University College London (UCL)
Palaeoanthropology and Palaeolithic Archaeology MSc
London, United Kingdom
MSc
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
GBP 33,000 *
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
* international students: full time £33,000 - part time £16,500 | UK students: full time £16,000 - part time £8,000. Additional fees may apply
This MSc program in Palaeoanthropology and Palaeolithic Archaeology offers a comprehensive overview of human evolution and ancient cultures. Students will explore key topics such as fossil analysis, archaeological methods, and early human societies. The course combines theoretical lessons with practical skills, allowing students to analyze fossils, artifacts, and archaeological sites. There’s a strong focus on understanding the origins of humans and their development over millions of years.
The program also emphasizes research skills and critical thinking, preparing students to study and interpret complex archaeological data. Throughout, students have access to cutting-edge facilities and work closely with experts in the field. The curriculum is designed to be flexible, catering to students with different backgrounds and career goals. Whether you want to pursue research or work in related fields like heritage management, this course aims to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to succeed.
UCL Scholarships
There are a number of scholarships available to postgraduate students, including our UCL Master's Bursary for UK students and our UCL Global Master's 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 an 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 a combination of lectures, discussions, seminars, laboratory practicals and student presentations.
Assessment is through essays, practical examination and seminar presentations (depending on the options chosen), and the dissertation.
Contact time takes various forms:
- Lectures.
- Seminars.
- Dissertation supervision.
- Fieldtrips and museum visits
- 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
You will undertake modules to the value of 180 credits, of which the dissertation counts for 50% of the programme. The taught modules are provided in the first two terms and include a compulsory 30-credit module with a choice of four optional modules. During the second term, you will identify a dissertation topic and supervisor, then during the third term, you will begin work on your dissertation, which continues over the summer.
Part-time
You will undertake modules to the value of 180 credits. The MSc is offered part-time over two calendar years.
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 in Palaeoanthropology and Palaeolithic Archaeology
Optional modules
- Palaeoanthropology
- Primate Anatomy, Evolution and Environments
- Human Behavioural Ecology
- Primate Behaviour and Ecology
- Evolutionary Medicine
- GIS in Archaeology and History
- GIS Approaches to Past Landscapes
- Archaeobotanical Analysis in Practice
- Geoarchaeology: Methods and Concepts 1
- Prehistoric Stone Artefact Analysis
- Archaeology of Hunter-Gatherers from the Emergence of Modern Humans
- Evolution of the Human Brain and Behaviour
- Zooarchaeology in Practice
- Resources and Subsistence
- Environmental Archaeology in Practice
- Funerary Archaeology
- The Archaeology of Early Human Origins
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 Palaeoanthropology and Palaeolithic Archaeology.
What this course will give you
This programme is co-taught by the UCL Institute of Archaeology and UCL Anthropology. Both departments are experts in the fields of palaeoanthropology and Palaeolithic archaeology.
This programme offers you many benefits and opportunities:
- Learn from leading experts in their fields. Archaeology is ranked 3rd and Anthropology 4th in QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024.
- Staff and research students work on field projects and museum-based studies worldwide.
- Use of the Institute’s exceptional laboratories, equipment, archives, and collections.
- Access to palaeontological and archaeological collections at British Museum and Natural History Museum.
The foundation of your career
Upon completing this degree, you will have skills well-suited for jobs in sectors such as:
- Archaeological and Palaeoanthropological research and teaching.
- Specialist archaeological services within the developer-funded / cultural research management sectors.
- Museum curation and interpretation.
- Environmental and sustainability.
- Journalism and publishing.
- Civil Service.
- Tourism and heritage management.
- Information technology.
“My time at the Institute of Archaeology was invaluable. Being global in focus and nature truly refined my thinking and prepared me well to overcome the challenges that I encountered as part of my professional career.” - Laurence Maidment-Blundell (PhD Student)
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.
- Detailed reports to publication standard.
- Ability to design and carry out original research.
- Practical archaeological skills.
You will also learn to overcome problems 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.