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University of Glasgow: Material Culture and Artefact Studies

Institution University of Glasgow View institution profile
Department School of Humanities
Web www.glasgow.ac.uk/
Study type Taught

Summary

Material culture and artefact studies combines the archaeological recovery and specialist examination of an object with its presentation, management and understanding within a cultural context.

This MSc in Material Culture & Artefact Studies will prepare you to participate at both a practical and theoretical level within the field of specialist artefactual analysis.

You will be able to undertake a work placement to gain valuable work experience in a museum, archaeological unit or other cultural institution.

This MSc in Material Culture & Artefact Studies will prepare you to participate at both a practical and theoretical level within the field of specialist artefactual analysis. You will be able to undertake a work placement to gain valuable work experience in a museum, archaeological unit or other cultural institution. * You will benefit from the involvement of staff from Glasgow Museums, National Museums Scotland and other institutions within Scotland, and will have the opportunity to work with collections from local museums, including the University’s own Hunterian Museum and Art Gallery. * Listen to our podcast: Stories from Glasgow - Archaeology and the Digital Keys to Unlocking the Past with Dr Gareth Beale

The taught component consists of core courses and optional courses, running over two semesters.

Assessment is normally focused on written performance, but oral presentation skills and other modes of assessment allow you to develop your writing skills in a number of formats. This is in addition to the practical emphasis on developing your ability to interpret and analyse artefacts.

For the MSc you can opt to do either a dissertation or an extended work placement (assessed by work placement portfolio and either a research report or a student exhibition design).

Core courses

  • MATERIAL CULTURE IN CONTEXT
  • THE PROCESS OF ARTEFACT STUDIES

Optional courses include modules such as:

  • CLOTH AND CLOTHING
  • INDEPENDENT STUDY PROJECT
  • CRITICAL THEMES IN THE DISPLAY AND RECEPTION OF OBJECTS
  • REASSEMBLING THE ARTEFACTS
  • VIKING AND LATE NORSE ARTEFACTS (AD 750-1350)
  • HERITAGE MATERIAL SCIENCE
  • Optional courses drawn from Archaeology or from other programmes across the University can be taken by agreement with the programme convener.

The optional courses offer you the opportunity to explore and develop particular areas of more detailed study. These courses draw upon the particular interests and expertise of the contributing staff and therefore the options available may vary slightly depending on staff availability and are also subject to a minimum number of students. Please contact us to confirm likely availability of optional courses in any given year.

You need to choose three options from the range of options offered in Archaeology and from subjects across the the College of Arts in agreement with the course convenor.

The two strands to the degree enable you to prepare for further doctoral research whilst also providing opportunities for valuable vocational experience in a commercial environment.

The wealth of experience and knowledge provided by the interdisciplinary nature and focus of the degree and the networks and relationships developed during their time here, has stood past graduates in good stead upon graduation. They have found full-time positions with Historic Scotland, Headland Archaeology Ltd, Guard Archaeology Ltd. While others are working with various heritage organisations and some are continuing with their postgraduate studies.

Several of our international graduates have found employment working at the Smithsonian, Washington D.C and at the Pink Palace Museum, Memphis Tennessee. Others continue to work in the Cultural Resource Management sector. Several students have gone on to further doctoral research at Glasgow University and beyond, on prehistoric stone tools, Shetland lace knitting, Bronze Age ceramics and medieval settlement.

MSc

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University of Glasgow

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, the University has inspired thinkers from eminent scientist Lord Kelvin and the father of economics Adam Smith, to Scotland’s First Minister Nicola Sturgeon. 

Rankings

The University:

  • is ranked 81st in the world in the QS World University Rankings 2023
  • is in the top 100 in the world: Times Higher World University Rankings 2023
  • 95.9% of students in employment or further study 6 months after graduation …
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