Newcastle University
Archaeology MA
Newcastle University

Course modalities offered

Key Course Facts

Course Description

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 Great Britain 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.

Field trips The North East has an outstanding prehistoric, Roman and medieval heritage. We take full advantage of this through regular study trips 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 trips take 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 partners in the UK and overseas.

Entry Requirements / Admissions

Requirements for international students / English requirements

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

    • 6.5
    • Foundation / Pathway Courses
    • 6.5
    • Others
    • 6.5
    • Graduate Degrees
    • 6.5
    • Undergraduate Degrees
Get advice on which foundation courses are best for you to still study Archaeology, MA, if you do not meet the minimum requirements in terms of UCAS score, A levels, or English language requirements.

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 Newcastle University in top UK and global rankings.

See all 32 university rankings of Newcastle University

About Newcastle University

Founded in 1834, Newcastle University is located in the small city of Newcastle upon Tyne. Less than an hour’s bus ride from the coast, this institution of higher education offers Undergraduates modern lecture theatres, state-of-the-art laboratories, and spaces for socialising and for being creative such as their Fine Arts Hub. Postgraduate students have their own library, complete with a laptop loan system and assistance from knowledgeable librarians to ensure that students have every means of succeeding.

List of 366 Bachelor and Master Courses from Newcastle University - Course Catalogue

Student composition of Newcastle University

undergraduates:
20355
postgraduates:
5550
Total:
25905
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Where is this programme taught

Main Site (Newcastle)
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