Course details
- Entry requirements: 2:1 Bachelor's degree
- Full-time: 12 months
- Part-time: 24 months
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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.
International students may be able to study this course on a part-time basis but this is dependent on visa regulations. Please visit the Government website for more information about student visas.
If you're able to study part-time, you'll study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.
Studying part-time means you can study alongside work or any other life commitments. You will study the same modules as the full-time master's degree over a longer period, usually 24 months. You can make studying work for you by arranging your personal schedule around lectures and seminars which take place during the day. After you complete all the taught modules, you will complete your final dissertation or project and will celebrate your achievements at graduation the following term.
Students take 30 credits of required modules and 30 credits of optional modules in Semester one.
This module will provide students with a set of skills that is necessary for the development, structuring and presentation of their dissertation topic (which can be later applied to PhD research) alongside transferable skills (clarity of written expression, critical faculty, advanced level ability to structure and present arguments in a range of media, and project management) applicable to academic and non-academic work environments; The module also aims to develop your abilities to engage with current historiographical and theoretical debates appropriate to MA level in an informed, analytical and critical manner.
This module will examine the conceptual frameworks and research methods used in investigating the development of the world’s first agricultural, pastoralist and sedentary communities, all changes fundamental to the development of complex and modern society. We will explore the behaviours of these ‘Neolithic’ communities across the Near East and Europe in a thematic fashion, possible themes selected by students might include ritual and symbolism, mortuary practice, the development of the household, the development of religion, human-animal relationships, landscapes and landscape management, identities, the first monuments and institutions.
This module provides students with a detailed overview of the theoretical principles and practical applications of archaeobotany and plant macrofossil analysis, focusing on the study of wood, seed and fruit plant remains retrieved from archaeological and palaeoecological sites. Students will have the opportunity to learn hands-on how plant remains are analysed (including botanical identification, recording and data analysis methods), what sort of information can be gained for reconstructing past economies, vegetation ecologies, landscapes and people-environment interactions, and how such analyses are integrated with archaeological and palaeoecological fieldwork projects, and other classes of archaeological and palaeoecological data. The module is delivered through a series of lectures, laboratory-based practical sessions, seminars and tutorials. Assessment is through one essay (students have a choice from a range of topics), one lab-based project report, and a portfolio of work undertaken during laboratory practical sessions.
The study of the frontiers of the Roman empire represents one of the oldest branches of European archaeology. Their study has traditionally complimented explanations of Roman history and therefore the foreign policies of the various imperial dynasties. The discipline of Roman Frontiers Studies has, however, tended to be subservient to an interpretative framework initially derived from historical sources. Today the archaeology of the subject is now sufficiently self-confident to stand independent scrutiny. In turn more recent scholarship on the subject of the frontiers of the empire have focused on them as zones and regions rather than simply as linear barriers. This fresh outlook has, in turn, occasioned a greater awareness of the evidence of life, military and non-military, in frontier situations.
This strongly practical module provides an introduction to field of experimental archaeology with a focus on ancient materials and technologies. From the first use of fire to the glass furnaces of Medieval Europe, we will consider how our understanding of cultural material we study is shaped and extended by practical experience of the processes involved in its production. We will examines the history, the potential, and the pitfalls of experimental studies in archaeology and offer opportunities to identify real archaeological questions and to design and carry out practical experiments to address them in the laboratory and in the field.
This module provides a baseline for students interested in building a better understanding of ancient artefacts and their production/use. This can further developed in ALGY737 and/or dissertation research. The module can also be a complementary module for students interested in lithic technologies studying ALGY763.
This module examines the formative period in the development of the Greek world, marked by the rapid expansion of Greek culture and the emergence of distinct regional identities. Using small-group discussions, we will utilise diverse forms of archaeological evidence combined with early documentary and epigraphic sources (in translation) to examine this crucial proto-historical period, for which there exists a large and complex body of archaeological evidence at a time when Greek writing systems and historical traditions are in their nascence.
This module is designed to promote key skills in the collection, analysis and interpretation of primary material (archaeological and textual) relevant to a reconstruction of the nature and organisation of settlement in ancient Egypt;
It will use detailed case-studies to encourage students to develop their ability to formulate and present independent argument using this archaeological and textual material as data;
It will further encourage the presentation of such argument and analysis in a coherent format as might be appropriate for publication.
This module introduces the main technologies of the Palaeolithic including the working of stone, wood, bone, clay and the making of fire. The approach is a blend of the theoretical (frameworks of analysis) and the chronological (looking at the archaeological record) with the practical (making and analysing stone tools). If you intend to include lithic artefact analysis in your research then this module provides a sound foundation. More generally, it offers insight into the approaches used to studying cognitive evolution through technology.
Students take 15 credits of required modules and 45 credits of optional modules in Semester two.
ALGY731 is a tutorial-based module that provides you with the opportunity to work with member of archaeology staff from the department examining key issues on a topic of personal interest. You will work with your chosen supervisor to identify a research topic, engage with and critically evaluate key literature and primary data, and evaluate the feasibility of potential dissertation topics. You will also have the opportunity to develop real public engagement activities on the basis of your research.
