MPhil in Archaeology

The MPhil in Archaeology allows students to gain a critical appreciation of archaeology, the human past, and its place in the modern world, as well as training in research and analytical skills and expertise in a chosen, specialist area. Our emphasis at the MPhil level is on research–led teaching so that staff and students interact in lectures, seminars, language classes and laboratory-based practicals with the aims of mastering the basics of theory and method, while also engaging students as participants in ongoing research projects.

Students may choose to specialise in any of the following options:

• Archaeological Science
• Archaeology of the Americas
• Egyptian Archaeology
• European Prehistory
• Medieval Archaeology
• Mesopotamian Archaeology
• Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Archaeology
• South Asian Archaeology
• African Archaeology
• Archaeology

All MPhil students in the Department of Archaeology take a Research Skills module and write a dissertation (15,000 words maximum). For each option students will choose from a list of mandatory and optional modules a combination of one-term long module and two-term long modules making up a total equivalent to three year-long modules (possible combinations include one year-long module and four term-long modules, two year-long modules and two term-long modules, and three year-long modules).

The assessed components of the Research Skills module represent 5% of the final mark, and the dissertation counts for 50% of the final mark. The remaining 45% will be made up from assessment in the chosen mandatory and optional modules.

All module choices must have the approval of the module's instructor and the MPhil in Archaeology coordinator.

Learning Outcomes

Knowledge of general archaeology method and theory and of a specific field within archaeology.

Ability to participate in academic discussion at a postgraduate level.

Continuing

Students taking the MPhil in Archaeology who wish to continue to the PhD in Archaeology are required to achieve a mark of at least 68 overall and no less than 68 in their dissertation. They must obtain the support of an appropriate supervisor before making an application. In some circumstances additional academic conditions may be set to ensure appropriate skills, such as language competence, are in place prior to admittance on the PhD programme.