The Archaeology MA inspires you to think about the human past from a variety of thematic and analytical perspectives. Newcastle is surrounded by world-class prehistoric, Roman, medieval and post-medieval heritage. We make full use of our rich archaeological landscape with regular study trips and fieldwork.
The Archaeology MA has six specialist pathways and a generic route to suit your individual needs, background and career aspirations:
- Prehistoric Archaeology
- Classical Archaeology: Greek and Roman
- Roman Frontier Studies
- Late Antique, Medieval and Byzantine Archaeology
- Historical Archaeology
- Artefacts and Technologies.
Newcastle University has a long and distinguished history of archaeological research, including:
- Prehistoric archaeology
- 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.
We have access to some of the finest collections of archaeological artefacts in GreatBritain in the on-campus Great North Museum: Hancock.
We provide quality teaching in small groups. This means you'll reach a level of familiarity with artefacts that most students can only dream of.
We have a range of period-based, practical and theoretical modules available. Our modules will give you an understanding of the interpretive approaches that archaeologists adopt. They will also help you understand the methodologies and sources available during your investigations.
You can develop a range of advanced practical skills in:
- artefact analysis, including metallography and use-wear analysis
- archaeological surveying, including topographical, buildings and geophysical survey
- database and archive use
- geographical information systems (GIS)
- ancient languages
- animal bone identification.
You'll join a vibrant archaeology community at Newcastle. You'll 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 organised by our research groups. Our Postgraduate Forum also has a seminar series, annual conference and e-journal.
The Archaeology MA provides you with outstanding skills and the ability to enter a range of professions. You will gain advanced skills in literacy, research and project management. You could also choose to continue your academic career with a PhD in archaeology.
Fieldtrips
The North East has an outstanding prehistoric, Roman and medieval heritage. We take full advantage of this through regular studytrips and fieldwork. You can also take optional modules with field trips to:
- Rome
- Athens.
The tuition of these trips is included in your course fees. If you select a module with an overseas trip you should budget about £450 to cover your flights and accommodation.
Quality and Ranking
We rank in the top 150 for Archaeology - QS World University Rankings by Subject 2019.
Delivery
All campus-based teaching takes place during the working week. Some field tripstake place during holidays and weekends, depending on the modules taken.
Contact and independent study times vary depending on the module and time of year.
Semesters one and two: You typically attend between 6 - 15 hours of teaching per week. The remaining hours of a standard week are for independent study.
Work experience
There are many opportunities for you to gain archaeological experience outside your course. We'll encourage you to gain this experience whilst part of our archaeology community.
Staff carry out a wide range of archaeological projects. Most of our students participate in projects run in Newcastle and by partnersin the UK and overseas.
Facilities
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.
You'll have access to one of finest archaeological collections in the UK. You can access the following internationally important collections:
- prehistoric
- Greek
- Etruscan
- Roman
- medieval artefacts
- Gertrude Bell archive.
You'll be based in the recently renovated Armstrong Building. It has:
- dedicated study spaces
- Reading Room
- computers
- free printing
- photocopying
- laptops for research trips.
You'll also get a personal research allowance and an interlibrary loan allowance to support your studies.
