Archaeology (Taught)

The MPhil in Archaeology allows students to gain a critical appreciation of archaeology, the human past, and its place in the modern world, as well as training in research and analytical skills and expertise in a chosen, specialist area. Through research-led teaching, staff and students interact in lectures, seminars, language classes and laboratory-based practicals with the aims of mastering the basics of theory and method. Students may also participate in ongoing research projects.

Students may choose to specialise in any of the following options, if available. Prospective applicants are advised to check with the Department and check the website before applying, to find out which options are available for the forthcoming year:

• Archaeology of the Americas

• Egyptian Archaeology

• European Prehistory

• Archaeology of the Global Middle Ages

• Mesopotamian Archaeology

• Palaeolithic and Mesolithic Archaeology

• South Asian Archaeology

• African Archaeology

Learning Outcomes
The overall aim of the MPhil in Archaeology is to provide Master’s-level education in archaeology at the highest standard. This involves three aims:

To enable students to attain a critical appreciation of archaeology, the human past, and its place in the modern world. By the end of the course, students are expected to understand the broader context and methods of archaeology, and to be able to enter a range of archaeological professions.

To train students in a particular subject of specialisation through a coherent programme of teaching focused upon a specific topic, area, or methodology, as defined in the objectives of the course. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to pursue independent research in their field of specialisation.

To give students training in a range of general, transferable skills, such as writing, presentation, research skills, and formulating and analysing arguments. By the end of the course, students are expected to be able to exercise these skills in any professional-level work which requires them.

Continuing
Students taking the MPhil in Archaeology who wish to continue to the PhD in Archaeology are required to achieve a mark of at least 68 overall and no less than 68 in their dissertation. They must obtain the support of an appropriate supervisor before making an application. In some circumstances, additional academic conditions may be set to ensure appropriate skills are in place prior to admittance on the PhD programme.

Students receive written feedback on all assessed coursework via the Postgraduate administrator. Final marks are made available to students following the final examiners meeting in September/October.

Students are invited to group meetings throughout the year to discuss progress and concerns in order to address issues as and when they arise.

All students will undergo regular supervision sessions with their dissertation supervisor.

Thesis / Dissertation
The dissertation is an extended piece of independent, original research. Students work with their supervisor to formulate a dissertation project, carry out research and write it up. The topic of the dissertation has to be approved by the Faculty Degree Committee. The dissertation has a maximum limit of 15,000 words (exclusive of tables, figures, footnotes, bibliography, and appendices) and is due at the end of July; it counts for 50% of the student’s final mark.

Essays
Students taking the MPhil in Archaeology are usually required to produce between three and six assessed essays depending on their chosen course of study and the modules they select. The essays are usually between 3000 and 4000 words in length.

Written examination
Students taking the MPhil in Archaeology may be required to sit written examinations for some modules. Details will be given on the appropriate Moodle site at the beginning of the year.

Practical assessment
The MPhil in Archaeology does not include any practical assessment. Students may be assessed on written work produced as part of practical or laboratory sessions for some modules.

Other
Attendance at the relevant Research Skills workshops is required of all MPhil students in the Department of Archaeology. Its mode of assessment may include a research proposal and an oral presentation (supported by visual aids) to teaching staff and peers.

Key Information

10 months full-time
Master of Philosophy
Department of Archaeology
Course - related enquiries
Application - related enquiries
Course on Department Website
Dates and deadlines:
Michaelmas 2023 (Closed)
Funding Deadlines

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