Archaeology MA

Overview

Newcastle is a great place to study a master's in Archaeology. We're surrounded by world-class prehistoric, Roman, medieval and post-medieval heritage and you'll make full use of our rich archaeological landscape with regular study trips and fieldwork in the region. Our world-class on-campus Great North Museum: Hancock provides some of the finest archaeological collections often used in your learning.

The Archaeology master's has six specialist pathways and a generic route. You can select a pathway to suit your individual needs, background and career aspirations. As well as a general ‘Archaeology’ pathway, you can choose from:

• Prehistoric Archaeology
• Classical Archaeology: Greek and Roman
• Roman Frontier Studies
• Late Antique, Medieval and Byzantine Archaeology
• Historical Archaeology
• Archaeology, Artefacts and Technologies

Newcastle University has a long and distinguished history of archaeological research, including:

• Prehistoric archaeology in Britain, Western Europe and the Mediterranean
• Greek archaeology
• Roman archaeology
• Archaeology of the late antique period
• Western medieval archaeology
• Byzantine archaeology
• Historical archaeology (the post-1500 AD world)
• Landscape studies
• Material culture studies

Important information

We've highlighted important information about your course. Please take note of any deadlines.

Your course and study experience - disclaimers and terms and conditions

Please rest assured we make all reasonable efforts to provide you with the programmes, services and facilities described. However, it may be necessary to make changes due to significant disruption, for example in response to Covid-19.

View our Academic experience page, which gives information about your Newcastle University study experience for the academic year 2022-23.

See our terms and conditions and student complaints information, which gives details of circumstances that may lead to changes to programmes, modules or University services.

 

Qualifications explained

Find out about the different qualification options for this course.

MA - Master of Arts

An MA is a taught Master’s degree. It usually involves the study of social sciences, art and humanities, and business, consulting and management. It typically includes:

• subject-specific taught modules
• a dissertation or research project of approximately 15,000 – 18,000 words

You'll usually study an MA full-time over 12 months.

A Master of Arts is awarded for the successful completion of 120 credits of taught modules and a 60 credit dissertation or research project.

Find out about different types of postgraduate qualifications.

What you'll learn

Build the degree that is right for you! We have a wide range of period-based, practical and theoretical modules available for you to choose. Our compulsory modules ensure you receive a solid training in archaeological research while our optional modules allow you to specialise in particular fields of interest. Lectures, seminars and practical activities give you an understanding of the interpretive approaches that archaeologists adopt and help you better understand the methodologies and sources available to apply to your own research.

You'll initially apply for MA Archaeology but may choose a specialist route when you register. There are six pathways from which to choose. You only need to choose a minimum of three modules (60 credits) from a specific pathway, you can choose the remainder from any module listed in any of the pathways.

Modules

You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.

Course content changes

Module information is intended to provide an example of what you will study.

Our teaching is informed by research. Course content changes periodically to reflect developments in the discipline, the requirements of external bodies and partners, and student feedback.

Full details of the modules on offer will be published through the Programme Regulations and Specifications ahead of each academic year. This usually happens in May.

Optional modules availability

Some courses have optional modules. Student demand for optional modules may affect availability.

To find out more please see our terms and conditions.

General archaeology route modules

Compulsory Modules	Credits
Dissertation	60
Research Themes, Theories and Skills I	10
Research Themes, Theories and Skills in Archaeology II	10

Optional Modules	Credits
Independent Study Project in Archaeology	20
Independent Study Project in Archaeology	20
Independent Study Project in Archaeology 2	20
Early Medieval Britain	20
The Archaeology of Byzantium and its Neighbours	20
Archaeology of Animal Bones	20
Early Prehistoric Europe: Origins and transformations	20
Recording Historic Buildings	20
Armies and Frontiers of the Roman Empire	20
Sex, bodies and identities in Classical Greece	20
Archaeologies of the Middle Sea: An Armchair Voyage Across the Prehistoric Mediterranean	20
Graduate Seminar in Roman Archaeology	20
Early Medieval Western Europe	20
Bodies in Prehistoric Europe c. 6500-700 BC	20
Ancient Metals: Technology and Scientific Analysis	20
Regionality and the Fall of Rome	20
Landscape Archaeology: Theory and Practice	20
Independent Study Project in Archaeology	10
Independent Study Project in Archaeology	10
Beginners' Greek in Action 1	20
Beginners' Greek in Action 2	20
Intermediate Greek Language and Literature 1	20
Intermediate Greek Language and Literature 2	20
Level 2 Greek: Interpretation of Texts	20
Level 3 Greek: Special Study	20
An Introduction to the Fundamentals of GIS	10
Theory and Application in Geographic Information Systems	10
Beginners' Latin in Action 1	20
Beginners' Latin in Action 2	20
Intermediate Latin Language and Literature 1	20
Intermediate Latin Language and Literature 2	20
Level 2 Latin: Interpretation of Texts	20
Level 3 Latin: Interpretation of Texts	20
Level 3 Latin: Special Study	20
Management Practices in Museum, Galleries and Heritage Studies	20
Caring for Collections in the Museum/Gallery/Heritage Sector	20

