Archaeology

Archaeology at Durham University offers a comprehensive and inspiring educational experience, combining rigorous academic training with practical fieldwork and research opportunities. Our programme is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of human history and culture through the study of material remains, field excavations, and advanced analytical techniques. Students will explore diverse periods and regions, gaining insights into ancient societies, technological developments, and cultural transformations. The curriculum covers core topics such as archaeological theory, excavation methods, artefact analysis, and environmental archaeology, equipping students with both theoretical knowledge and practical skills. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary approaches, students will have the opportunity to collaborate with experts in areas such as bioarchaeology, heritage management, and digital archaeology. Our programme includes hands-on excavation projects at renowned archaeological sites, giving students real-world experience in the field. Additionally, students benefit from access to state-of-the-art laboratories and archives, facilitating detailed analysis of artefacts and environmental samples. The academic staff is composed of leading scholars dedicated to high-quality research and teaching, ensuring students are engaging with the most current developments in the discipline. Durham University's vibrant academic community and extensive professional networks provide valuable opportunities for internships, conference participation, and future employment in archaeology, heritage management, and related fields. Graduates of our Archaeology programme leave well-prepared to pursue careers in academia, cultural resource management, museums, or further postgraduate study. Whether you are passionate about uncovering past civilizations or interested in preserving cultural heritage for future generations, Durham’s Archaeology programme offers an enriching environment to develop your skills and fulfill your academic and professional ambitions.

Content

Course Structure

The MA in Archaeology is a 180 credit course composed of several modules including two 15 credit modules aimed at imparting skills in archaeological research and practice, and two 30 credit specialist modules relating to the strands (usually one each, per term). A 20,000 word dissertation worth 90 credits is developed over the course of the second and third terms, and the summer, in consultation with an appointed supervisor, usually in the student’s strand.

In discussion with the department, students can take a 20 credit language module from the Centre for Foreign Language Study in lieu of the practical skills module. There is also the option of substituting a strand specialist module with another MA module on offer in the department, and in some instances, one offered by another department in the University. For example, in recent years students have substituted a strand specialist module with a full 30 credit course on Biomolecular and Isotopic Archaeology run by the department; and The Anglo-Saxon World, an interdisciplinary course run by English, History and Archaeology. The options available vary from year to year; students should consult with the department to check for updates periodically. 

Part-time students are expected to complete the course in 2 years. Typically part time students complete the two 15 credit and two 30 credit modules in the first year and the dissertation in the second year.

Module Details

Research and Study Skills in Social Archaeology (RSSSA) – 15 credits

This module runs in Term 1 and aims to provide you with information and skills relevant to pursuing archaeological research for your MA dissertation and beyond. It combines thematic classes/seminars on key topics in archaeology with lectures and workshops introducing fundamental datasets and software applications for archaeology, and assisting the development of advanced visual and written communication skills. 

Practical Research and Study Skills (PRSS) – 15 credits

This module runs in Term 2. Students select two from a range of options in hands-on ‘Master Classes’ led by professionals and academic experts, typically taught through short blocks of workshops. In recent years options have included:

• GIS (Dr. Dan Lawrence)
• Geophysics (Dr. Tom Moore)
• Access analysis (Prof. John Chapman)
• Ceramics analysis (Dr. Alejandra Gutierrez)
• Ceramic materials analysis (Dr. Kamal Badreshany)
• Glass finds analysis (Dr. Pam Graves)
• Numismatics (Dr. Craig Barclay, Oriental Museum)
• Museum artefact cataloguing (Helen Armstrong, Oriental Museum)

These classes provide the opportunity to develop professional capacity skills, assessed through ‘authentic’ assignments, such as reports one would be expected to produce as a professional in the fields of archaeology, museums and galleries or cultural heritage. 

As noted above, it is possible to substitute PRSS with a 20 credit language module from the Centre for Foreign Language Study.

Research Topics – 30 credits

Research Topics are detailed courses focussing on particular periods, areas or themes, and are taught by the Department’s leading experts on their specialist topics. Teaching is typically delivered through a series of lectures and small group seminars/tutorials, usually over one term with sessions each week, but sometimes over the year with biweekly sessions. 

