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Course options

  • Qualification

    MSc - Master of Science

  • Location

    University of Oxford

  • Study mode

    Full time

  • Start date

    06-OCT-25

  • Duration

    11 months

Course summary

About the course

The MSc in Archaeology provides an opportunity for students to build on their knowledge from undergraduate studies and to specialise in a particular area of archaeology, while also offering an excellent foundation for those wishing to continue towards research at doctoral level. It also offers transferable skills which are beneficial to a range of professional roles.

During the 11-month taught master's degree you will specialise in a particular area of archaeology, and will follow one the subject streams listed below.

  • Archaeology of Asia
  • Medieval Archaeology
  • Prehistory and Pre-colonial Archaeology
  • Environmental Archaeology
  • Landscape Archaeology
  • Maritime Archaeology
  • Theoretical Archaeology

Teaching and learning

Teaching of stream modules is mainly through a combination of lectures and tutorials which are normally taught in small-groups. Other teaching methods may also include seminars, museum-based classes, laboratory work or other practicals, depending on your stream and module choices. You will usually prepare formative assignments on a weekly or fortnightly basis for your modules. The core Archaeological Principles module is taught by lectures and seminars and will include group work; the assignments given in this module will form the basis of an assessed portfolio.

The teaching methods provide you with the opportunity to debate and discuss essays and topics on a regular basis with other students and teachers. Your assignments will also allow you to develop your writing and presentation skills. The seminars, museum-based classes, laboratory work and practicals provide an arena for you to engage with and develop techniques of analysis and evaluation.

Assessment

The 'Archaeological Principles' option is assessed by a portfolio of work.

Subject stream core option 1 is assessed by a three-hour written examination in the second term.

Subject stream core option 2 is assessed by two 5,000-word pre-set essays submitted in the third term.

The option course is assessed by two 5,000-word pre-set essays submitted in the third term.

A dissertation of 15,000 words is submitted in late August.

Graduate destinations

It is anticipated that graduates from the MSc in Archaeology will continue to further degree programmes in Archaeology either at Oxford or at leading universities elsewhere. Others may find careers in education, museums, commercial archaeology and the heritage industry.

Tuition fees

Students living in United States
(International fees)

£ 36,250per year

Tuition fees shown are for indicative purposes and may vary. Please check with the institution for most up to date details.

University information

University of Oxford

  • University League Table

    2nd

  • Campus address

    University of Oxford, University Offices, Wellington Square, Oxford, Oxfordshire, OX1 2JD, England

Subject rankings

  • Subject ranking

    2nd out of 25

  • Entry standards

    / Max 202
    187 93%

    2nd

  • Graduate prospects

    / Max 100
    88.0 88%

    1st

    1
  • Student satisfaction

    / Max 4
    3.21 80%

    12th

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