The MA in Archaeology is an ideal postgraduate degree if you want to study the major developments in human societies from the origins of settled life to the florescence of the great civilisations.
We’ll teach you a variety of practical archaeological techniques and cover in depth the prehistory of the Mediterranean region, the Near East and Northern Europe or Classical Archaeology.
This degree is great preparation for a research degree or a career in archaeology due to the practical skills that it covers. You will gain problem solving, analytical and team-working skills that are beneficial to many other types of employment.
Fieldwork is an important part of research in archaeology and we have projects based internationally, in Egypt, Greece, Bulgaria, Jordan, Turkey, Italy, Zambia, Kenya, Ethiopia and South Africa, as well as in the British Isles.
This MA is perfect for graduates in Archaeology or related disciplines who want to study the major developments in human societies and aspire to a career in research or Archaeology.
Discover what you'll learn, what you'll study, and how you'll be taught and assessed.
Students take 30 credits of required modules and 30 credits of optional modules in Semester one.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| RESEARCH SKILLS FOR ACE M-LEVEL STUDENTS (ALGY601) | 30 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Students take 15 credits of required modules and 45 credits of optional modules in Semester two.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| DESIGNING AND COMMUNICATING RESEARCH (ALGY731) | 15 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
The Dissertation (ALGY600) is taken over the summer period.
| Compulsory modules | Credits |
|---|---|
| ACE MA AND MSC DISSERTATION (ALGY600) | 60 |
Programme details and modules listed are illustrative only and subject to change.
Most modules are delivered on campus in small group seminars and occasionally via lectures. Certain modules include practical work. Independent study is fostered by essay-work and set preparation for seminars that grows progressively demanding as your knowledge increases over the course. A range of bibliography is set to assist with independent study also. Feedback is given on all submitted work to help your reflective engagement and progress in future exercises and assessment activities.
The compulsory research skills module, ALGY 601 is delivered via a number of teaching sessions on subjects such as library and scholarly research and careers talks by members of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology.
Preparation for the MA dissertation is undertaken over the length of the programme and completed in the summer period. You will receive one-to-one supervision sessions with a research-active member of staff who will oversee your research on your approved dissertation topic. As part of your dissertation work you may choose to: design experiments, carry out analyses of a body of data or perform GIS studies.
Assessment is normally by essay and a portfolio of practical work but examinations are included in some modules.
Within the research skills module, ALGY 601, you will develop research skills through the production of work that is assessed and which includes a presentation of your dissertation research topic to a staff and student audience.
You will prepare for the MA dissertation over the length of the programme, however delivery and completion will be in the final four months of the course. The dissertation counts for 60 credits (one third) of your masters. Your finished dissertation is assessed on the quality of your research, your handling of the scholarship, engagement with an issue, organisation and effective presentation.
We have a distinctive approach to education, the Liverpool Curriculum Framework, which focuses on research-connected teaching, active learning, and authentic assessment to ensure our students graduate as digitally fluent and confident global citizens.
The Liverpool Curriculum framework sets out our distinctive approach to education. Our teaching staff support our students to develop academic knowledge, skills, and understanding alongside our graduate attributes:
Our curriculum is characterised by the three Liverpool Hallmarks:
All this is underpinned by our core value of inclusivity and commitment to providing a curriculum that is accessible to all students.
The Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology is part of the School of Histories, Languages and Cultures. Teaching takes place across campus, including in specialist facilities in the Central Teaching Hub and Garstang Museum of Archaeology.
From arrival to alumni, we’re with you all the way:
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The Archaeology MA delivers career opportunities for further study and employment within the field of Archaeology. As a graduate of the MA, you are also well equipped for a wide variety of jobs in private or public sector employment.
The Archaeology MA provides a strong platform from which to progress to further research at PhD level either within the University of Liverpool or at other Universities.
Career opportunities within Archaeology exist in sectors including:
With the Archaeology MA you are also well equipped for a wide variety of jobs in sectors such as:
Our campus Career Studio is a space for students and graduates to drop into and talk to a career coach. Career coaches are highly trained to help no matter what stage you are at in your career planning. You can access support to find and apply for full-time and part-time roles, placements, internships and graduate schemes. You will also find the help you need if you have a start-up idea or want to create a business plan. You can explore the world of work, prepare for job interviews, and access careers events and workshops. The Career Studio is open Monday to Friday from 10am-5pm, simply drop in at a time that works for you.
We develop our programmes with employers in mind. You will be supported to enhance your long-term employment prospects as you learn. We do this by exposing you to professionals, a variety of sectors and supporting you to work collaboratively with others to develop transferable skills. You are equipped with a clearer view of what to focus on in your area of interest, and to reflect on your studies. Our digital employability tools give you a tech-enhanced curriculum experience and make it easy for you to prepare for the world of work. You can use tools like the Handshake platform to connect with employers and message the Career Studio 24/7.
