MA Archaeology at University of Reading

Programme overview

The MA Archaeology prepares students for careers in research, the commercial sector or heritage management. It suits students new to archaeology as well as those deepening existing knowledge, and is taught within a department ranked 1st in the UK for research quality and outputs in Archaeology (THE analysis of REF 2021).

Department: Department of Archaeology | Duration: 12 months full time; 24 months part time | Study mode: full-time / part-time | Location: Reading, England, United Kingdom

What you will study

Compulsory modules are Theoretical Approaches and Contemporary Challenges in Archaeology and a Dissertation. Optional modules include Managing Archaeological Projects, Research and Enterprise Placement, Theory and Practice in Human Bioarchaeology, Scientific Advances: Reconstructing the Past, Deep Time Archaeology and Beyond the Written Word.

Career pathways

Graduates go on to funded PhD projects and to professional archaeology, museums and heritage, conservation, publishing, journalism, radio and television, leisure industries, government and the public sector, and teaching.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (2:1 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK, in archaeology, history, environmental studies or a related field. International applicants: IELTS 6.5 overall with no element below 5.5 (or equivalent). A Pre-sessional English Programme is available.

Domestic applicants: GBP 12,500 a year (2027/28). Full-time; UK/Republic of Ireland. Part-time study over two years is charged at 50% of the annual full-time fee in each year; fees rise each year with inflation (up to 4%). Source

International applicants: GBP 27,450 a year (2027/28). Full-time. Part-time study over two years is charged at 50% of the annual full-time fee in each year; fees rise each year with inflation (up to 4%). Source

Duration: 12 months full-time; 24 months part-time

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