Archaeology MA
Source: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/degrees/4089f/ Parent: https://www.ncl.ac.uk/postgraduate/degrees/
Postgraduate Study
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- Top 100 for Archaeology
QS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
Global Top 140 University
QS World University Rankings 2026
Top 5 city for affordability in the UK
QS Best Student Cities 2026
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Overview
Our Master's in Archaeology inspires you to think about the human past from a variety of thematic and analytical perspectives.
Join our Master's in Archaeology and immerse yourself in a region rich with prehistoric, Roman, medieval, and post-medieval heritage.
Experience a dynamic learning environment with field trip opportunities that bring our rich archaeological landscape to life, and engage directly with archaeology through visits to our on-campus museum, Great North Museum: Hancock, which houses world-class collections that are essential to your learning experience.
The Archaeology Master's has one general, and six specialist pathways. You can therefore select a pathway to suit your individual needs, background and career aspirations. As well as the main ‘Archaeology’ pathway, you can choose from:
- Prehistoric Archaeology
- Classical Archaeology: Greek and Roman
- Roman Frontier Studies
- Late Antique, Medieval and Byzantine Archaeology
- Historical Archaeology
- Archaeology, Artefacts and Technologies
Newcastle University has a long and distinguished history of archaeological research, including:
- Prehistoric archaeology in Britain, Western Europe and the Mediterranean
- Greek archaeology
- Roman archaeology
- Archaeology of the late antique period
- Western medieval archaeology
- Byzantine archaeology
- Historical archaeology (the post-1500 AD world)
- Landscape studies
- Material culture studies
You'll join a vibrant archaeology community at Newcastle and receive specialist teaching from leading academics in subjects of their research expertise.
Throughout the course you'll have opportunities to engage and learn about our innovative research.
We have an extensive programme of invited speakers from across the country and around the world, giving you a chance to connect with researchers based in other institutions.
Join a vibrant community of postgraduate students from Archaeology, Classics and History through our Postgraduate Forum, which also has a seminar series, annual conference and e-journal.
Quality and ranking
- Global Top 140 UniversityQS World University Rankings 2026
- Top 100 for ArchaeologyQS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 75 for Arts and HumanitiesQS World University Rankings by Subject 2025
- Top 25 in the UK and Top 200 in the world for sustainable developmentTimes Higher Education Impact Rankings 2025
- 42% of our research is classified as 4* world-leading researchResearch Excellence Framework 2021
- 65% increase in research power since 2014Research Excellence Framework 2021
- Top 125 for Arts and HumanitiesTimes Higher Education World University Rankings by Subject 2026
- Global Top 145 UniversityTimes Higher Education World University Rankings 2026
- Joint 64th in the world and 22nd in the UK for sustainabilityQS World University Rankings: Sustainability 2026
- Top 5 city for affordability in the UKQS Best Student Cities 2026
- World Top 50 and UK Top 5 student cityQS Best Student Cities 2026
- 89th in the worldTIME Magazine: World’s Top Universities 2026
Recognition of professional qualifications outside of the UK
If you’re studying an accredited degree and thinking about working in Europe after you graduate, the best place to find current information is the UK Government’s guidance on recognition of UK professional qualifications in EU member states. This official resource explains whether your profession is regulated in another country, what steps you need to take, and which organisation you should contact.
What you'll learn
Build the degree that works for you. Pick from various period-based, practical, and theoretical modules.
Our compulsory modules build a solid foundation in archaeological research. Optional modules let you specialise in particular fields of interest.
Lectures, seminars, and practical activities will help you understand how archaeologists interpret data. In turn you'll better understand how to apply their methodologies and sources to your own research.
Modules
All students will take the following module:
| Compulsory module | Credits |
|---|---|
| Dissertation | 60 |
All students will take at least two of the following modules:
If you choose to take a specialist route you should choose modules as listed as relevant for that pathway (more information below).