Students typically chose two modules relevant to their strands, although in consultation with their academic advisor they may opt for a course which is not directly related to their strand. 

It is possible, as noted above, to substitute one of the Research Topic modules for another MA module run by the department. In consultation with the Department, it may also be possible to substitute a Research Topic for an MA module run by another department, or for a multi-departmental module.

In recent years, Research Topic options have included:

• Palaeolithic Britain in Regional Context (Prof Mark White)
• People, Sets and Fragments in Balkan Prehistory (Prof John Chapman)
• Social Space and Community Organisation in Balkan Prehistory (Prof John Chapman)
• Art and Archaeology of the Upper Palaeolithic (Prof Paul Pettitt)
• Hunters and Gathers, Past and Present (Prof Peter Rowley-Conwy)
• Current Debates in Central Mediterranean Prehistory (Dr Robin Skeates)
• Environmental Archaeology of the North Atlantic Islands (Dr Mike Church)
• Neolithic Monuments in Atlantic Europe (Prof Chris Scarre)
• Iron Age Britain in its European Context (Dr. Tom Moore)
• Archaeology of the Ancient Egyptian State: The Egyptian Afterlife (Dr Penny Wilson)
• Archaeology of the Ancient Egyptian State: Religious Life (Dr Penny Wilson)
• The Ancient Near East: Later Prehistory to Early Urban Societies (Prof Graham Philip)
• The Ancient Near East: Middle and Later Bronze Ages (Prof Graham Philip)
• Cultural Landscapes of Eurasia (Dr Dan Lawrence)
• Aspects of Art and Archaeology in Ancient Greece and Beyond (700-300 BC) (Dr Catherine Draycott)
• Buddhism, Hinduism and Islam in South Asia (Prof Robin Coningham and Dr Mark Manuel)
• Continuity and Change in South Asia (Prof Robin Coningham and Dr Mark Manuel)
• Archaeology and Economy (Dr Derek Kennet)
• The Gulf and Eastern Arabia (Dr Derek Kennet)
• Townscapes in North Africa and the Near East (Dr Anna Leone)
• Production, Exchange and Consumption in the Roman World (Dr Anna Leone)
• Roman Studies and Mythical History (Prof Richard Hingley)
• Roman Landscapes of the Mediterranean (Dr Rob Witcher)
• Warlords, Holy Men and Tyrants: North East England c. AD 400-1100 (Dr David Petts)
• Burial and Commemoration, AD 400 to 1100 (Dr Sarah Semple)
• The Archaeology of Towns in Britain c. 12-18th Century (Dr Pam Graves)
• The Archaeology of Burial Practice in Britain c. 12-18th Century (Dr Pam Graves)
• Preservation of Archaeological Remains in situ (Dr Chris Caple)

Other MA modules run by the department in recent years have included:

• The Anglo-Saxon World (AD 400–1100) (in conjunction with History and English departments)
• Recent Trends in Human Bioarchaeology (Dr Tina Jakob)
• Biomolecular and Isotopic Archaeology (Dr Andrew Millard and others)

Dissertation

The dissertation (90 credits, c. 20,000 words) allows students to develop their own line of inquiry and in depth exploration of a topic of interest to them, with the guidance of a supervisor who is usually in their strand. This may be on a topic related to a Research Topic course they have followed, but may be drawn from previous or other interests. Support is available to guide students in designing their research projects and acquiring the skills necessary for carrying out research and analysis, both through the RSSSA programme and through academic advisors and dissertation supervisors.

Subject requirements, level and grade

In addition to satisfying the University’s general entry requirements, please note:

• A degree in archaeology or a related subject entailing experience in historical, material culture and/or visual culture (e.g. Anthropology, Cultural Studies, Art History and Theory, History, Classics, Oriental Studies), with 2.1 honours or higher for UK degrees, or international equivalent (please consult the department on international equivalents)
• For mature students, relevant employment experience or other qualifications (again, you are welcome to consult with the department on this).

Applicants are requested to indicate their interest in the strand they wish to follow in the personal statement of their application.

Prior knowledge of strand specific areas is not mandatory, but an ability to prove previous interest or experience in the strand area would be an advantage for your application.

