills' course. Students should select five options from the range of courses offered in Archaeology and related subjects in agreement with the MSc programme convenor.

Optional Courses

• British Battlefields: Analysis and Cultural Resource Management
• Modern Warfare: 19th and 20th Century Warfare
• Geographical Information Systems in Archaeology
• Independent Study Project
• Cloth and Clothing
• Archaeology, Games and Interactive Media
• Landscape Archaeologies
• Contemporary and Future Archaeologies
• Kingdoms and Societies in Northern Britain AD 400-800 Masters
• Environmental Archaeology; Plants, Animals and People
• Reassembling the Artefacts
• Landscape and Environment in Gaelic Scotland
• Heritage Material Science
• Pottery Skills: Understanding Archaeology's Most Common Material
• Decolonising the Heritage of Slavery and Colonialism

Courses at the Masters level in Archaeology draw upon the particular interests and expertise of the contributing staff and therefore the options available may vary slightly depending on staff availability and subject to a minimum number of students.

Career Prospects

Graduates will have a solid foundation of skills, knowledge, and understanding from which to pursue careers in universities, research institutes, government agencies, conservation charities, and private-sector professional practice. The course also prepares students to proceed to study for a PhD in Archaeology.

Fees & Funding

MSc

• Home & RUK:
  • Full-time fee: ú11,943
  • Part-time fee: ú1,327 per 20 credits
• International & EU:
  • Full-time fee: ú26,460

Entry Requirements

• 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in any subject.
• 2.2 Honours degree may be considered if supported by directly relevant experience. Extensive work experience in cultural heritage management or archaeology may be considered in lieu of qualifications.

English Language Requirements

For applicants from non-English speaking countries, as defined by the UK Government, the University sets a minimum English Language proficiency level.

• International English Language Testing System (IELTS) Academic and Academic Online (not General Training): 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
• TOEFL (ibt, mybest or athome): 90 overall with no subtest less than Reading 20; Listening 19; Speaking 19; Writing 21
• Pearsons PTE Academic: 65 overall with no subtest less than Reading 60; Listening 60; Speaking 65; Writing 60
• Cambridge Proficiency in English (CPE) and Cambridge Advanced English (CAE): 176 overall with no subtest less than 169
• Oxford English Test: 7 overall with no subtest less than 6
• LanguageCert Academic/Academic Online: 70 overall with no subtest less than 65
• Password Skills Plus: 6.5 overall with no subtest less than 6.0
• Trinity College Integrated Skills in English II: Two subtests at 96 or higher, and two subtests at 80 or higher
• Kaplan Test of English: Any two subtests at 480 or higher, and any two subtests at 450 or higher

Alternatives to English Language Qualification

• Degree from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)
• Undergraduate 2+2 and 3+1 degrees from majority-English speaking country (as defined by the UKVI including Canada if taught in English)

Pre-sessional Courses

The University of Glasgow accepts evidence of the required language level from the English for Academic Study Unit Pre-sessional courses.

Application Deadlines

International & EU Applicants

Due to demand for degree places on this programme, the University has an application process with application rounds which recognises that different geographical areas complete and submit their applications at different times of the year.

• Round 1 application dates: 1 October 2025 to 5th November 2025
• Round 2 application dates: 6 November 2025 to 17 December 2025
• Round 3 application dates: 18 December 2025 to 4 February 2026
• Round 4 application dates: 5 February 2026 to 25 March 2026
• Round 5 application dates: 26 March 2026 to 13 May 2026
• Round 6 application dates: 14 May 2026 to 8 July 2026

Home Applicants

• 21 August 2026

Funding Opportunities

The University of Glasgow offers various scholarships and funding opportunities for postgraduate students, including:

• Beatrix Whistler and James McNeill Whistler Scholarship
• Banco de Mexico
• The Snowdon Trust Masters Scholarship
• CONACyT (Consejo Nacional de Ciencia y Tecnologia) / FUNED Agreement
• ANID (la Agencia Nacional de Investigaci¾n y Desarrollo)
• University of Glasgow African Excellence Award
• University of Glasgow Caribbean Excellence Award
• World Changers Glasgow Scholarship
• Glasgow Excellence Award (UK)
• Postgraduate Access Scholarship
• World Changers Glasgow Scholarship PGT (EU)
• Global Leadership Scholarship
• GREAT Scholarships 2026
• The Humanitarian Scholarship
• Chevening Scholarship
• India Excellence Award
• Erasmus+ Master Degree Loans
• Postgraduate Student Loan (Scotland and EU)
• Postgraduate Loans for Welsh Students
• Postgraduate Tuition Fee Loans England only (PTFL)
• Colfuturo Fundacion para el Futuro de Colombia
• Commonwealth Scholarship Schemes
• DAAD-University of Glasgow 1-year Masters grant
• Sanctuary Scholarships
• Alumni Discount
• The Clan Gregor Society Prize
• Travel Bursary for Forced Migrants
• The Dima Alhaj Scholarship
• Glasgow Highland Society Scholarship