MSc in Archaeology

at University of Oxford

During the 11-month taught master's degree you will specialise in a particular area of archaeology, and will follow one the subject streams listed below:
 

• Archaeology of Asia
• Medieval Archaeology
• Prehistory and Pre-colonial Archaeology
• Environmental Archaeology
• Landscape Archaeology
• Maritime Archaeology
• Social Archaeology.

Each stream comprises four modules and a dissertation.

The core module ‘Archaeological Principles: Data and Theory’, which all students take in the first term, is designed to prepare you with necessary archaeological knowledge, research and practical skills to support your other modules and dissertation.

You will take two core modules offered within your stream, one taught in the first term, and the other taught in the second term.

The fourth module is your option module, also taught in the second term. This is chosen from all available modules in any stream, or an option from the MSt in Classical Archaeology. In some circumstances a subject taught in the MSc in Archaeological Science may be taken as your option module and is taught over two terms. If you wish to specialise in the theory and practical applications of science in archaeology, please consider applying to the MSc in Archaeological Science rather than the MSc in Archaeology.

On the MSc in Archaeology, you will also complete a dissertation of 15,000 words on an approved topic relevant to your stream subject, chosen in consultation with a supervisor. Most of the dissertation research and writing takes place in the third term and into the summer.

The degree is a very intensive course, and you will be expected to treat the University vacations as integral parts of your academic work time.

The MSc in Archaeology allows subject specialisation, but also flexibility, by combining core modules with your option module, and topics chosen for your dissertation and summative pre-set essays. The dissertation allows you to develop a larger piece of research in which you can more fully explore a topic. It will allow you to develop your research skills and undertake self-directed and independent research that is a necessary basis for future doctoral research, and highly desirable in non-academic employment.

Proven and potential academic excellence

Degree-level qualifications

As a minimum, applicants should hold or be predicted to achieve the following UK qualifications or their equivalent:
 

• a first-class or strong upper second-class undergraduate degree with honours in Archaeology or a related subject¹.

Under the UK system, applicants should have a minimum of 65% in their degree. However, entrance is very competitive and most successful applicants have a first-class degree (> 70%) or the equivalent.

For applicants with a degree from the USA in archaeology or a related subject, the minimum overall GPA sought is 3.5 out of 4.0. However, most successful applicants have an overall GPA of 3.7 or above.

Such as (but not limited to) Anthropology, History, Classics, History of Art, Geography, Geology, Biology, Physics or Environmental Studies.

GRE General Test scores

No Graduate Record Examination (GRE) or GMAT scores are sought.

Other qualifications, evidence of excellence and relevant experience 
 

• Professional experience in archaeology or related fields will also be considered if you are applying after a period of time out of higher education.

• Relevant publications are not expected, but may add to the strength of an application.

English language proficiency

Minimum scores required to meet the University's higher level requirement

IELTS Academic 

7.5

TOEFL iBT, including the 'Home Edition'

110

Home    
£15,270

Overseas    
£30,910

Graduate destinations

It is anticipated that graduates from the MSc in Archaeology will continue to further degree programmes in Archaeology either at Oxford or at leading universities elsewhere. Others may find careers in education, museums, commercial archaeology and the heritage industry.