Archaeology and Ancient History MA (Hons)
The University of Edinburgh
Key Course Facts
Student Reviews
Below you can see course specific reviews of 25 graduates of Archaeology and Ancient History MA (Hons) and other courses in Archaeology at The University of Edinburgh for each of the survey questions in comparison to the average for all UK degree courses in Archaeology.
Primarily based on data from undergraduate degree students.
All Archaeology courses of The University of Edinburgh
Salary
Salary of Graduates in Archaeology
Important: Salary data below is not course specific, but contains data of all students of Archaeology 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 | £20500 | £22000 | £24500 |
| 25-75 percentile range | £17000 - £21500 | £18500 - £26000 | £21000 - £30500 |
All Archaeology courses of The University of Edinburgh
Salary of all UK Graduates of Archaeology
| 15 months after graduation | 3 years after graduation | 5 years after graduation | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median salary | £23163 | £23037 | £26976 |
| 25-75 percentile range | £20430 - £27525 | £18061 - £29372 | £21064 - £36605 |
All Archaeology courses in the UK
Course Description
Combining the study of ancient history with the theory and practice of archaeology, this interdisciplinary programme offers the opportunity to explore the ancient civilisations of the Mediterranean with a particular emphasis on Greece and Rome.
You will gain the historiographic and archaeological skills required to understand past societies, including:
- the analysis of literary sources
- understanding of ancient buildings and forensic evidence
- learning ancient and modern languages
Learn about societies and civilisations
The rich body of literary and documentary texts that survive from ancient Greece and Rome provide fascinating insights into their culture and society.
Analysis of these compelling documentary sources forms a key component of this programme. However, historical accounts are often fragmentary, and are sometimes biased towards major events or prominent individuals.
Archaeology, the study of the material remains of past peoples, offers an additional source of evidence for reconstructing and understanding the day-to-day lives of the ancient Greeks and Romans.
Archaeology investigates the human past using material remains such as artefacts and excavated sites to reconstruct the life of early societies, including:
- economic life
- social life
- cultural life
Teaching and research expertise
At Edinburgh, we have a rich tradition of archaeological teaching and research. Our specialisms include:
- European prehistory
- the early civilisations of the Mediterranean
- the Near East and Egypt
You will be introduced to standard and innovative archaeological techniques and the practice and theory of archaeology, including:
- science-based archaeology
- animal and human bones
- digital applications
Practical skills
We emphasise the importance of training in practical archaeological skills.
You will have an opportunity to gain hands-on experience of artefact identification and analysis in practical sessions using artefacts from our own Vere Gordon Childe collection.
Fieldwork
You will complete 3 weeks of archaeological fieldwork at the end of Year 1. In later years of study you will also have the option to complete:
- further fieldwork
- projects in heritage management and public engagement
- lab-based analysis of archaeological remains
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.
All Archaeology courses of The University of Edinburgh
Current jobs
All courses of The University of Edinburgh
Required skill level of job after 15 months
All Archaeology courses of The University of Edinburgh
Jobs of graduates of this course (15 months after graduation)
Example below based on all graduates of Archaeology and Ancient History MA (Hons) at The University of Edinburgh
| 30% | Elementary occupations |
| 20% | Teaching and Childcare Support Occupation |
| 15% | Finance Professionals |
| 10% | Artistic, literary and media occupations |
| 10% | Administrative occupations |
| 10% | Sales occupations |
| 5% | Caring personal services |
| 5% | Business and public service associate professionals |
| 5% | Teaching Professionals |
Entry Requirements / Admissions
UCAS Tariff of Accepted Students for this course
This particular course
English language requirements
| test | Grade | Additional Details |
|---|---|---|
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Total 65 with at least 5.5 in each component. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 92 | Total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | Total 176 with at least 162 in each component |
|
| Cambridge English Proficiency | Total 176 with at least 162 in each component |
|
| Trinity ISE | ISE II with distinctions in all four components |
|
| PTE Academic | 62 | Total 62 with at least 54 in each component |
| IELTS (Academic) | 6.5 | Total 65 with at least 5.5 in each component. |
| TOEFL (iBT) | 92 | Total 92 with at least 20 in each component. We do not accept TOEFL MyBest Score to meet our English language requirements. |
| Cambridge English Advanced | Total 176 with at least 162 in each component |
|
| Cambridge English Proficiency | Total 176 with at least 162 in each component |
|
| Trinity ISE | ISE II with distinctions in all four components |
|
| PTE Academic | 62 | Total 62 with at least 54 in each component |
Costs
Tuition Fees Archaeology and Ancient History MA (Hons)
| Channel Islands | £9250 | year 1 |
|---|---|---|
| Ireland | £9250 | year 1 |
| Scotland | £1820 | year 1 |
| England UK | £9250 | year 1 |
| Northern Ireland | £9250 | year 1 |
| Wales | £9250 | year 1 |
| EU | £26500 | year 1 |
| International | £26500 | year 1 |
Additional fee information
Scottish students must apply to the Student Awards Agency Scotland (SAAS) for payment of their tuition fees.
EU On 9th July 2020 the decision was made by the Scottish Government to end free university tuition for European Union (EU) students starting in 2021-22. Funding policy for EU nationals and associated groups starting a course of study in academic year 2022-23 or later will be in line with international fees.
Full time international and EU students will pay a fixed annual fee rate for the duration of their programme.
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.
How to apply
Application deadline:
August 1, 2025
This is the deadline for applications to be completed and sent for this course. If the university or college still has places available you can apply after this date, but your application is not guaranteed to be considered.
Possible Entry Points:
- year 1 (Default entry point)
UCAS application code:
VV1A
University Rankings
Positions of The University of Edinburgh in top UK and global rankings.
Rankings of The University of Edinburgh in related subject specific rankings.
Social Studies & Humanities
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- #2
- #11
-
- Archaeology
-
CUG The Complete University Guide - By Subject
[Published 14 May, 2024]
-
-
- #1
- #42
-
- Archaeology
-
QS World University Rankings By Subject
[Published 10 April, 2024]
See all 40 university rankings of The University of Edinburgh
About The University of Edinburgh
The University of Edinburgh is located in the Scottish city of the same name, and is one of the oldest universities in the entire United Kingdom, having opened in the year 1583. The university enjoys a strong reputation for its contributions to international research efforts, which is reflected in their inclusion in the Russell Group, Universitas 21, and Una Europa. Edinburgh offers its residents a historic yet modern city, with a lively nightlife scene, reliable public transport, and friendly locals.
List of 686 Bachelor and Master Courses from The University of Edinburgh - Course Catalogue
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Ask a Question to The University of Edinburgh
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- English requirements for international students
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Ranking publishers
The University League Tables
- Published:
- 14 May, 2024
British Quacquarelli Symonds, UK
- Published:
- 10 April, 2024
- Criteria used in ranking -QS World University Rankings By Subject:
- Academic Reputation: 50%
Employer Reputation: 30%
Research Citations Per Paper: 10%
H-index: 10%