University College London (UCL)

Archaeology MA

Teaching and learning

The core modules are seminar-based, and the sessions are interactive, with an emphasis on student participation and critical discussion. The optional modules are delivered through seminars, lectures, practicals, laboratory sessions, tutorials, and site and museum visits, as appropriate for specific modules.

Most modules are assessed through essays. All students complete a 15,000-word dissertation, which includes an oral examination.

Contact time takes various forms:

• Lectures
• Seminars
• Project supervision
• Visits and placements
• Assessment feedback sessions

The credit value of the module indicates the total learning hours you will spend to achieve its learning outcomes. One credit is often equated to 10 hours of notional learning, which includes all contact time, self-directed study, and assessment.

The contact hours per module are normally around 2-3 hours a week with additional self-directed study time. Outside of lectures, seminars, workshops, and tutorials, full-time students typically study the equivalent of a full-time job, using their remaining time for self-directed study and completing coursework assignments.

Your dissertation module is 90 credits. The learning hours will mainly be spent researching and writing your final dissertation. You will also have regular contact with your supervisor(s). They will guide and support you throughout your work.

Modules

Full-time
The teaching is carried out in the first two terms. In the second term, you identify a dissertation topic and supervisor then in the third term you begin work on your dissertation, which continues over the summer. Research skills sessions provide support for this, and you will be required to deliver an oral presentation outlining your dissertation plans to staff and your student colleagues to obtain feedback.

Part-time
Teaching takes place during terms one and two. Those who undertake part-time study will discuss with the degree co-ordinator their pathway through the degree. Typically, students will take the compulsory core modules in the first year and select their optional modules in order to spread these out to year two. The dissertation is discussed in year 1 and completed at the end of year 2. We endeavour to be flexible to the needs of part-time students in designing their pathway through the degree over two years.

Compulsory modules

• Dissertation
• Themes, Thought and Theory in World Archaeology: Foundations
• Themes, Thought and Theory in World Archaeology: Current Topics

Optional modules

• Prehistoric Stone Artefact Analysis
• Archaeological Ceramic Analysis
• Spatial Statistics, Network Analysis and Human History
• Dispersals, extinctions, and intensification in the later Palaeolithic
• Zooarchaeology in Practice
• Resources and Subsistence
• Aegean Prehistory: Major Themes and Current Debates
• The Mediterranean World in the Iron Age
• Archaeologies of Modern Conflict
• Themes and debates in Egyptian Archaeology
• Digital Heritage: Applications in Heritage Management
• Archaeologies of Asia
• Archaeological Heritage Management in Asia
• Social Complexity in Early China: From the Neolithic to the Early Empire
• Funerary Archaeology
• Complexity, Space and Human History
• Middle Bronze Age to the Iron Age in the Near East: City-States and Empires
• The Archaeology of Early Human Origins
• Archaeology of the Roman Empire: Current Themes and Debates
• Archaeology and Nationalism
• Exploratory Data Analysis in Archaeology
• Geoarchaeology: Methods and Concepts 1
• Interpreting Pottery

Please note that the list of modules given here is indicative. This information is published a long time in advance of enrolment and module content and availability are subject to change. Modules that are in use for the current academic year are linked for further information. Where no link is present, further information is not yet available.

Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MA in Archaeology.

What this course will give you

UCL Institute of Archaeology is one of the largest centres for archaeology in Britain and is ranked 3rd in the world in the QS World University Rankings by Subject for 2024. It brings archaeology, cultural heritage, and museum studies together under one roof, making it a special and exciting place to study.

This programme offers you many benefits and opportunities:

• Learn from leading experts in their fields
• Use of the Institute’s exceptional laboratories, equipment, archives, and teaching collections.
• Proximity to the British Museum and British Library, as well as the Petrie Museum at UCL.

The foundation of your career

Upon completing this degree, you will have skills well-suited for jobs in sectors such as:

• Archaeology within HE, museums, and private companies
• Environmental and sustainability sector
• Journalism
• Civil Service
• Tourism and heritage management

Employability
The programme is designed to enhance career prospects by giving students transferable skills attractive to employers in a wide range of businesses and sectors, such as:

• Theoretical and critical analysis
• Ability to design and carry out original research
• Practical archaeological skills

You will also learn to solve problems and issues and to build positive working relationships.

Networking
The Institute organises an annual "Careers in Ruins" event. Here, students can get career advice from professionals in the Heritage and Archaeology sectors. They can also network with professionals from other sectors such as Business, Law and the Civil Service. Many of our alumni also return as guest lecturers on core modules and seminars.