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Arts & Humanities

MSc in Archaeology at University of Oxford

University of Oxford, United Kingdom

Programme overview

An 11-month full-time taught master's in which students specialise in one area of archaeology through a subject stream. It provides a foundation for doctoral study and transferable skills for professional roles.

Faculty: Social Sciences Division  |  Department: School of Archaeology  |  Duration: 11 months full time  |  Intake: 10 October 2027  |  Study mode: full-time  |  Location: Oxford, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

One of seven subject streams (Archaeology of Asia, Environmental, Landscape, Maritime, Medieval, Prehistory and Pre-colonial, Social Archaeology) comprising four modules, including a core module on Archaeological Principles: Data and Theory and an option module, plus a 15,000-word dissertation.

Career pathways

Graduates are expected to continue to further degrees in archaeology at Oxford or elsewhere, or to careers in education, museums, commercial archaeology and the heritage industry.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

A first-class or strong upper second-class UK undergraduate honours degree (or equivalent) in archaeology or a related subject such as anthropology, history, classics, history of art, geography, geology, biology, physics or environmental studies; a minimum of 67% is usually expected and most successful applicants hold a first (over 70%). US bachelor's applicants normally need a minimum GPA of 3.6/4.0 (most successful 3.7). Professional experience in archaeology is considered for applicants returning after time out of education. No GRE or GMAT. Application: three referees (academic preferred), transcripts, statement of purpose (max 500 words) and two essays (max 2,500 words each). Deadlines for 2027-28 entry: 7 January 2027 (to be considered for Oxford scholarships) and 2 March 2027 (final). English language (higher level): IELTS Academic 7.5 overall with at least 7.0 in each component; TOEFL iBT 110 overall (Listening 22, Reading 24, Speaking 25, Writing 24); C1 Advanced or C2 Proficiency 191 overall and 185 per component; Oxford Test of English Advanced 165 overall and 155 per component. Tests must be taken no more than two years before the course start.

Domestic applicants: GBP 19,380 a year (2027/28) Source

International applicants: GBP 40,730 a year (2027/28) Source

Intake: 10 October 2027

Duration: 11 months full-time

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