Archaeology MA / Diploma / Certificate (Cultural Archaeology pathway)

The Archaeology MA: Cultural Archaeology pathway focuses on cultural interpretation in archaeology, both in relation to specific cultures or periods and current research themes, with opportunities to specialise in British and European prehistory, Mediterranean archaeology, and medieval Europe. It is an ideal foundation for doctoral research in all fields of cultural archaeology, as well as training in practical and research skills for careers in archaeology and heritage.

We offer the flexibility to upgrade from Certificate to Diploma level and from Diploma to Masters level during your programme as you develop your postgraduate studies.

Course fact file

Type of Course: Taught

Study Options: Full time, part time

Duration: MA – 1 year full-time, 2 years part-time; PGDip – 8 months full-time, 16 months (2 years) part-time; PGCert – 4 months full-time

Start date: September 2013

Details

This programme gives you unique opportunities to pursue your own interests in an innovative environment, and to build the precise skill-set and knowledge base you need to support both future research and professional aspirations in archaeology and related heritage sectors.

You will study three core modules on archaeological theory and interpretation, material culture and funerary archaeology. In addition, you will choose three optional modules from a wide range examining particular regions and periods from prehistory to the present day, as well as themes such as cultural landscapes and conflict archaeology.

Research training is provided for all postgraduate students, and MA students put this into practice by researching a topic of your own choice for a supervised 15,000 word dissertation.

Fees and funding

We charge an annual tuition fee. Fees for the MA Archaeology programme in 2013/14 are as follows:  

  • Home / EU: £5,130 full-time
  • Overseas: £13,200 full-time

Part-time programme fees are one half of the full-time programme fees.  

Learn more about fees and funding 

Scholarships and studentships

Scholarships to cover fees and/or maintenance costs may be available.
For further information, visit the College of Arts and Law scholarships page or email financialsupport@bham.ac.uk

International students can often gain funding through overseas research scholarships, Commonwealth scholarships or their home government.

Entry requirements

  • For the MA programme, we normally require a 2:1 degree, or equivalent, in a discipline relevant to the selected pathway
  • For the PG Diploma/PG Certificate programme, we normally require a 2:2 degree, or equivalent, in a discipline relevant to the selected pathway

Learn more about entry requirements

International students

Academic requirements

We accept a range of qualifications, our country pages show you what qualifications we accept from your country.

English language requirements

You can satisfy our English language requirements in two ways:

How to apply

When clicking on the Apply Now button you will be directed to an application specifically designed for the programme you wish to apply for where you will create an account with the University application system and submit your application and supporting documents online. Further information regarding how to apply online can be found on the How to apply pages

Apply now

Learning and teaching

As a postgraduate on the Archaeology MA programme, you’ll become part of – and contribute to – the vibrant international community of the College of Arts and Law Graduate School, which offers dedicated research resources and a supportive working environment. Our team of academic and operational staff are on hand to offer support and advice to all postgraduate students within the College.

Employability

The University of Birmingham has been ranked 9th in the UK and 55th in the world, for post-qualification employability in a global survey of universities commissioned by the International Herald Tribune.

Graduates with a postgraduate degree in Archaeology can boast a wide combination of skills that can be applied in many types of work and which employers regard very positively. That’s why historically, over 91 per cent of Archaeology and Antiquity postgraduates have been in employment or further study within six months of graduating.

Not only will your degree provide excellent preparation for employment, this will be further enhanced by the employability skills training offered through the College of Arts and Law Graduate School.