Course summary
Course details Drawing on the wealth of expertise and experience within the department, the MA in Archaeology offers you the opportunity to develop the skills and knowledge you will need to build a fascinating and challenging career in commercial archaeology, heritage management, research, or the wider employment market. You may be able to choose from around six diverse strands such as: Landscape Archaeology, Prehistoric Archaeology, the Archaeology of Egypt, the Near East and Asia, the Archaeology and Heritage of East Asia, Classical and Roman Archaeology, and Medieval and Post Medieval Archaeology. During the course, you will also develop your abilities and experience in areas such as the collection, management and analysis of archaeological data and materials, current archaeological approaches, methods and practice and the presentation of archaeological research. Why Durham University? The Department of Archaeology is home to one of the largest postgraduate communities in Europe who benefit from world class academic teaching and leading-edge facilities to be able to pursue their passion for studying the past, interpreting the present and understanding the future. The wide-ranging courses are research-led and delivered by staff who are recognised experts in specialisms that span world, European and British archaeology from the last ice age to the post-medieval period. Our taught courses provide the ideal grounding for further academic research at a higher level but also offer essential preparation for entering a professional career. With our expertise in a wide range of archaeological disciplines and significant research activity across the globe, our aim is to create a top-class learning environment that is vibrant and supportive and enables you to make a difference in your chosen field. Facilities The Department of Archaeology has a reputation for excellence and connections across the world. We are home to state-of-the-art laboratories, specialist technology and some of the best library resources in the UK. Taught courses and researchers alike benefit from our status as co-owners of a UNESCO World Heritage site and the extensive range of library, museum and artefact collection resources on offer at Durham. Careers Opportunities Our MA in Archaeology will undoubtedly equip you for a wide range of careers in archaeology, academia, cultural heritage management, research, and journalism, as well as many other careers that have a cultural, social, or heritage focus. We have developed the structure and contents of courses in such a way as to support your desire to pursue a PhD or undertake further academic work in whatever form. We offer courses that prepare you for a career in professional archaeology, or in the increasingly significant conservation, heritage, or museums sectors. You will also be well-placed for roles in tourism, environmental agencies as well as local and national government, teaching and law.
Modules
For current information please scroll to the bottom of the page for Provider Information and select Visit our Course Page under Course Contact Details.
Assessment method
You will be expected to submit three or four pieces of assessed work per term, consisting of essays of 2,000 or 4,000 words as well as practical projects such as poster presentations. Importantly, you will also be required to produce a 20,000-word dissertation completed after you have carried out independent study activity into a particular theme, area or research problem. This dissertation is regarded as the key feature of the MA and will be produced under the supervision of a specialist member of the academic team. In addition to the help provided by the academic team, you can also access extensive support for your assessments through ASC, the Academic Skills Centre. See below for details: https://www.durham.ac.uk/departments/centres/academic-skills-centre/
How to apply
International applicants
Durham has a long and proud history of welcoming students from countries across the globe. For further details please see: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/ If you are an international student who does not meet the requirements for direct entry to this degree, you may be eligible to take a pre-Masters pathway programme at the Durham University International Study Centre. Please see: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/pathway-programmes/pre-masters/
Entry requirements
2.1 honours or higher, ideally in archaeology, or a related subject such as Anthropology, Cultural Studies, Art History and Theory, History, Classics, Oriental Studies. A wider range of backgrounds may be acceptable, with equivalent degree and mature students with relevant employment experience or other qualifications. Please consult with the department. For International Country and Region specific qualifications please see: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/regional-pages/ Please check the Requirements and Admissions section of the course database for details and exact requirements. Guidance for Home Applicants You can apply to this course by clicking the link “Apply” at the top right of the page above Course Summary. This will redirect you to Durham University Post Graduate information page where you will be able to apply via the Post Graduate Applicant Portal.
English language requirements
Test | Grade | Additional details |
---|---|---|
IELTS (Academic) | 7 | with no component under 6.5 |
TOEFL (iBT) | 102 | with no component under 25 |
Acceptable evidence and levels required can be viewed by visiting the link below under English Language requirements. You should be able to demonstrate satisfactory English proficiency before the start of a programme of study, whether via the submission of an appropriate English language qualification or by attendance on an appropriate pre-sessional course. For more information on pre-sessional courses please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/pre-sessional-english-language-required/
English Language requirements
https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/international/entry-requirements/english-language-requirements/
Fees and funding
Tuition fees
England | £12800 | Year 1 |
Northern Ireland | £12800 | Year 1 |
Scotland | £12800 | Year 1 |
Wales | £12800 | Year 1 |
Channel Islands | £12800 | Year 1 |
EU | £29000 | Year 1 |
International | £29000 | Year 1 |
Tuition fee status depends on a number of criteria and varies according to where in the UK you will study. For further guidance on the criteria for home or overseas tuition fees, please refer to the UKCISA website .
Additional fee information
Sponsorship information
Durham University offers a range of scholarship opportunities to academically well-qualified and highly motivated students. For further details, including deadlines for application, please visit: https://www.durham.ac.uk/study/scholarships/
Provider information
Durham University
The Palatine Centre
Stockton Road
Durham
DH1 3LE