Prehistoric archaeology pathway modules

Compulsory modules

• Dissertation
• Research Themes, Theories and Skills in Archaeology I
• Research Themes, Theories and Skills in Archaeology II

Optional modules

• Early Prehistoric Europe: Origins and Transformations *
• Sex, Bodies and Identities in Classical Greece*
• Archaeologies of the Middle Sea: An Armchair Voyage Across the Prehistoric Mediterranean*
• Bodies in Prehistoric Europe c.6500-700BC
• Ancient Metals: Technology and Scientific Analysis
• Landscape Archaeology: Theory and Practice
• From Palaces to City States: Structure, Mobility and Change in Late Bronze Age and Iron Age Greece

*These refer to modules that are co-taught with final-year undergraduate students but assessed at a post-graduate level. You can only take a maximum of two of these modules. If you have previously taken an undergraduate version of this module at Newcastle University, you will have to replace it with a different module

Classical archaeology: Greek and Roman pathway modules

Compulsory modules

• Dissertation
• Research Themes, Theories and Skills in Archaeology I
• Research Themes, Theories and Skills in Archaeology II

Optional modules

You can opt to focus on either Greek or Roman archaeology or study both.

• The Archaeology of Byzantium and its Neighbours* watch introduction to module on YouTube
• Armies and Frontiers of the Roman Empire watch introduction to module on YouTube
• Sex, Bodies and Identities in Classical Greece*
• Archaeologies of the Middle Sea: An Armchair Voyage Across the Prehistoric Mediterranean*
• Graduate Seminar in Roman Archaeology watch introduction to module on YouTube
• Regionality and the Fall of Rome*
• From Palaces to City States: Structure, Mobility and Change in Late Bronze Age and Iron Age Greece
• Graduate Seminar in Greek Archaeology

*These refer to modules that are co-taught with final-year undergraduate students but assessed at a post-graduate level. You can only take a maximum of two of these modules. If you have previously taken an undergraduate version of this module at Newcastle University, you will have to replace it with a different module

Roman frontier studies pathway modules

Compulsory modules

• Dissertation
• Research Themes, Theories and Skills in Archaeology I
• Research Themes, Theories and Skills in Archaeology II

Optional modules

• The Archaeology of Byzantium and its Neighbours* watch introduction to module on YouTube
• Armies and Frontiers of the Roman Empire watch introduction to module on YouTube
• Graduate Seminar in Roman Archaeology watch introduction to module on YouTube
• Regionality and the Fall of Rome*

*These refer to modules that are co-taught with final-year undergraduate students but assessed at a post-graduate level. You can only take a maximum of two of these modules. If you have previously taken an undergraduate version of this module at Newcastle University, you will have to replace it with a different module

Late Antique, Medieval and Byzantine archaeology pathway modules

Compulsory modules

• Dissertation
• Research Themes, Theories and Skills in Archaeology I
• Research Themes, Theories and Skills in Archaeology II

Optional modules

• The Archaeology of Byzantium and its Neighbours* watch an introduction to the module on YouTube
• Regionality and the Fall of Rome*
• Early Medieval Britain*
• Recording Historic Buildings
• Early Medieval Western Europe watch an introduction to the module on YouTube

*These refer to modules that are co-taught with final-year undergraduate students but assessed at a post-graduate level. You can only take a maximum of two of these modules. If you have previously taken an undergraduate version of this module at Newcastle University, you will have to replace it with a different module

Historical archaeology pathway modules

Compulsory modules

• Dissertation
• Research Themes, Theories and Skills in Archaeology I
• Research Themes, Theories and Skills in Archaeology II

Optional modules

• The Archaeology of Byzantium and its Neighbours* watch an introduction to the module on YouTube
• Regionality and the Fall of Rome*
• Early Medieval Britain*
• Recording Historic Buildings
• Early Medieval Western Europe
• Graduate Seminar in Historical Archaeology: Archaeologies of European Expansion

*These refer to modules that are co-taught with final-year undergraduate students but assessed at a post-graduate level. You can only take a maximum of two of these modules. If you have previously taken an undergraduate version of this module at Newcastle University, you will have to replace it with a different module

Archaeology, artefacts and technologies pathway modules

Compulsory modules

• Dissertation
• Research Themes, Theories and Skills in Archaeology I
• Research Themes, Theories and Skills in Archaeology II

Optional modules

• Graduate Seminar in Greek Archaeology
• Archaeology of Animal Bones*
• Recording Historic Buildings
• Ancient Metals: Technology and Scientific Analysis
• Landscape Archaeology: Theory and Practice
• Archaeology under the microscope - an introduction to sediment micromorphology

*These refer to modules that are co-taught with final-year undergraduate students but assessed at a post-graduate level. You can only take a maximum of two of these modules. If you have previously taken an undergraduate version of this module at Newcastle University, you will have to replace it with a different module

How you'll learn

Delivery and teaching methods

We provide quality teaching in small groups. This means you’ll have many opportunities to regularly interact with your lecturers and fellow class-mates as well as spending quality time working with archaeological materials.