Preferred Tests:

a. IELTS: 6.5 (no component under 6.0)

b. TOEFL iBT (internet based test): 92 (no component under 23)

c. Cambridge Proficiency (CPE): Grade C

d. Cambridge Advanced (CAE): Grade A

e. Cambridge IGCSE First Language English at Grade C or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

f. Cambridge IGCSE English as a Second Language at Grade B or above [not normally acceptable for students who require a Tier 4 student visa]

g. GCSE English Language at grade C or above

h. Pearson Test of English (overall score 62 (with no score less than 56 in each component))

Alternative accepted tests when those listed in a.-h. above are unavailable to the applicant (if the applicant requires a Tier 4 visa to study, advice on the suitability of these alternatives must be sought from the Student Recruitment and Admissions Office):

i. Certificate of Attainment (Edexcel)

j. GCE A-levels (AQA, CIE, Edexcel, CCEA, OCR, WJEC) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

k. International Baccalaureate with a minimum of grade 5 in Standard Level English or a minimum of grade 5 if taken at Higher Level.

l. NEAB (JMB) Test in English (Overseas)

m. Singapore Integrated Programme (SIPCAL) at grade C or above in an essay based, humanities or social science subject from the following list: History, Philosophy, Government and Politics, English Language, English Literature, Geography, Religious Studies, Economics, Business Studies, Law and Sociology. Modern or Classical Languages are not acceptable in meeting this requirement.

n. Singapore Polytechnic Diploma and Advanced Diplomas at GPA 3.0 or above

o. WAEC and NECO Grade B3 or above from Nigeria and Ghana

Funding for the Archaeology program at Durham University is available through a variety of sources aimed at supporting both home and international students. The university offers a comprehensive range of scholarships, bursaries, and financial aid options to assist students in managing their tuition fees and living expenses throughout their studies. For UK students, government-funded schemes such as Student Loans are accessible, providing repayment options based on income levels post-graduation. International students can explore scholarships specific to their country of residence, as well as Durham’s merit-based scholarships, which recognize academic excellence, potential, and diversity. Additionally, Durham University offers a range of external funding opportunities, including charitable trusts, industry sponsorships, and research grants that can be applied for depending on the student's circumstances and academic achievements. The university provides clear guidance and support through its Financial Support Office, helping students understand eligibility criteria and application processes. Students are encouraged to apply early for scholarships and bursaries, as funding is competitive and subject to availability. Furthermore, part-time work opportunities are often available on or near campus, allowing students to supplement their income while balancing their studies. International students should also consider their home country’s financial aid options or educational loans that may facilitate studying at Durham. Overall, the university’s aim is to ensure that financial barriers do not prevent talented students from accessing quality archaeological education.

The Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Archaeology at Durham University offers students a comprehensive introduction to the study of human history and prehistory through the excavation and analysis of material remains. The programme combines traditional archaeological methods with contemporary techniques, providing a well-rounded education in both theoretical and practical aspects of archaeology. Students have the opportunity to develop skills in excavation, survey, artefact analysis, and laboratory techniques, as well as gaining knowledge in areas such as archaeological science, heritage management, and cultural heritage.

Durham's Department of Archaeology is renowned for its research excellence and robust teaching. The programme covers a broad chronological span, from the earliest human ancestors to recent historical periods, and includes geographic regions such as Europe, the Mediterranean, the Middle East, and North Africa. Students can benefit from access to extensive on-site facilities, including excavations, laboratories, and archives, which enhance experiential learning.

Throughout the degree, students are encouraged to develop critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as the ability to communicate archaeological findings effectively. The programme often includes opportunities for fieldwork, which may involve participating in archaeological excavations both in the UK and abroad, providing essential practical experience. Furthermore, students are supported in developing research projects, and many go on to postgraduate study or careers in archaeology, heritage management, museums, or related fields.

The curriculum is designed to be flexible, allowing students to tailor their studies according to specific interests within archaeology, such as prehistoric archaeology, classical archaeology, or archaeological science. Durham's strong links with museums, archaeological agencies, and research institutions offer additional opportunities for networking and professional development. Overall, the Durham Archaeology programme aims to produce graduates equipped with the knowledge, skills, and experience needed for a successful career in archaeology and related disciplines.