University of Aberdeen campus

Arts & Humanities

MA Archaeology at University of Aberdeen

University of Aberdeen, United Kingdom

Programme overview

Archaeology is the only discipline that studies the human past in its entirety; from the origins of our species to the events of yesterday. Archaeology at Aberdeen has a special northern focus that is unique in the UK. Through lectures, field and laboratory work you will engage with the archaeology of Scotland, Scandinavia, northern Europe, the North Atlantic and northern latitudes of Asia and North America.

Duration: 4 years (48 months)  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Intake: September  |  Location: Aberdeen, Scotland, United Kingdom

What you will study

In year 1, Archaeology will occupy one quarter of your curriculum, and in year 2 it will occupy one half. You can then choose to specialise in archaeology in years 3 and 4, undertaking a Single Honours degree or you can continue studying Archaeology and another subject in a Joint Honours degree. Year 1 compulsory courses: Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen, Archaeology in Action, Caves to Kingdoms: an Introduction to Prehistoric Archaeology and The Flow of Time: Introductory Field Trip.

Career pathways

The curriculum is designed to equip graduates with the practical and research skills required to work as professional archaeologists. The broad- based nature of the discipline enables graduates to compete strongly in the market place.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

2027 entry. SQA Highers Standard: BBBB Applicants presenting the standard grades will usually receive an unconditional offer; more may be asked for where applications exceed places. Widening Access: BBC Applicants who meet one or more of our widening access metrics and present with BBC, are guaranteed an unconditional offer. Foundation Apprenticeship: One FA is equivalent to a Higher at A. It cannot replace any required subjects. Note: We do not double count a Higher and Advanced Higher in the same subject, but we do consider that a B grade at Advanced Higher is equivalent to an A grade at Higher. National 5 English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C or above. A LEVELS Standard: BBC Widening Access: CCC GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. BTEC LEVEL 3 EXTENDED DIPLOMA DMM in related subjects. Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.) GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes. IRISH LEAVING CERTIFICATE Five subjects at Higher at H3. INTERNATIONAL BACCALAUREATE 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL. SL in English is also required.

Domestic applicants: GBP 1,820 a year (2026/27). Home fee for students from Scotland. Source

International applicants: GBP 20,800 a year (2026/27). EU / international fee. Reduced rate (Self-funded Students): £14,800. Source

Intake: September

Duration: 4 years (48 months)

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