Archaeological Practice

Entry requirements

Admission to the programme shall be subject to the approval of the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).

Every applicant shall

• be a graduate with an ordinary bachelor’s degree in Archaeology, Anthropology or comparable major, and have an average grade of at least B+ in the 300-level papers for the degree, or;
• be a graduate with a Masters degree in a relevant discipline acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities), or;
• have alternative qualifications or experience acceptable to the Pro-Vice-Chancellor (Humanities).

If your first language is not English you need to meet our English language requirements as follows: IELTS score of 6.5 in the academic module (with no individual band below 6.0); we also accept a number of other English language tests. Due to COVID-19, we currently accept Duolingo English Test (DET), IELTS Indicator Test, and TOEFL iBT Special home Edition.

Don’t meet the English language requirements? The University of Otago Language Centre "English for Otago" programme offers a pathway for Undergraduate and Postgraduate students to meet the English language requirements for undergraduate and postgraduate study.

Months of entry

February

Course content

The Master of Archaeology and Heritage Studies (MArchP) focuses on the application of archaeological approaches and methods within a heritage context, and on understanding the diverse relationships between people, places and the past. Students explore these relationships in real-world settings through a research dissertation and internship.

The programme of study shall comprise three core papers, a Research Dissertation and two elective papers totalling 180 points.

Core papers

• ANTH 505 Advanced Archaeological Excavation 30 points (Distance)
• ANTH 550 Archaeology and Heritage Practice 30 points (Distance)
• HUMS 401 Internship Practicum 20 points (Distance)

Dissertation

• ANTH 590 Research Dissertation 60 points (Distance)

and two from

• ANTH 409 Material Cultural Studies 20 points
• ANTH 410 Special Topic 20 points
• ANTH 427 Archaeological Theory 20 points
• ANTH 430 Advanced New Zealand Archaeology 20 points (Distance)
• HIST 401 A Topic in New Zealand History 20 points
• MAOR 404 Toitū to Whenua – Land, Lore and Colonisation 20 points (Distance)
• MAOR 407 Presenting Pacific Histories 20 points (Distance)
• PACI 402 Resource Conservation and Environment in the Pacific 20 points
• PLAN 411 Planning Theory 20 points
• PLAN 412 Spatial Planning and Development 20 points\

Or other approved 400-level papers totalling 40 points as approved by the Head of Programme.

Information for international students

Otago offers students an unrivalled campus experience and a vibrant, social student culture. The majority of Otago’s 21,000 students live, work and play in Dunedin - New Zealand’s only true university city. Otago is home to over 3,000 students, from over 100 countries.

Fees and funding

New Zealand is a relatively affordable country to live in. Dunedin, being a student-focused city, has living and entertainment options for all budgets.

Students are eligible for the Otago International Excellence Scholarship.