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University of Glasgow: Archaeology
| Institution | University of Glasgow View institution profile |
|---|---|
| Department | College of Arts and Humanities |
| Web | glasgow.ac.uk |
| Michael.Given@glasgow.ac.uk | |
| Study type | Taught |
Master of Science - MSc (PG)
Summary
This Masters will enable you to develop your own holistic approach to the challenges of contemporary archaeological research and practice. The programme combines conceptual learning with independent research and project-based work. A key strength of this programme is its flexibility, which allows you to create a portfolio of courses based on your individual needs and interests.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME
We're ranked 37th in the world for Archaeology in the latest QS World Subject Rankings.
-
Our staff are engaged in various innovative research projects (in Scotland, other parts of the UK and internationally) and actively involve our students in them.
-
You will be supported in developing a range of Graduate Attributes to enhance your employability through professional practice.
-
You can develop Digital Archaeology skills through the use and creation of digital collections and archives; digital imaging; gaming and interactive media.
-
Our recent £1.2M investment in new archaeological science laboratory facilities and collaborations with Earth Science, Physics, Chemistry, SUERC and others will support you to develop skills in the archaeological sciences, including Environmental Science and Heritage Materials Science.
-
We're ranked top 10 in the UK for Archaeology (2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject).
-
Read about how our students and staff discovered a coin hoard linked to the 1692 Glencoe Massacre. Archaeology student Lucy Ankers said: "As a first experience of a dig, Glencoe was amazing. The two weeks I spent digging solidified that I want to pursue a career within archaeology."
-
Find out more about our researchers exploring the landscapes of Glencoe and Rannoch Moor through archaeological, environmental and creative approaches.
-
Read in the Guardian: UofG archaeologists uncover complete Neolithic cursus on the Isle of Arran.
-
Listen to our podcast: Stories from Glasgow – Archaeology and the Digital Keys to Unlocking the Past with Dr Gareth Beale.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
This programme allows you to follow a pre-composed theme such as Landscape Archaeology, Digital Archaeology, or Celtic and Viking Archaeology or create your own flexible degree programme by selecting from optional courses across Archaeology and related programmes. This structure encourages interdisciplinary work integrated with core training in archaeological theory and methods, including training in archaeological sciences, and supports practice-based learning through Archaeology’s collections and courses.
Teaching will be delivered through field trips, the Archaeology research seminar series, and through courses in which you develop written work, portfolios, practice-based and practical assignments and oral presentations. An independent research project in the form of a dissertation, undertaken in the summer semester, is an integral part of the programme.
Core Courses Research and Professional Skills Archaeology Dissertation
All students participate in the ‘Research and Professional Skills’ course. Students should select five options from the range of courses offered in Archaeology and related subjects in agreement with the MSc Programme convenor.
Optional Courses British Battlefields: Analysis and Cultural Resource Management Modern Warfare: 19th and 20th Century Warfare Geographical Information Systems in Archaeology Independent Study Project Cloth and Clothing Archaeology, Games and Interactive Medi Landscape Archaeologies Contemporary and future archaeologies Kingdoms and societies in northern Britain AD 400-800 Masters Environmental Archaeology; plants, animals and people Reassembling the Artefacts Landscape and Environment in Gaelic Scotland Heritage Material Science Pottery Skills: understanding Archaeology's most common material Decolonising the Heritage of Slavery and Colonialism
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Archaeology, History, Classics, Digital Humanities, Anthropology, Religious Studies, Museum Studies, Geography, Environmental Studies or any other relevant subject. We may also accept degrees in any other subject. We may sometimes accept degrees at 2.2 Hons or non-UK equivalent. Extensive work experience in cultural heritage management or archaeology may be considered in lieu of qualifications. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
Summary
This Masters will enable you to develop your own holistic approach to the challenges of contemporary archaeological research and practice. The programme combines conceptual learning with independent research and project-based work. A key strength of this programme is its flexibility, which allows you to create a portfolio of courses based on your individual needs and interests.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME
We're ranked 37th in the world for Archaeology in the latest QS World Subject Rankings.
-
Our staff are engaged in various innovative research projects (in Scotland, other parts of the UK and internationally) and actively involve our students in them.
-
You will be supported in developing a range of Graduate Attributes to enhance your employability through professional practice.
-
You can develop Digital Archaeology skills through the use and creation of digital collections and archives; digital imaging; gaming and interactive media.
-
Our recent £1.2M investment in new archaeological science laboratory facilities and collaborations with Earth Science, Physics, Chemistry, SUERC and others will support you to develop skills in the archaeological sciences, including Environmental Science and Heritage Materials Science.
-
We're ranked top 10 in the UK for Archaeology (2025 QS World University Rankings by Subject).
-
Read about how our students and staff discovered a coin hoard linked to the 1692 Glencoe Massacre. Archaeology student Lucy Ankers said: "As a first experience of a dig, Glencoe was amazing. The two weeks I spent digging solidified that I want to pursue a career within archaeology."
-
Find out more about our researchers exploring the landscapes of Glencoe and Rannoch Moor through archaeological, environmental and creative approaches.