All modules will be delivered via blended learning. This means you'll be taught via a mixture of:

• online lectures (to view prior to attending in-person sessions)
• in-person seminars and practical teaching (minimum one hour per week per module )
• synchronous online learning activities

Your remaining time should be spent on independent study.

Assessment methods

Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:

• Case study
• Computer assessment
• Dissertation
• Essay
• Lab exercise
• Oral presentation
• Practical lab report
• Poster
• Problem-solving exercises
• Report
• Research proposal
• Research paper
• Written examination
• Written exercise

Student Support

Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:

• module handbooks
• course materials
• groups
• course announcements and notifications
• written feedback

Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:

• peers
• academics
• personal tutors
• our University Student Services Team
• student representatives

You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff. They will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.

Your development

Practical skills

You can develop a range of advanced practical skills depending on the modules you select. These can include:

• Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
• ancient languages
• artefact and material culture analysis
• field survey and excavation methods
• archaeological laboratory practice
• research skills

Work experience

We encourage you to gain archaeological experience outside of your course whilst part of our archaeology community. While opportunities may be limited due to the impact of the Covid-19 pandemic, we make every effort to provide opportunities for students to join on various ongoing research projects run by staff. 

Your future

What can you do with a master's in archaeology?

The Archaeology MA provides you with outstanding skills and the ability to enter a range of professions. You'll gain advanced skills in:

• research
• project management
• archaeological method and theory
• communication
• problem solving
• responsibility/leadership
• team work
• time management

Many of our students go on to careers in the heritage sector, including commercial archaeology (cultural resource management), museums and non-governmental organisations.

We have extensive ties with local heritage organisations and provide opportunities to network with prospective employers.

You could also choose to continue your academic career with a PhD in archaeology.

Our Careers Service

Our award-winning Careers Service is one of the largest and best in the country, and we have strong links with employers. We provide an extensive range of opportunities to all students through our ncl+ initiative.

Visit our Careers Service website

Quality and ranking

All professional accreditations are reviewed regularly by their professional body

Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK

From 1 January 2021 there is an update to the way professional qualifications are recognised by countries outside of the UK

Check the government’s website for more information.

Facilities

Subject to Covid-19 restrictions archaeologists have exceptional facilities on campus. This includes over 200 years of scholarship, libraries and archaeological collections built up by the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle and the Great North Museum: Hancock, through which you'll have access to one of finest archaeological collections in the UK.

You can access the following internationally important collections:

• Prehistoric Europe collections
• Ancient Greek collections
• Etruscan collections
• Roman collections (from across the empire)
• Medieval artefacts
• Gertrude Bell archive

The recently refurbished Armstrong Building is home to Archaeology. It has:

• dedicated study spaces
• Reading Room
• computers
• free printing
• photocopying
• laptops for research trips

The Wolfson Archaeology Laboratory has dedicated teaching spaces as well as resources to conduct your own research, including:

• an animal bones reference collection
• a thin section and microfossil slide collection
• Roman pottery collections
• Post-Medieval metalwork and ceramics collections
• specialist equipment for soil, pollen, phytolith and other microfossil sample preparations.
• a material culture analytical suite with microscopy, spectroscopy, 3D scanning and x-ray facilities

Fees and funding

Tuition fees for 2023 entry (per year)

Tuition fee increases

If your studies last longer than one year, your tuition fee may increase in line with inflation.

EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status

Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.

EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support.

If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.

Scholarships

We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information. 

What you're paying for

Tuition fees include the costs of:

• matriculation
• registration
• tuition (or supervision)
• library access
• examination
• re-examination
• graduation

Some of our degrees involve additional costs which are not covered by your tuition fees.

Find out more about:

• additional costs
• living costs
• tuition fees, including how to pay them and available discounts

Deposit

If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.

You can check this in the How to apply section.

Funding deadlines

If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.

For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.

Search for funding

Find funding available for your course

Select your country

How to apply

Using the application portal

The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.

You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.

If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.

Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.

Apply Online  

Open days and events

You'll have a number of opportunities to meet us throughout the year including:

• campus tours
• on-campus open days
• virtual open days
• webinars

Find out about how you can visit Newcastle in person and virtually

Overseas events

We regularly travel overseas to meet with students interested in studying at Newcastle University.

Visit our events calendar for the latest events