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.

The financing of the Archaeology undergraduate program at University College London is primarily supported through a combination of tuition fees, scholarships, government funding, and financial aid options available to eligible students. Tuition fees vary for domestic and international students, with UK/EU students benefiting from fee structures set by the UK government, often supplemented by government-backed loan schemes such as the Student Loan Company (SLC) for undergraduate studies. International students pay higher fees, which are published annually on the university's official website and are designed to reflect the costs associated with delivering the program, including access to world-class facilities and expert faculty.

UCL offers a range of scholarships and bursaries targeted at prospective and current students to alleviate financial burdens. These include merit-based scholarships awarded based on academic achievement, need-based bursaries for students demonstrating financial constraints, and specific schemes aimed at supporting students from underrepresented backgrounds. Some scholarships are funded directly by the university, while others are sponsored by external organizations, trusts, and government programs.

Students enrolled in the Archaeology program may also benefit from government funding schemes such as the UK Student Finance, which provides maintenance loans and tuition fee loans. These loans are repayable only after a certain income threshold is reached post-graduation. International students are generally responsible for financing their studies through personal funds, sponsorships, or external scholarships, although some bursaries and funding opportunities are also available to international applicants.

Additionally, UCL facilitates part-time work opportunities both on and off campus, allowing students to supplement their income while studying. The university also provides financial guidance and support services to help students navigate application processes for funding, manage their finances responsibly, and access emergency funds if necessary. The cost of living in London, including accommodation, travel, and living expenses, is a significant factor to consider in the overall financing plan, and UCL offers advice on budgeting.

In summary, financing the Archaeology program at University College London involves a multi-layered funding structure, combining university institutional support, government funding schemes, external scholarships, student loans, personal resources, and part-time employment options. Students are encouraged to explore all available resources early to develop a comprehensive financial plan that ensures a smooth academic journey through their degree programme.

The BA Archaeology program at University College London (UCL) offers students a comprehensive introduction to the study of human history through the examination of material remains and archaeological sites. This undergraduate degree combines theoretical approaches with practical fieldwork, allowing students to develop critical analytical skills and a deep understanding of past cultures across different regions and time periods. The program covers a wide range of topics, including prehistoric archaeology, classical archaeology, Mediterranean archaeology, and the archaeology of Europe, Africa, and Asia. Students have access to state-of-the-art laboratories, museums, and archaeological sites, providing hands-on learning opportunities. UCL's Archaeology department collaborates with numerous museums and research institutes, enriching the curriculum with current discoveries and interdisciplinary research. The program emphasizes research skills, including excavation techniques, dating methods, artifact analysis, and digital archaeology, preparing students for careers in archaeological research, heritage management, museum curation, or further academic study. There are also opportunities for fieldwork abroad, internships, and participation in excavations. Interdisciplinary modules allow students to explore topics such as anthropology, history, and conservation, fostering a holistic understanding of human pasts. Graduates of the program have gone on to careers in archaeology, cultural heritage, education, and public archaeology sectors. The program is designed to promote critical thinking about archaeological interpretations and the social significance of material culture. UCL’s strong links with archaeological communities and ongoing research projects serve to keep the curriculum dynamic and aligned with contemporary developments in the field. Students benefit from expert faculty members who are active researchers and field archaeologists. Overall, the BA Archaeology at UCL prepares graduates with a robust foundation in archaeological theory, methodology, and practical skills, opening pathways to advanced study or professional endeavors in archaeology and heritage sectors.