A maximum of three of the following modules may be taken as part of the programme. If you have previously taken an undergraduate version of this module for credit at Newcastle University, you won't be allowed to take the MA module as part of your MA programme.
*These modules are co-taught with final-year undergraduate students but assessed at a post-graduate level. You can only take a maximum of two of these modules. If you have previously taken an undergraduate version of this module at Newcastle University, you will have to replace it with a different module.
Pathways
At the start your degree you may choose to graduate with an MA in Archaeology, or you may choose to specialise in one of the following areas:
- Prehistoric Archaeology
- Classical Archaeology: Greek and Roman
- Roman Frontier Studies
- Late Antique, Medieval and Byzantine Archaeology
- Historical Archaeology
- Archaeology, Artefacts and Technologies
When you graduate, your degree transcript will reflect the pathway that you choose, eg MA Prehistoric Archaeology
If you'd prefer not to specialise in one of these areas and instead graduate with an MA in Archaeology, you may choose your remaining credits from any of the modules listed in the Archaeology section below.
However, if you choose a pathway, you must complete at least three modules from that pathway. For example if you choose Prehistoric Archaeology, you must choose at least three modules from the Prehistoric Archaeology section listed below, with any remaining credits used on modules in the Archaeology section.
Your dissertation will also be on a topic related to your chosen pathway.
Modules
You will study modules on this course. A module is a unit of a course with its own approved aims and outcomes and assessment methods.
If you choose the standard Archaeology pathway, you may choose your remaining credits from any of the modules listed below:
*These modules are co-taught with final-year undergraduate students but assessed at a post-graduate level. You can only take a maximum of two of these modules. If you have previously taken an undergraduate version of this module at Newcastle University, you will have to replace it with a different module.
**You may take two, but not all of these modules.
In consultation with the Degree Programme Director and Module Leader, and subject to timetabling, you can take the remaining credits (maximum of 40), which may include modules in heritage, offered by the School of Arts and Cultures, or an Ancient Language offered by the School of History, Classics and Archaeology listed below:
If you choose the Prehistoric Archaeology pathway, you must choose at least three of the following modules:
*These modules are co-taught with final-year undergraduate students but assessed at a post-graduate level. You can only take a maximum of two of these modules. If you have previously taken an undergraduate version of this module at Newcastle University, you will have to replace it with a different module.
Classical Archaeology: Greek and Roman
If you choose the Classical archaeology: Greek and Roman pathway, you must choose at least three of the following modules:
*These modules are co-taught with final-year undergraduate students but assessed at a post-graduate level. You can only take a maximum of two of these modules. If you have previously taken an undergraduate version of this module at Newcastle University, you will have to replace it with a different module.
If you choose the Roman Frontier Studies pathway, you must choose at least three of the following modules:
*These modules are co-taught with final-year undergraduate students but assessed at a post-graduate level. You can only take a maximum of two of these modules. If you have previously taken an undergraduate version of this module at Newcastle University, you will have to replace it with a different module.
Late Antique, Medieval and Byzantine Archaeology
If you choose the Late Antique Medieval and Byzantine pathway, you must choose at least three of the following modules:
*These modules are co-taught with final-year undergraduate students but assessed at a post-graduate level. You can only take a maximum of two of these modules. If you have previously taken an undergraduate version of this module at Newcastle University, you will have to replace it with a different module.
If you choose the Historical Archaeology pathway, you must choose at least three of the following modules:
Archaeology, Artefacts and Technologies
If you choose the Archaeology, Artefacts and Technologies pathway, you must choose at least three of the following modules:
*These modules are co-taught with final-year undergraduate students but assessed at a post-graduate level. You can only take a maximum of two of these modules. If you have previously taken an undergraduate version of this module at Newcastle University, you will have to replace it with a different module.
