Archaeology MRes

Follow a specialist pathway focusing on a specific period or region, or pursue practical training in archaeological methods.

Research overview

Explore Archaeology

MRes Archaeology is an exciting opportunity to develop advanced knowledge and understanding of specific areas of the discipline by following a personalised, individual study pathway, in close collaboration with our staff. This course offers research training for students intending to pursue careers in which an excellent understanding of research methods will be useful. You will further your own intellectual development and enhance your independent research skills by completing a major research project.

It is also ideal preparation for students who possess a sound understanding of the subject and who wish to undertake a PhD in Archaeology. In this sense, an MRes, as a substantial piece of original academic work, might well prove to be a decisive advantage when seeking future funding for doctoral study. It also provides a wide range of highly sought-after skills in research, critical thinking, data analysis, and communication which will provide the foundation for a future career in archaeology and heritage, as well as many other sectors.

This course offers you the flexibility to tailor the content to reflect your personal interests and research topic. You can follow a specialist pathway focusing on a specific period, region or theme, and can combine it with advanced practical training in archaeological techniques and will undertake independent research supervised by a main supervisor and a co-supervisor on a pre-agreed research topic. We have specialists working in Old-World Prehistory, the ancient Mediterranean and the Roman world, and Medieval and Post-Medieval Europe, as well as internationally renowned expertise in bioarchaeology and archaeological materials.

The MRes Archaeology can be studied over two years on a part-time basis. As teaching is largely undertaken through individual tutorials or small groups, there is a great deal of flexibility to organise your time around existing commitments.

Research areas

Our areas of teaching and research expertise include:

• Prehistoric archaeology
• Mediterranean Archaeology
• Roman Archaeology
• Medieval and Post-Medieval Archaeology
• Social Bioarchaeology – People, Plants and Animals
• Archaeological Materials

Careers

MRes Archaeology is ideal preparation for a research career in Archaeology, following the suggested model of one year research training plus 3-year PhD favoured by the AHRC.

Archaeology graduates pursue a wide variety of careers, ranging from law and business, to teaching and publishing. During your degree, alongside your academic knowledge, you will develop many transferable skills that are sought after by employers.