-
Read in the Guardian: UofG archaeologists uncover complete Neolithic cursus on the Isle of Arran.
-
Listen to our podcast: Stories from Glasgow – Archaeology and the Digital Keys to Unlocking the Past with Dr Gareth Beale.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
This programme allows you to follow a pre-composed theme such as Landscape Archaeology, Digital Archaeology, or Celtic and Viking Archaeology or create your own flexible degree programme by selecting from optional courses across Archaeology and related programmes. This structure encourages interdisciplinary work integrated with core training in archaeological theory and methods, including training in archaeological sciences, and supports practice-based learning through Archaeology’s collections and courses.
Teaching will be delivered through field trips, the Archaeology research seminar series, and through courses in which you develop written work, portfolios, practice-based and practical assignments and oral presentations. An independent research project in the form of a dissertation, undertaken in the summer semester, is an integral part of the programme.
Core Courses Research and Professional Skills Archaeology Dissertation
All students participate in the ‘Research and Professional Skills’ course. Students should select five options from the range of courses offered in Archaeology and related subjects in agreement with the MSc Programme convenor.
Optional Courses British Battlefields: Analysis and Cultural Resource Management Modern Warfare: 19th and 20th Century Warfare Geographical Information Systems in Archaeology Independent Study Project Cloth and Clothing Archaeology, Games and Interactive Medi Landscape Archaeologies Contemporary and future archaeologies Kingdoms and societies in northern Britain AD 400-800 Masters Environmental Archaeology; plants, animals and people Reassembling the Artefacts Landscape and Environment in Gaelic Scotland Heritage Material Science Pottery Skills: understanding Archaeology's most common material Decolonising the Heritage of Slavery and Colonialism
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | 2.1 Hons (or non-UK equivalent) in Archaeology, History, Classics, Digital Humanities, Anthropology, Religious Studies, Museum Studies, Geography, Environmental Studies or any other relevant subject. We may also accept degrees in any other subject. We may sometimes accept degrees at 2.2 Hons or non-UK equivalent. Extensive work experience in cultural heritage management or archaeology may be considered in lieu of qualifications. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
Summary
This Masters will enable you to develop your own holistic approach to the challenges of contemporary archaeological research and practice. The programme combines conceptual learning with independent research and project-based work. A key strength of this programme is its flexibility, which allows you to create a portfolio of courses based on your individual needs and interests.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME
-
The University can facilitate work placements and internships with organisations such as Historic Environment Scotland, the National Trust and the Hunterian Museum.
-
Our collaboration with SUERC, a premier scientific dating facility, supports interested students developing their skills in the archaeological sciences.
-
Our staff are engaged in a variety of innovative research projects (both in Scotland and abroad) and actively involve students in such projects.
-
Interested students are supported to develop their skills in the use and creation of digital collections and archives.
-
The programme came 4th in the UK in the 2019 National Student Survey, with a 100 per cent student satisfaction score.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
This programme allows you to follow a pre-composed theme such as Landscape Archaeology, Digital Archaeology, or Celtic and Viking Archaeology or create your own flexible degree programme by selecting from optional courses across Archaeology and related programmes. This structure encourages interdisciplinary work integrated with core training in Archaeological theory and methods, including training in archaeological sciences, and supports practice-based learning through Archaeology’s placement scheme and courses.
Teaching will be delivered through field trips, the Archaeology research seminar series, and through courses in which you develop written work, practice-based and practical assignments and oral presentations. An independent research project in the form of a dissertation, undertaken in the second semester, is an integral part of the programme.
Core Courses RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS ARCHAEOLOGY DISSERTATION
All students participate in the ‘Research and Professional Skills’ course. Students should select five options from the range of courses offered in Archaeology and related subjects in agreement with the MSc Programme convenor.
Optional Courses EXPERIENCING LANDSCAPE AND HERITAGE REMOTE SENSING FOR HUMAN ECOLOGY AND ARCHAEOLOGY DIGITAL PASTS: INTERACTIVE MEDIA AND GAMES FOR ARCHAEOLOGY AND HERITAGE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIGITAL IMAGING MEDITERRANEAN LANDSCAPES FEASTING LIKE THE ANCIENTS: AN INTER-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO EARLY FOOD AND DRINK BRITISH BATTLEFIELDS: ANALYSIS AND CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT MODERN WARFARE: 19TH AND 20TH CENTURY WARFARE THE ART OF WAR: CONCEPTS AND THEORIES METHOD AND PRACTICE IN CONFLICT HERITAGE APPROACHING THE ANCIENT WORLD THROUGH TEXT APPROACHING THE ANCIENT WORLD THROUGH MATERIAL CULTURE CLOTH AND CLOTHING LANDSCAPE AND POWER IN THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND EAST MEDITERRANEAN PGT PEOPLE IN A CHANGING WORLD: ARCHAEOLOGY, CLIMATES AND ENVIRONMENT VIKING AND LATE NORSE ARTEFACTS (AD 750-1350) THEMES IN EARLY MEDIEVAL SCOTTISH ARCHAEOLOGY MEDIEVAL IRELAND, 800-1100: SOURCES AND DEBATES LANDSCAPE ARCHAEOLOGIES MATERIAL CULTURE IN CONTEXT PAST IMPERFECT, PRESENT TENSE: A PRACTICAL HISTORIOGRAPHY OF THE PAST PGT
Courses at the Masters level in Archaeology draw upon the particular interests and expertise of the contributing staff and therefore the options available may vary slightly depending on staff availability and subject to a minimum number of students. Please contact us to confirm likely availability of courses in any given year.