How you'll learn
Depending on your modules, you'll be assessed through a combination of:
- Case study
- Computer assessment
- Design or creative project
- Dissertation
- Essay
- Lab exercise
- Professional skills assessments
- Oral presentation
- Practical lab report
- Poster
- Portfolio
- Problem-solving exercises
- Report
- Research proposal
- Research paper
- Written examination
- Written exercise
Throughout your studies, you’ll have access to support from:
- academic staff
- personal tutors and research supervisors
- our University Student Services Team
- student representatives
- peers
You'll also be assigned an academic member of staff, who will be your personal tutor throughout your time with us. They can help with academic and personal issues.
Your teaching and learning is also supported by Canvas. Canvas is a Virtual Learning Environment. You'll use Canvas to submit your assignments and access your:
- module handbooks
- course materials
- groups
- course announcements and notifications
- written feedback
Philip Robinson Library (Student Texts Collection)
Your development
Practical skills
You can develop a range of advanced practical skills depending on the modules you select. These can include:
- Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
- ancient languages
- artefact and material culture analysis
- field survey methods
- archaeological laboratory practice
- research skills
Work experience
We'll encourage you to gain archaeological experience outside of your course while you're part of our archaeology community.
We make every effort to provide opportunities for students to join on various ongoing research projects and excavations run by staff.
Course information: Disclaimers, policies and changes
Previous: OverviewNext: Entry requirements
Entry requirements
The entrance requirements below apply to 2026 entry.
Academic entry requirements
A 2:2 honours degree, or an international equivalent, in archaeology. A 2:2 honours degree in any other subject will be considered alongside personal statement.
Qualifications from outside the UK
Select your country
English Language requirements
Select your qualification IELTSPearsonsDuolingo English TestTOEFLOtherPre-Sessional Entry - 6 weeksPre-Sessional Entry - 10 weeks
Previous: Course detailsNext: Careers
Your future
What can you do with a master's in archaeology?
The Archaeology MA provides you with outstanding skills and the ability to enter a range of professions. You'll gain advanced skills in:
- research
- project management
- archaeological method and theory
- communication
- problem-solving
- responsibility/leadership
- team work
- time management
Many of our students go on to careers in the heritage sector, including commercial archaeology (cultural resource management), museums and non-governmental organisations.
We have extensive ties with local heritage organisations and provide opportunities to network with prospective employers.
You could also choose to continue your academic career with a PhD in archaeology.
Our Careers Service
Our expert Careers Service is here to help you take the next steps in your professional life. We will support you while you’re studying with us and for up to three years after you graduate.\ \ You will have access to expert one-to-one advice and guidance through our campus careers centre and online, along with digital resources, workshops, networking opportunities, and careers and recruitment events.\ \ We’ve been awarded 5 QS Stars for Student Employability (2025). Many of our degrees are shaped by strong links with national and international businesses. We are committed to helping you access real-world experience opportunities and develop key skills through paid work placements and internships.
Visit our Careers Service website
Previous: Entry requirementsNext: Facilities
Facilities
Our archaeologists have exceptional facilities on campus. This includes over 200 years of scholarship, libraries and archaeological collections built up by the Society of Antiquaries of Newcastle and the Great North Museum: Hancock, through which you'll have access to one of the finest archaeological collections in the UK.
You can access the following internationally important collections:
- Prehistoric Europe collections
- Ancient Greek collections
- Etruscan collections
- Roman collections (from across the empire)
- Medieval artefacts
- Gertrude Bell archive
The recently refurbished Armstrong Building is home to Archaeology. It has:
- dedicated study spaces
- Reading Room
- computers
- free printing
- photocopying
- laptops for research trips
The Wolfson Archaeology Laboratory has dedicated teaching spaces as well as resources to conduct your own research, including:
- an animal bones reference collection
- a thin section and microfossil slide collection
- Roman pottery collections
- Post-Medieval metalwork and ceramics collections
- specialist equipment for soil, pollen, phytolith and other microfossil sample preparations.
