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Archaeology at Newcastle University - UCAS

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2024 - 20252025 - 2026
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There are other course options available which may have a different vacancy status or entry requirements – view the full list of options

Course summary

The Archaeology MA inspires you to think about the human past from a variety of thematic and analytical perspectives. Newcastle is surrounded by world-class prehistoric, Roman, medieval and post-medieval heritage. We make full use of our rich archaeological landscape with regular study trips and fieldwork. The Archaeology MA has six specialist pathways and a generic route to suit your individual needs, background and career aspirations:

  • Prehistoric Archaeology
  • Classical Archaeology: Greek and Roman
  • Roman Frontier Studies
  • Late Antique, Medieval and Byzantine Archaeology
  • Historical Archaeology
  • Artefacts and Technologies.
Newcastle University has a long and distinguished history of archaeological research, including:
  • Prehistoric archaeology
  • 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.
We have access to some of the finest collections of archaeological artefacts in Great Britain in the on-campus Great North Museum: Hancock. We provide quality teaching in small groups. This means you'll reach a level of familiarity with artefacts that most students can only dream of. We have a range of period-based, practical and theoretical modules available. Our modules will give you an understanding of the interpretive approaches that archaeologists adopt. They will also help you understand the methodologies and sources available during your investigations. You can develop a range of advanced practical skills in:
  • artefact analysis, including metallography and use-wear analysis
  • archaeological surveying, including topographical, buildings and geophysical survey
  • database and archive use
  • geographical information systems (GIS)
  • ancient languages
  • animal bone identification.
You'll join a vibrant archaeology community at Newcastle. You'll receive specialist teaching from leading academics in subjects of their research expertise. Throughout the course you'll have opportunities to engage and learn about our innovative research. We have an extensive programme of invited speakers organised by our research groups. Our Postgraduate Forum also has a seminar series, annual conference and e-journal. The Archaeology MA provides you with outstanding skills and the ability to enter a range of professions. You will gain advanced skills in literacy, research and project management. You could also choose to continue your academic career with a PhD in archaeology. Field trips The North East has an outstanding prehistoric, Roman and medieval heritage. We take full advantage of this through regular study trips and fieldwork. You can also take optional modules with field trips to:
  • Rome
  • Athens
The tuition of these trips is included in your course fees. If you select a module with an overseas trip you should budget about £450 to cover your flights and accommodation. Quality and Ranking We rank in the top 150 for Archaeology - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019. Delivery All campus-based teaching takes place during the working week. Some field trips take place during holidays and weekends, depending on the modules taken. Contact and independent study times vary depending on the module and time of year. Semesters one and two: You typically attend between 6 - 15 hours of teaching per week. The remaining hours of a standard week are for independent study. Work experience There are many opportunities for you to gain archaeological experience outside your course. We'll encourage you to gain this experience whilst part of our archaeology community. Staff carry out a wide range of archaeological projects. Most of our students participate in projects run in Newcastle and by partners in the UK and overseas.

Modules

See Modules tab in the Programme information in our online Prospectus.

Entry requirements

A 2:1 honours degree, or an international equivalent, in archaeology. A 2:1 honours degree in any other subject will be considered alongside personal statement. INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS: To study this course you need to meet our Band 5 English Language requirements: Direct Entry: IELTS 6.5 overall (with 6.5 in writing and a minimum of 5.5 in all other sub-skills). Pre-sessional English Language courses are not accepted as an alternative entry to this course.

Fees and funding

Tuition fees

No fee information has been provided for this course

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

No additional fees or cost information has been supplied for this course, please contact the provider directly.
Archaeology at Newcastle University - UCAS