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Entry requirements for postgraduate taught programmes are a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification (for example, GPA 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject unless otherwise specified. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
Summary
This Masters will enable you to develop your own holistic approach to the challenges of contemporary archaeological research and practice. The programme combines conceptual learning with independent research and project-based work. A key strength of this programme is its flexibility, which allows you to create a portfolio of courses based on your individual needs and interests.
WHY THIS PROGRAMME
-
The University can facilitate work placements and internships with organisations such as Historic Environment Scotland, the National Trust and the Hunterian Museum.
-
Our collaboration with SUERC, a premier scientific dating facility, supports interested students developing their skills in the archaeological sciences.
-
Our staff are engaged in a variety of innovative research projects (both in Scotland and abroad) and actively involve students in such projects.
-
Interested students are supported to develop their skills in the use and creation of digital collections and archives.
-
The programme came 4th in the UK in the 2019 National Student Survey, with a 100 per cent student satisfaction score.
PROGRAMME STRUCTURE
This programme allows you to follow a pre-composed theme such as Landscape Archaeology, Digital Archaeology, or Celtic and Viking Archaeology or create your own flexible degree programme by selecting from optional courses across Archaeology and related programmes. This structure encourages interdisciplinary work integrated with core training in Archaeological theory and methods, including training in archaeological sciences, and supports practice-based learning through Archaeology’s placement scheme and courses.
Teaching will be delivered through field trips, the Archaeology research seminar series, and through courses in which you develop written work, practice-based and practical assignments and oral presentations. An independent research project in the form of a dissertation, undertaken in the second semester, is an integral part of the programme.
Core Courses RESEARCH AND PROFESSIONAL SKILLS ARCHAEOLOGY DISSERTATION
All students participate in the ‘Research and Professional Skills’ course. Students should select five options from the range of courses offered in Archaeology and related subjects in agreement with the MSc Programme convenor.
Optional Courses EXPERIENCING LANDSCAPE AND HERITAGE REMOTE SENSING FOR HUMAN ECOLOGY AND ARCHAEOLOGY DIGITAL PASTS: INTERACTIVE MEDIA AND GAMES FOR ARCHAEOLOGY AND HERITAGE ARCHAEOLOGICAL DIGITAL IMAGING MEDITERRANEAN LANDSCAPES FEASTING LIKE THE ANCIENTS: AN INTER-DISCIPLINARY APPROACH TO EARLY FOOD AND DRINK BRITISH BATTLEFIELDS: ANALYSIS AND CULTURAL RESOURCE MANAGEMENT MODERN WARFARE: 19TH AND 20TH CENTURY WARFARE THE ART OF WAR: CONCEPTS AND THEORIES METHOD AND PRACTICE IN CONFLICT HERITAGE APPROACHING THE ANCIENT WORLD THROUGH TEXT APPROACHING THE ANCIENT WORLD THROUGH MATERIAL CULTURE CLOTH AND CLOTHING LANDSCAPE AND POWER IN THE ANCIENT NEAR EAST AND EAST MEDITERRANEAN PGT PEOPLE IN A CHANGING WORLD: ARCHAEOLOGY, CLIMATES AND ENVIRONMENT VIKING AND LATE NORSE ARTEFACTS (AD 750-1350) THEMES IN EARLY MEDIEVAL SCOTTISH ARCHAEOLOGY MEDIEVAL IRELAND, 800-1100: SOURCES AND DEBATES LANDSCAPE ARCHAEOLOGIES MATERIAL CULTURE IN CONTEXT PAST IMPERFECT, PRESENT TENSE: A PRACTICAL HISTORIOGRAPHY OF THE PAST PGT
Courses at the Masters level in Archaeology draw upon the particular interests and expertise of the contributing staff and therefore the options available may vary slightly depending on staff availability and subject to a minimum number of students. Please contact us to confirm likely availability of courses in any given year.
| Level | SCQF Level 11 |
|---|---|
| Entry requirements | Entry requirements for postgraduate taught programmes are a 2.1 Honours degree or equivalent qualification (for example, GPA 3.0 or above) in a relevant subject unless otherwise specified. |
| Location | Gilmorehill (Main) Campus University Of Glasgow University Avenue Glasgow G12 8QQ |
The University of Glasgow is one of the UK’s most prestigious seats of learning, and the fourth oldest university in the English speaking world. Established in 1451 and recognised for its world-changing research and teaching, our people have always been at the forefront of innovation, including eight Nobel Laureates, two UK Prime Ministers, three First Ministers of Scotland, 10 Fellows of the Royal Society and 11 Fellows of the British Academy. Our past achievements inspire our current world changers.
Rankings
The University:
- is ranked 79th in the world: QS World University Rankings 2025
- is …
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