- a material culture analytical suite with microscopy, spectroscopy, 3D scanning and x-ray facilities
Previous: CareersNext: Fees & funding
Fees, Funding and Scholarships
Tuition fees for 2026 entry (per year)
| Qualification: MA Full time | |
|---|---|
| Home students Full time: 12 months | Tuition fees (per year) £11,400 |
| International students Full time: 12 months | Tuition fees (per year) £25,900 |
| Qualification: MA Part time | |
|---|---|
| Home students Part time: 24 months | Tuition fees (per year) £5,700 |
As a general principle, you should expect the tuition fee to increase in each subsequent academic year of your course, subject to government regulations on fee increases and in line with inflation.
EU, other EEA and Swiss nationals - tuition fee status
Depending on your residency history, if you’re a student from the EU, other EEA or a Swiss national, with settled or pre-settled status under the EU Settlement Scheme, you’ll normally pay the ‘Home’ tuition fee rate and may be eligible for Student Finance England support.
EU students without settled or pre-settled status will normally be charged fees at the ‘International’ rate and will not be eligible for Student Finance England support. You may be eligible for a scholarship worth 25% off the international fee. Search our funding database.
If you are unsure of your fee status, check out the latest guidance here.
Scholarships
We support our EU and international students by providing a generous range of Vice-Chancellor's automatic and merit-based scholarships. See our searchable postgraduate funding page for more information.
What you're paying for
Tuition fees include the costs of:
- matriculation
- registration
- tuition (or supervision)
- library access
- examination
- re-examination
- graduation
Find out more about:
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you may have to pay a deposit.
You can check this in the How to apply section.
If you're applying for funding, always check the funding application deadline. This deadline may be earlier than the application deadline for your course.
For some funding schemes, you need to have received an offer of a place on a course before you can apply for the funding.
Search for funding and scholarships
Find funding available for your course
Select your country
Previous: FacilitiesNext: How to apply
How to apply
Before you start
Start Dates
The course starts in September.
Closing Dates
Due to demand, we suggest you apply early. There is no application closing date for this course.
We suggest international students apply at least two months before the course starts. This is so that you have enough time to make the necessary arrangements.
Specialised application information
Applying for a specialist pathway - you will initially apply for the Archaeology MA but may choose a specialist pathway upon registration.
Deposit
All International students
If you are an international student or a student from the EU, EEA or Switzerland and you need a visa to study in the UK, you must pay a deposit or submit an official letter of sponsorship. The deposit is payable after you receive an offer to study with us. This deposit is non-refundable and will be deducted from your tuition fees when you register. You may also be subject to academic and English language qualification verification, confirmation of funds and credibility interviews.
International students who received an offer before 18 March 2026
- You are required to pay a £1,500 deposit or submit an official letter of sponsorship.
International students Bangladesh, Ghana, Myanmar, Nigeria, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan who received an offer after 18 March 2026
- You are required to pay a deposit of £5,000 or submit an official letter of sponsorship by 01 August 2026.
All International students (excluding those from the markets above) who received an offer after 18 March 2026
- You are required to pay a deposit of £1,500 or submit an official letter of sponsorship by 01 August 2026.
Programme codes
| Qualification: MA Full time | |
|---|---|
| Full time: 12 months | Programme Code: 4089F |
| Qualification: MA Part time | |
|---|---|
| Part time: 24 months | Programme Code: 4089P |
Using the application portal
The application portal has instructions to guide you through your application. It will tell you what documents you need and how to upload them.
You can choose to start your application, save your details and come back to complete it later.
If you’re ready, you can select Apply Online and you’ll be taken directly to the application portal.
Alternatively you can find out more about applying on our applications and offers pages.
Previous: Fees & fundingNext: Get in touch
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Get in touch
Questions about this course?
If you have specific questions about this course you can contact:
School of History, Classics and Archaeology\ Telephone: +44 (0) 191 208 7844\ Email: historical@ncl.ac.uk
General enquiries
For more general enquiries, you could also complete our online enquiry form.
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