University College London (UCL)
Research Methods for Archaeology MA
London, United Kingdom
MA
DURATION
2 years
LANGUAGES
English
PACE
Full time, Part time
APPLICATION DEADLINE
EARLIEST START DATE
Sep 2026
TUITION FEES
STUDY FORMAT
On-Campus
This MA program in Research Methods for Archaeology is designed to help students develop essential skills for conducting detailed and effective archaeological research. It covers a wide range of topics, including research design, data analysis, and the use of digital tools. The course is structured to give students practical experience with different research techniques, along with a solid understanding of theoretical frameworks. It prepares students to critically evaluate archaeological data and develop their own research projects.
The program emphasizes a combination of taught modules and independent research. Students will learn to handle archaeological data, interpret findings, and communicate results clearly. The course also offers opportunities to engage with recent developments in archaeology and explore specific areas of interest. Throughout, the focus is on building skills that will support careers in academia, heritage management, or related fields. The aim is to equip students with a thorough understanding of research methods, so they can confidently approach complex archaeological questions.
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 two theory core courses each involve two contact hours per week during the teaching weeks. Skills courses will also involve a number of contact hours, depending on what is chosen. Students will also have regular meetings with their supervisor. However, the vast majority of the time on this degree will be spent in self-study, following a programme agreed with the supervisor.
The core programme is taught within a seminar framework based on set readings. A tailor-made programme of other work is designed in consultation with the student's research supervisor. Student performance is assessed on the basis of the core module assessments, a research proposal and a piece of research writing (dissertation).
The contact hours per module are normally around 2-3 hours a week with additional self-directed study time. The two theory core courses each involve two contact hours per week during the teaching weeks. Skills courses will also involve a number of contact hours, depending on what is chosen.
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. Students will also have regular meetings with their supervisor. However, the vast majority of the time on this degree will be spent in self-study, following a programme agreed with the supervisor.
Modules
Full-time
You will undertake two compulsory theory modules and any modules you need to gain relevant skills for your project, e.g. quantitative methods. All taught modules are completed within Terms 1 and 2. During this time, you will also begin working with your supervisor to develop your research proposal. In Term 3, you will begin work on your dissertation, which continues over the summer. Research skills sessions will support this process, and you will be required to make an oral presentation of your dissertation plans to staff and your colleagues to obtain feedback.
The emphasis on developing a specific research proposal right from the beginning distinguishes this MA from the Institute's other Master's degrees and provides a much narrower focus.
Part-time
Teaching takes place during Terms 1 and 2. Those who undertake part-time study will discuss their pathway through the degree with the degree coordinator. Typically, students will take the compulsory core modules in Year 1 and select their optional modules in order to spread these out to Year 2.
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
- Portfolio of Coursework
- Research Proposal
- Piece of Research Writing
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 MA in Research Methods for Archaeology.
What this course will give you
UCL Institute of Archaeology is one of the largest centres for archaeology in Britain and ranked 3rd in the QS World Rankings by Subject 2025. 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 British Museum and British Library, as well as UCL’s Petrie Museum of Egyptian and Sudanese Archaeology.
The foundation of your career
Upon completion of this degree, students have skills well-suited for jobs in sectors such as:
- archaeology within Higher Education, museums, and private companies
- environmental and sustainability sector
- Journalism
- Civil Service
- tourism and heritage management
“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
- 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.