Archaeology and Heritage of Asia

This MA is unique in the UK in providing such a comprehensive overview of Asian archaeology and cultural heritage. The Institute of Archaeology is one of the few places in the world with the expertise to deliver such a programme, encompassing not only India and China, but also South–East and Central Asia.

The aim of this programme is to develop a comparative appreciation of the cultural histories and heritage of Asia, moving chronologically from early human history, through movements towards the Neolithic, and the rise of cities and states, to the present day by looking at current debates around conservation ethics, reconstruction and authenticity of archaeological remains.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of three core modules (45 credits), three optional modules (45 credits) and a dissertation/report (90 credits).

Core modules

All students are required to take the following: 

• Themes, Thought and Theory in World Archaeology: Foundations
• Archaeologies of Asia
• Archaeological Heritage Management in Asia

Optional modules

Students take three further optional modules to the value of 45 credits. These can be selected from the outstanding range of Master's options available at the UCL Institute of Archaeology, but for this degree, the normal choices include: 

• Archaeology and Education
• Archaeology of Buddhism
• Archaeology of Egypt and the Near East: A Comparative Approach
• Critical Perspectives on Cultural Heritage
• Cultural Memory
• Managing Archaeological Sites
• Managing Museums
• Public Archaeology
• Social Complexity in Early China: from the Neolithic to the Early Empire

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 15,000 words

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of lectures and seminars. Assessment is through essays, PowerPoint presentations, supervised independent research project and dissertation, and an oral viva towards the end of the degree.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor’s degree in archaeology or a related subject (e.g. geography, history, anthropology) from a UK university, or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.