An introduction to the scientific examination of archaeological artefacts, this course provides students with a critical understanding of scientific research in the field of archaeological materials. It provides opportunities for the discussion of relevant theoretical and ethical issues in the study of artefacts and enables you to develop practical skill and experience in artefact analysis and reporting.
The module examines the socio-economic behaviour of the Egyptians, through the evidence of texts (literary and documentary) and the archaeological record (tombs, town sites, art and objects). Egyptian documents providing socioeconomic and legal data, and literary discussions of morality and of proper behaviour are compared to the
documentary and archaeological data relevant to a description of social life in Egypt. Social organisation is examined, at the personal family level and in the political context, and related to economic behaviour and economic organisation. The integration between social custom and law provides a focus for developing an independent appreciation of the social realities of an ancient society. Students are expected to use the acquired knowledge base, and theoretical frameworks for the study of ancient society, as a context for collection, processing and evaluation of specific primary data for research writing.
This module explores a number of themes and issues which are central to the ongoing debate in the study of the history and archaeology of Roman Britain.
The study of Roman Britain was for many decades treated as an insular subject, where the part of archaeology was to supplement or ‘flesh-out’ the historical account of the island. In turn, many of the questions asked by Roman archaeologists of the island in that period arose from the framework created by the study of the historical/literary sources for the province, where their research was designed to illuminate particular events or circumstances revealed in the ancient written evidence. Since the 1960s, however, Romano-British archaeology has become more free-standing and its research directions have been influenced by theoretical developments in a range of disciplines including anthropology and sociology and especially prehistory. One of the consequences of these developments is that our comprehension of the so-called romanisation of Britain, a process which began in the C1st B.C., owes much to the work of specialists working in the Iron Age.
This module introduces the students to key issues, methods and evidence essential to the conducting archaeological and historical research on production and trade in the Ancient Near East, from the Fifth to the First Millennium BC, with a focus on the earliest history of Mesopotamia.
In this module students are introduced, through practical classes, to the identification and study of human skeletal remains from archaeological / palaeontological contexts. The module covers the identification of adult and juvenile human bones, ageing and sexing, palaeopathological conditions and taphonomy. These aspects are taught through the assignment of one adult and one juvenile skeleton to each student, which they then study through the different classes. At the end of the module students provide a written report on their material. Students will also become familiar with how human / hominin remains have proven crucial to the understanding of one area of archaeology / palaeontology of their choice.
This module covers the Bronze Age and Iron Age in Britain from 2300 BC until AD 43. We will focus on the development of later prehistoric studies in Britain, and the themes of settlement, traditions of artefact deposition, land use, burial traditions, and the understanding of later prehistoric social organisation. The aims of the module are to provide an advanced understanding of later prehistoric studies and an opportunity to practice critical method in approaching this material.
The Dissertation (ALGY600) is taken over the summer period.
ALGY600 provides the framework for MA students, in the Department of Archaeology, Classics and Egyptology, to undertake independent guided research on a scholarly topic of relevance in the discipline of their choice. This substantial piece of work is developed and written up over the course of the M-level study in conjunction with the ‘taught’ component of the programme.
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 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.
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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:
Your tuition fees, funding your studies, and other costs to consider.
UK fees (applies to Channel Islands, Isle of Man and Republic of Ireland) | |
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Full-time place, per year | £10,800 |
Part-time place, per year | £5,400 |
International fees | |
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Full-time place, per year | £22,400 |
Part-time place, per year | £11,200 |
Tuition fees cover the cost of your teaching and assessment, operating facilities such as libraries, IT equipment, and access to academic and personal support.
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 to provide tuition fee discounts and help with living expenses while at university.
The qualifications and exam results you'll need to apply for this course.
My qualifications are from: United Kingdom.
Your qualification | Requirements |
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Postgraduate entry requirements |
A 2:1 or equivalent undergraduate degree in Archaeology or related field such as (but not limited to): Anthropology, some science subjects (Biological, Physics, Geology, Geophysical), History and Geography. |
International qualifications |
If you hold a bachelor’s degree or equivalent, but don’t meet our entry requirements, you could be eligible for a Pre-Master’s course. This is offered on campus at the University of Liverpool International College, in partnership with Kaplan International Pathways. It’s a specialist preparation course for postgraduate study, and when you pass the Pre-Master’s at the required level with good attendance, you’re guaranteed entry to a University of Liverpool master’s degree. |
You'll need to demonstrate competence in the use of English language. 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.
English language qualification | Requirements |
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GCSE | C |
IELTS |
C View our IELTS academic requirements key. |
International Baccalaureate |
Standard Level (Grade 5) |
INDIA Standard XII | National Curriculum (CBSE/ISC) - 75% and above in English. Accepted State Boards - 80% and above in English. |
WAEC | C4-6 |
Hong Kong use of English AS level | C |
Cambridge Proficiency | Overall 176 with no less than 169 in any paper |
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Programme Lead: Dr Bruce Routledge
Last updated 1 November 2023 / / Programme terms and conditions