Entry requirements

Normally a good undergraduate honours degree (2:1 or above), or equivalent from a university outside the UK. Your degree should be in archaeology, history, environmental studies or any related field.

Months of entry

September

Course content

Our flexible MA Archaeology course prepares you for a career in research, the commercial sector or heritage management.

Study at the UK's top university for archaeological research

The University is in the top 100 in the world for Archaeology (QS World Rankings by Subject, 2024, Archaeology. The University of Reading is ranked 51-100 in the world).

The University of Reading is ranked 1st in the UK for research quality and research outputs in Archaeology (Times Higher Education Institutions Ranked by Subject, based on its analysis of the latest Research Excellence Framework 2021).

Our world-class research is nurtured by three research clusters and a regular research seminar programme, which you can join as part of our research community.

What you'll study

This course allows you to discover archaeology for the first time, or deepen your existing knowledge. You'll gain an effective grounding in archaeological practice and research.

We offer a focused pathway, enabling you to concentrate on specialised research areas through your dissertation and core modules.

Choose from a variety of options, including:

  • specialisms from the palaeolithic to medieval period
  • theoretical approaches and contemporary challenges
  • heritage practice
  • professional placements
  • integrated social and scientific approaches
  • post-excavation and graphics skills.

Assessments are varied, providing a mix of vocational and research opportunities, such as:

  • article critiques
  • essays
  • project design and professional reports
  • practical assessments
  • catalogue entries and object biographies
  • seminar and conference presentations
  • a research proposal and dissertation.

Research opportunities

As part of your degree you can take an optional research and enterprise placement module. You'll be placed with a member of staff at Reading, or gain experience of working in an external environment such as the British Museum or Oxford Archaeology.

You may also have the opportunity to participate in staff research excavations in Europe, including:

  • our Rethinking the “Green Revolution” in the Medieval Western Mediterranean (6th-16th Centuries) project
  • excavations at an Anglo-Saxon monastery in the vicinity of Holy Trinity church in the village of Cookham.

Facilities

You'll have access to advanced facilities in the Department of Archaeology, including:

  • fully-equipped and dedicated laboratories
  • a dedicated graphics suite
  • microscopy suite
  • MA study room.

Our analytical suites allow you to access a range of techniques for your research projects.

Information for international students

IELTS: 6.5 overall with no element less than 5.5 (or equivalent)

Pre-sessional English language programme

If you need to improve your English language score, you can take a pre-sessional English course prior to entry onto your degree.

Find out the English language requirements for our courses and our pre-sessional English programme

Fees and funding

UK students
£11,750
International students
£25,850

Qualification, course duration and attendance options

  • MA
    part time
    24 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification
    full time
    12 months
    • Campus-based learningis available for this qualification

Course contact details

Name
Global Recruitment Team
Email
student.recruitment@reading.ac.uk