Archaeology

The Archaeology MA is an intensive induction programme on current archaeological theory and interpretive trends which equips students to undertake research in their chosen field. The flexible programme of study serves as an excellent expansion of undergraduate studies or as a self-designed foundation for further postgraduate and professional work.

The programme provides a wide-ranging introduction to archaeology as a comparative, anthropologically-informed, and socially-situated discipline. Students develop critically aware perspectives on archaeological practice and research processes and gain an in-depth understanding of approaches to the collection, analysis and interpretation of archaeological data. The programme is extremely flexible, with a wide choice of options available allowing students to tailor the programme to their own interests.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

The programme consists of two core modules (30 credits), optional modules (60 credits) and a research dissertation (90 credits).

Core modules

All students are required to take the following: 

• Themes, Thought and Theory in World Archaeology: Foundations
• Themes, Thought and Theory in World Archaeology: Current Issues

Optional modules

Students choose to follow further optional modules up to the value of 60 credits from an outstanding range of Master's programme options available at the UCL Institute of archaeology. Some of the most popular choices include: 

• Aegean Prehistory: major themes and current debates
• Ancient Italy in the Mediterranean
• Archaeologies of Modern Conflict
• Archaeology of Buddhism
• Archaeology and Education
• Archaeology of Hunter-Gatherers from the Emergence of Modern Humans
• Archaeometallurgy: Metallic Artefacts
• Aztec Archaeology: Codices and Ethnohistory
• Beyond Chiefdoms: Archaeologies of African political complexities
• British and European Prehistory: Neolithic to Iron Age
• Funerary Archaeology
• Interpreting Pottery
• Making and Meaning in Ancient Greek Art
• Making and Meaning in Ancient Roman Art
• Maya Art, Architecture and Archaeology
• Medieval Archaeology: Select Topics and Current Problems
• Prehistoric Stone Artefact Analysis
• Society and Culture in Ancient Egypt
• The Neolithic and Early Bronze Age of the Near East: The Emergence of Villages and Urban Societies
• Rock Art Studies: Theories, Methods and Management

Dissertation/report

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

Teaching and learning

The core module is seminar based, and the sessions are interactive, with an emphasis on student participation and critical discussion. The optional modules are delivered through seminars, lectures, practicals, laboratory sessions, tutorials, and site and museum visits, as appropriate for specific modules. Assessment is through essays, oral examination and the dissertation.

A minimum of an upper second-class Bachelor's degree in a relevant subject from a UK university or an overseas qualification of an equivalent standard.