Cardiff University
Archaeological Science MSc
Cardiff University

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Student Reviews

Below you can see course specific reviews of 185 graduates of Archaeological Science MSc and other courses in History at Cardiff University for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in History.

The NSS is commissioned by the Office for Students

Salary

Salary of Graduates in History

Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of History at the university. Due to data collection methodology, salary data is mainly based on data related to undergraduate students.

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £24000 £24000 £29000
25-75 percentile range £20500 - £27000 £18500 - £28500 £22500 - £36000


Salary of all UK Graduates of History

  15 months after graduation 3 years after graduation 5 years after graduation
Median salary £24405 £22643 £27403
25-75 percentile range £20545 - £28120 £17457 - £28376 £20781 - £35411

Course Description

Master the skills of an archaeological scientist in a dynamic programme taught by leading practitioners.

Our MSc Archaeological Science programme combines scientific training with thematic and period-based study, giving you the freedom to tailor your studies to suit your ambitions as a practising archaeological scientist or researcher.

You’ll acquire first-hand experience and a thorough practical understanding of the scientific principles and analytical techniques at the centre of archaeological science.

We create a sound base for you to maximise the impact of your research and propel your career forward. Whether you’re looking to take a general approach or to specialise in biomolecular archaeology, osteoarchaeology or zooarchaeology, you can create your own portfolio, blending modules by period, theme and skill.

Our experts are leading on an exciting range of innovative projects spanning early prehistory to the present day in four major themes: human and animal lifeways; houses and the built environment; materiality; and the social significance of chronology.

Our distinguished archaeology research seminar series provides further opportunities to engage with the latest national and international research developments.

Pursuing your studies in our suite of purpose-built laboratories, furnished with bioarchaeology and bioanalytical facilities and comprehensive reference collections, you’ll have access to a wealth of specialist equipment. In-house resources range from scanning electron microscopy and fourier transform infrared to raman spectroscopy instrumentation and x-ray facilities. Alongside sample preparation equipment and a bespoke photography suite, we offer specialist visualisation technologies from digital microscopy and GIS to digital illustration.

Our ground-breaking projects regularly feature rewarding collaborations with partners including Cadw, Historic England, National Museum Wales and the National Trust.

Celebrating the centenary of Archaeology and Conservation in 2020, we’re ranked in the world top 150 (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2020) while our research ranked 12th among archaeology departments in the UK (Research Excellence Framework 2014).

Jobs & Career Perspectives

15 months after graduation, graduates of this course were asked about what they do and, if they are working, about their current job and their perspectives.

Current jobs

Required skill level of job after 15 months

Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)

Example below based on all graduates of Archaeological Science MSc at Cardiff University

20% Administrative occupations
18% Sales occupations
9% Finance Professionals
7% Managers, directors and senior officials
5% Business and Financial Project Management Professionals
5% Protective service occupations
4% Elementary occupations
4% Information Technology Professionals
4% Business, Research and Administrative Professionals
4% Business and public service associate professionals

Entry Requirements / Admissions

UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course

Requirements for international students / English requirements

IELTS academic test score (similar tests may be accepted as well)

    • 6.5
    • MBA
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Archaeological Science, MSc, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

Typically, you will need to have either:

a 2:1 honours degree in a relevant subject area such as Ancient History, Archaeology, Biology, Chemistry, Conservation, Geology, Geography, Heritage, History, Zoology, or an equivalent international degree

a university-recognised equivalent academic qualification

or relevant professional experience evidenced by a reference. The reference must be provided by your employer to evidence that you currently work in an area relevant to the programme. This should be signed, dated and less than six months old at the time you submit your application.

Costs

Average student cost of living in the UK

Rent £518
Water, gas electricity, internet (at home) £50
Supermarket shopping £81
Clothing £35
Eating out £33
Alcohol £27
Takeaways / food deliveries £30
Going out / entertainment (excl.alcohol, food) £24
Holidays and weekend trips £78
Transport within city £17
Self-care / sports £20
Stationary / books £13
Mobile phone / internet £13
Cable TV / streaming £7
Insurance £51
Other £95
  
Average student cost of living £1092

London costs approx 34% more than average, mainly due to rent being 67% higher than average of other cities. For students staying in student halls, costs of water, gas, electricity, wifi are generally included in the rental. Students in smaller cities where accommodation is in walking/biking distance transport costs tend to be significantly smaller.

University Rankings

Positions of Cardiff University in top UK and global rankings.

See all 34 university rankings of Cardiff University

About Cardiff University

Established in 1883, Cardiff University is located in the urban setting of the city of Cardiff, Wales. Some of the university’s most obvious advantages include world-leading research, a knowledgeable and proactive career services office, and the central location. Cardiff is a vibrant, modern city with a young and diverse population known for accepting people from all walks of life.

List of 334 Bachelor and Master Courses from Cardiff University - Course Catalogue

  • Student life at Cardiff University
  • Student Megan tells you all about Chemistry at Cardiff
  • Cardiff University - Adult Nursing (BN)
  • International students at Cardiff University School of Biosciences

Where is this programme taught

Cathays Park Campus
map marker Show on map

Similar courses

Program University Student satis­faction Unem­ployed Drop­out Tuition (UK) Tuition (Inter­national) UCAS Tariff City
Classical Archaeology and Ancient History MA (Hons) The University of Edinburgh - - - £9250 £26500 - Edinburgh On campus Full-time
Archaeology MA (Hons) The University of Edinburgh 85% 0% 0% £9250 £26500 202 Edinburgh On campus Full-time
Scottish Ethnology and Archaeology MA (Hons) The University of Edinburgh 72% 0% 5% £9250 £26500 181 Edinburgh On campus Full-time
Anthropology and Archaeology MA (Hons) University of Aberdeen - - - £9250 £21900 £20800 - Aberdeen On campus Full-time
Archaeology and Art History MA (Hons) University of Aberdeen - - - £9250 £21900 £20800 - Aberdeen On campus Full-time
Archaeology and Social Anthropology MA (Hons) The University of Edinburgh 73% 0% 10% £9250 £26500 181 Edinburgh On campus Full-time
Classical Archaeology and Latin MA (Hons) The University of Edinburgh - - - £9250 £26500 - Edinburgh On campus Full-time
Archaeology and Ancient History MA (Hons) The University of Edinburgh 87% 0% 0% £9250 £26500 191 Edinburgh On campus Full-time
Archaeology and Celtic & Anglo Saxon Studies MA (Hons) University of Aberdeen 85% 0% 2% £9250 £21900 £20800 171 Aberdeen On campus Full-time
Archaeology Msci (Hons) Queen's University of Belfast 80% 0% 15% £9250 £17900 145 Belfast On campus Full-time