University College London (UCL)
Computational Archaeology: GIS, Data Science and Complexity MSc
London, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
This master's program combines methods from computational archaeology, GIS (Geographic Information Systems), data science, and complexity theory. It aims to give students practical skills to analyze and interpret archaeological data through digital tools and advanced techniques. The course covers topics like spatial analysis, modeling complex systems, and managing large datasets, helping students develop a strong understanding of how to apply technology to archaeological research. It is designed for those interested in using computational approaches to address questions about human history, cultural landscapes, and artifact analysis.
The program emphasizes hands-on experience and interdisciplinary learning, preparing students for careers that require technical skills in digital archaeology. Students will work on real-world projects involving data collection, processing, and visualization, often collaborating across disciplines. The course also explores theoretical concepts related to complexity and systems thinking, equipping students to understand the broader implications of their work. Overall, it provides a balanced mix of practical skills and conceptual understanding to support careers in academia, cultural heritage management, or technology-driven research.
UCL Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to postgraduate students, including our UCL Masters Bursary for UK students and our UCL Global Masters Scholarship for international students. You can click the link below to search via the scholarships finder for awards that you might be eligible for. Your academic department will also be able to provide you with more information about funding.
External Scholarships
Online aggregators like Postgraduate Studentships, Scholarship Search, Postgraduate Funding and International Financial Aid and College Scholarship Search contain information on a variety of external schemes.
If you have specific circumstances or ethnic or religious background it is worth searching for scholarships/bursaries/grants that relate to those things. Some schemes are very specific.
Funding for disabled students
Master's students who have a disability may be able to get extra funding for additional costs they incur to study.
Teaching and learning
The programme is delivered through lectures, tutorials and practical sessions. Careful provision is made to facilitate remote access to software, tutorials, datasets and readings through a combination of dedicated websites and virtual learning environments.
Assessment is through essays, practical components, project reports and portfolios, and the research dissertation.
Contact time takes various forms:
- Lectures
- Seminars
- Project supervision
- 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 research project/dissertation module is 60 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
You participate in classes for taught modules 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 have to make an oral presentation of your dissertation plans to staff and your colleagues to obtain feedback.
Optional modules may include:
- Geographic Information Systems in Archaeology and History
- GIS Approaches to Past Landscapes (ARCL0095)
- Remote Sensing in Archaeology (ARCLG207)
- Exploratory Data Analysis in Archaeology (ARCL087)
- Spatial Statistics, Network Analysis and Human History (ARCL0103)
- Digital Heritage: Applications in Heritage Management
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 two. We endeavour to be flexible to the needs of part-time students in designing their pathway through the degree over two years.
Optional modules may include:
- Geographic Information Systems in Archaeology and History
- GIS Approaches to Past Landscapes (ARCL0095)
- Remote Sensing in Archaeology (ARCLG207)
- Exploratory Data Analysis in Archaeology (ARCL087)
- Spatial Statistics, Network Analysis and Human History (ARCL0103)
- Digital Heritage: Applications in Heritage Management
Compulsory modules
- Dissertation
- Archaeological Data Science
- Complexity, Space and Human History
Optional modules
- Exploratory Data Analysis in Archaeology
- GIS in Archaeology and History
- GIS Approaches to Past Landscapes
- Spatial Statistics, Network Analysis and Human History
- Geophysical Survey in Archaeology
- Digital Heritage: Applications in Heritage Management
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.
Students undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. Upon successful completion of 180 credits, you will be awarded an MSc in Computational Archaeology: GIS, Data Science and Complexity.
What this course will give you
This programme enables students to specialise in their chosen technical field such as:
- Geographic Information Systems (GIS).
- Computer simulation and open-source software.
- Geophysical prospecting techniques such as magnetometry, ground penetrating radar, metal detectors, etc.
- Programming to extend existing or create new functionality for archaeological purposes.
UCL Institute of Archaeology is one of the largest centres for archaeology in Britain and ranked 3rd in the QS World Rankings by Subject 2024. Students will benefit from the expertise of the Institute and their many collaborators worldwide. Students also have access to the Archaeological Computing and GIS laboratory.
The foundation of your career
Upon completing this degree, you will have skills well-suited for jobs in sectors such as:
- Tourism and heritage management
- Governmental and Policy development
- Environmental and sustainability sector
- Engineering
- Academia and higher education
Employability
Students gain many transferable skills attractive to employers in a wide range of businesses and sectors, such as:
- Theoretical and critical analysis.
- Web- and database-led tasks.
- Advanced software skills.
- Ability to design and carry out original research.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.
Staff may also approach colleagues in other organisations to help students with their dissertation research.