Mediterranean Archaeology

The Mediterranean, the world’s largest inland sea and the interface of Europe, Africa and western Asia, is one of the major crucibles of cultural, economic and political change in world history, a focus of scholarship for all periods between the Palaeolithic and the present, and a place where the past plays a critical role in the present, as well as in the creation of a viable future.

Students will develop an understanding of Mediterranean societies from earliest times to the early Medieval period, and of major interpretative paradigms and principal investigative techniques - including fieldwork and archaeological science - applied to the Mediterranean. One or more specific regions will be analysed in depth from a comparative perspective, and Mediterranean societies will be studied holistically.

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: 

• Mediterranean Dynamics
• Themes, Thought and Theory in World Archaeology: Foundations

Optional modules

From an outstanding range of Master's optional modules, students choose options to the value of 60 credits, at least one of which must be choses from the following options; 

• Mediterrean Prehistory 
• The Mediterranean World in the Iron Age
• The Transformation of the Roman Mediterranean. 

The remaining must be made up from the list below: 

• Aegean Prehistory: major themes and current debates
• Ancient Italy in the Mediterranean
• Art: Interpretation and Explanation
• British and European Prehistory: Neolithic to Iron Age
• Egyptian Archaeology: An Object-Based Theoretical Approach
• Intangible Dimensions of Museum Objects from Egypt
• Making and Meaning in Ancient Greek Art
• Making and Meaning in Ancient Roman Art
• Medieval Archaeology: Selected Topics and Current Problems
• Middle Bronze Age to the Iron Age in the Near East: City-states and Empires
• Museum and Site Interpretation
• Society and Culture in Ancient Egypt
• The Neolithic and Early Bronze Age of the Near East: The Emergence of Villages and Urban Societies
• Themes, Thought and Theory in World Archaeology: Current Topics
• Making and Meaning in Ancient Roman Art

Dissertation/report

All students undertake an independent research project which culminates in a dissertation of 15,000 words. Approaches that explore new connections or comparisons are strongly encouraged.

Teaching and learning

The programme is delivered through a combination of seminars and assessed through essays and the dissertation.

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

UK/EU students are eligible to apply for AHRC funding.

A small number of IoA Master's Award bursaries, normally in the region of £1,000, are available each year.

The MSc in Mediterranean Archaeology at University College London offers a comprehensive and in-depth study of the archaeology and history of the Mediterranean region, focusing on the civilizations of ancient Greece, Egypt, the Near East, and surrounding areas. This program provides students with a solid foundation in archaeological theories, research methods, and the interpretation of material culture from the earliest periods to the late antique era. The course emphasizes a multidisciplinary approach, integrating archaeological excavation, artefact analysis, ancient texts, and environmental data to understand the social, political, and economic aspects of ancient Mediterranean societies.

Throughout the program, students have the opportunity to engage with cutting-edge research and practical skills such as excavation techniques, artefact conservation, and digital archaeological methods. The curriculum includes core modules in Mediterranean archaeology, along with optional courses that cover specialized topics like ancient maritime trade, religion, art, and the rise of complex societies. Students also participate in archaeological fieldwork and projects, which may include excavations, surveys, and museum studies, often facilitated through UCL's extensive network of research institutes and collaborations.

The program is designed for students aiming to develop careers in academia, archaeology, heritage management, or related fields. Instruction is delivered through lectures, seminars, workshops, and individual research supervision. Assessment methods include essays, presentations, practical assignments, and a dissertation. The flexible structure allows students to tailor their studies according to their interests, with opportunities to undertake research placements or field trips.

UCL’s strong emphasis on research excellence and its extensive resources—including libraries, archaeological collections, and laboratory facilities—support students in their academic pursuits. Additionally, the university offers a vibrant academic community and opportunities for networking through conferences, seminars, and student societies dedicated to archaeology and ancient history. Graduates of the programme often continue to PhD research, work in cultural heritage organizations, or pursue careers in academia, museums, and archaeological consultancy. Overall, the MSc in Mediterranean Archaeology at UCL provides a rigorous and enriching education for those passionate about understanding the ancient Mediterranean world through a multidisciplinary lens.