Public Archaeology

Public Archaeology at University College London offers an innovative and comprehensive program designed to equip students with the practical skills, theoretical knowledge, and critical understanding necessary to engage effectively with archaeological sites, heritage management, and community outreach. This interdisciplinary course combines traditional archaeological methods with contemporary approaches to public engagement, focusing on how archaeological knowledge can be communicated and preserved for diverse audiences. Students will explore a wide range of topics, including heritage interpretation, archaeological reflection, community archaeology, heritage policy, and digital engagement. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through fieldwork opportunities, collaborations with local heritage organizations, and participation in public archaeology projects, enabling students to apply their academic learning in real-world contexts. Faculty members bring expertise from various archaeological disciplines, ensuring a well-rounded and current curriculum that responds to the dynamic nature of public archaeology. Graduates of the program will be prepared for careers in archaeology, heritage management, museum curation, cultural resource management, or further academic research. With a strong emphasis on interdisciplinary learning and community involvement, the Public Archaeology program at UCL aims to foster innovative thinking, effective communication skills, and a deep commitment to preserving and promoting archaeological heritage for future generations.

Students are introduced to the range of areas in which archaeology has relevance to the wider world, and develop an understanding of how archaeology is communicated, used (and misused) in the public arena. The flexible programme structure allows students to design a theoretically based or practically based degree depending on each individual's interests and needs.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits.

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

Core module

Students are required to take the following module: 

• Public Archaeology

Optional modules

You are then able to choose further optional modules to the value of 60 credits. At least one of these must be made up from the list below of modules recommended for this degree programme. The other 30 credits may also come from this list or can be chosen from amongst an outstanding range of other Master's programmes offered at the UCL Institute of Archaeology.

• Antiquities and the Law
• Applied Heritage Management
• Archaeology of Modern Conflict
• Archaeology and Education
• Art: Interpretation and Explanation
• British and European Prehistory: Neolithic to Iron Age
• Cultural Heritage and Development
• Experimental Archaeology
• Managing Archaeological Sites
• Managing Museums
• Museum and Site Interpretation
• Themes, Thought and Theory in World Archaeology: Foundations
• Themes, Thought and Theory in World Archaeology: Current Issues

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, seminars discussions, practical demonstrations, and field trips to museums and archaeological sites and monuments around the UK. It features a series of distinguished guest lecturers with extensive first-hand experience in the archaeology, museum, cultural and heritage sectors. Assessment is through essays, project reports 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.

Institute of Archaeology Master's Awards: A small number of grants of £1,000 are available for the academic year 2017/18. All UK/EU and Overseas fee paying students with an offer to start any Master's degree offered by the IoA are eligible to apply. 

Public Archaeology at University College London offers a comprehensive curriculum designed to equip students with practical skills and theoretical knowledge necessary for careers in archaeology, heritage management, and cultural resource management. The program emphasizes hands-on experience through fieldwork, excavations, and community engagement projects, allowing students to apply archaeological methods in real-world contexts. It also covers key areas such as archaeological theory, preservation techniques, and public outreach strategies, fostering a holistic understanding of archaeology’s role in society. Students can expect to develop competencies in excavation techniques, survey methods, artifact analysis, and the use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS). The program encourages critical thinking about the social, cultural, and ethical issues surrounding archaeological practice and heritage conservation. Collaboration with local museums, heritage sites, and archaeology organizations provides valuable networking opportunities and enhances employability. Graduates of the program are well-prepared for careers in archaeological consultancy, heritage management, archaeological research, and public education. Additionally, the curriculum is designed to support postgraduate study and research in archaeology or related disciplines. UCL's strong emphasis on community involvement and public archaeology aims to promote wider societal engagement with cultural heritage, fostering inclusive dialogues about the preservation of archaeological sites and artifacts. With access to UCL’s extensive resources, including laboratories, libraries, and archaeological collections, students gain a rich academic environment conducive to innovative research and practical application. The program also offers modules focused on digital archaeology, excavation recording, and conservation science, ensuring that students are proficient with modern technological advancements. Overall, the Public Archaeology program at UCL prepares students to become knowledgeable, skilled, and socially responsible professionals who can significantly contribute to the understanding and preservation of the archaeological heritage.