You can start building good professional networks by attending events and employability activities. Our events are designed to develop your skills and expose you to many different employers, as well as to help you make contacts in your field. We help you improve your confidence when speaking to employers and give you access to unique opportunities. Our networking events also boost your understanding of the competencies and skills that employers are looking for in their recruitment process, giving you a competitive edge.
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
Full-time place, per year - £11,700
Part-time place, per year - £5,850
Full-time place, per year - £24,100
Part-time place, per year - £12,050
Fees stated are for the 2025-26 academic year.
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
You can pay your tuition fees in instalments.
All or part of your tuition fees can be funded by external sponsorship.
International applicants who accept an offer of a place will need to pay a tuition fee deposit.
If you're a UK national, or have settled status in the UK, you may be eligible to apply for a Postgraduate Loan worth up to £12,167 to help with course fees and living costs. Learn more about paying for your studies.
We understand that budgeting for your time at university is important, and we want to make sure you understand any course-related costs that are not covered by your tuition fee. This could include buying a laptop, books, or stationery.
Find out more about the additional study costs that may apply to this course.
We offer a range of scholarships and bursaries that could help pay your tuition and living expenses.
If you’re a University of Liverpool graduate starting this master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive a loyalty discount of up to £2,500 off your master’s tuition fees.
If you’re a UK student, either born in or with strong family connections to Merseyside, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount of up to £4,500. You’ll need to demonstrate an active interest in global, community and environmental issues to be considered.
If you’re a UK University of Liverpool graduate joining a master’s degree with us, you could be eligible to receive £3,000 off your tuition fees. You must have graduated in the last two years and received a widening access scholarship during your undergraduate studies.
Are you a UK student joining our Archaeology MA or MSc? If you’re undertaking research in Near Eastern Studies as part of either of these courses, you could be eligible to apply for a fee discount worth £4,000. One award will be available in each academic year.
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The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| Postgraduate entry requirements | We accept a 2:2 honours degree from a UK university, or an equivalent academic qualification from a similar non-UK institution. This degree should be in Archaeology (or a closely related subject e.g. Anthropology, Biological Sciences, Physics, Geology, Geophysical Sciences, History and Geography). |
| International qualifications |
Many countries have a different education system to that of the UK, meaning your qualifications may not meet our entry requirements. Completing your Foundation Certificate, such as that offered by the University of Liverpool International College, means you're guaranteed a place on your chosen course. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language, unless you’re from a majority English speaking country.
We accept a variety of international language tests and country-specific qualifications.
International applicants who do not meet the minimum required standard of English language can complete one of our Pre-Sessional English courses to achieve the required level.
| Qualification | Details |
|---|---|
| IELTS | 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0 |
| TOEFL iBT | 88 overall, with minimum scores of listening 19, writing 19, reading 19 and speaking 20. TOEFL Home Edition not accepted. |
| Duolingo English Test | 125 overall, with writing not less than 125, speaking and reading not less than 115, and listening not below 110. For academic year 2025/26 only, we will also accept the production, literacy, comprehension and conversation score set: 120 overall, with no component below 105. |
| Pearson PTE Academic | 61 overall, with no component below 59 |
| LanguageCert Academic | 70 overall, with no skill below 65 |
| PSI Skills for English | B2 Pass with Merit in all bands |
| INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
| WAEC | C6 or above |
Do you need to complete a Pre-sessional English course to meet the English language requirements for this course?
The length of Pre-sessional English course you’ll need to take depends on your current level of English language ability.
If you don’t meet our English language requirements, we can use your most recent IELTS score, or the equivalent score in selected other English language tests, to determine the length of Pre-sessional English course you require.
Use the table below to check the course length you're likely to require for your current English language ability and see whether the course is available on campus or online.
| Your most recent IELTS score | Pre-sessional English course length | On campus or online |
|---|---|---|
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 6.0 | 6 weeks | On campus |
| 6.0 overall, with no component below 5.5 | 10 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 6.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 12 weeks | On campus and online options available |
| 5.5 overall, with no more than one component below 5.5, and no component below 5.0 | 20 weeks | On campus |
| 5.0 overall, with no more than one component below 5.0, and no component below 4.5 | 30 weeks | On campus |
| 4.5 overall, with no more than one component below 4.5, and no component below 4.0 | 40 weeks | On campus |
If you’ve completed an alternative English language test to IELTS, we may be able to use this to assess your English language ability and determine the Pre-sessional English course length you require.
Please see our guide to Pre-sessional English entry requirements for IELTS 6.5 overall, with no component below 6.0, for further details.
Discover more about the city and University.
Liverpool bursts with diversity and creativity which makes it ideal for you to undertake your postgraduate studies and access various opportunities for you and your family.
To fully immerse yourself in the university experience living in halls will keep you close to campus where you can always meet new people. Find your home away from home.
Discover what expenses are covered by the cost of your tuition fees and other finance-related information you may need regarding your studies at Liverpool.
Have a question about this course or studying with us? Our dedicated enquiries team can help.
Programme Lead: Dr Rachel Pope
Last updated 27 March 2025 / / Programme terms and conditions