Archaeology
Entry requirements
You should have, or expect to get, a 2:1 Honours degree in a relevant area.
Relevant equivalent study or professional experience can also be considered for entry.
Months of entry
September
Course content
Uncover the past and join an active research community conducting archaeological work across Europe, the Mediterranean, and beyond. On our MRes you'll pursue your own research project and take taught modules to develop your subject knowledge and research skills.
At Birmingham, you can investigate a research topic of your choice, guided and supported by academic supervisors at all stages of your project. We'll consider all potential archaeological subject areas and advise you on viability and the best ways to develop your project designs.
Archaeology staff in the Department of Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology are experts in all areas of British and European prehistoric archaeology. We also offer research expertise in Egyptian, Greek, Roman and Byzantine archaeology.
Our thematic specialisms include fields as diverse as mortuary and funerary archaeology, the archaeology of ritual and religion, wetland archaeology, environmental archaeology, landscape archaeology, and GIS and geophysical methods.
- Develop research skills and capabilities relevant for all professional fields in Archaeology and Heritage.
- Our Department of Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology was ranked 8th in the UK Research Excellence Framework Exercise 2021, based on research rated 4* (Times Higher Education).
- An MRes combines the best of postgraduate taught study with in-depth independent research.
At Birmingham, research and teaching go hand-in-hand. Lecturers and professors continue to research in their field, offering valuable expertise in Classics, Ancient History and Archaeology.
An MRes is a programme that helps you develop the skills for doctoral study and a future career. You’ll complete a major individual research project, supervised by a specialist in the field of study, and a taught component that develops research and analytical skills.
- Taught modules - each module represents a total of 200 hours of study time, including preparatory reading, homework and assignment preparation.
- Seminars – modules are mainly taught by small group teaching.
- Research thesis– you'll undertake a 20,000-word thesis in an area that interests you.
Information for international students
If you are an international student, you will need to demonstrate you have a suitable level of English proficiency, usually through the form of an IELTS or equivalent qualification.
For this course we require IELTS 6.5 with no less than 6.0 in any band, which is equivalent to:
- TOEFL: 88 overall with no less than 21 in Reading, 20 Listening, 22 Speaking and 21 in Writing
- Pearson Test of English (PTE): Academic 67 with no less than 64 in all four skills
- Cambridge English: C1 Advanced - minimum overall score of 176, with no less than 169 in any component
- LanguageCert ESOL SELT (UKVI): B2 'Communicator' with no less than 33 in each skill
Fees and funding
The College of Arts and Law is a vibrant community of students and academics, dedicated to ensuring that excellence is rewarded, and that fears about finance do not constrain current or prospective students. For this reason, in addition to University funding schemes, we offer our own College-specific funding initiatives.
Qualification, course duration and attendance options
- MRes
- full time12 months
- Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
Course contact details
- Name
- Postgraduate enquiry service