Archaeology and Language & Linguistics

Archaeology is the only discipline that studies the human past in its entirety; from the origins of our species to the events of yesterday. Archaeology at Aberdeen has a special northern focus that is unique in the UK. Through lectures, field and laboratory work you will engage with the archaeology of Scotland, Scandinavia, northern Europe, the North Atlantic and northern latitudes of Asia and North America. You will be taught by internationally acclaimed researchers. You can study it with Language and Linguistics to give you a unique range of learning and opportunities and careers.

Language & Linguistics will introduce you to, among other things, how human language and speech may have evolved, the complex functions and structures of language in its role as a bridge between sound and meaning. You will study the ways in which we acquire languages as children and adults, the ways in which languages vary and the mechanisms by which they change over time.

This MA degree focuses on the humanities and social science side of archaeology. Courses will cover subjects such as the origins of modern humans, colonisation of the north, history and theory of archaeology, Scottish archaeology and excavation and research skills. In seeking to understand how ancient people lived their lives, structured their world, and engaged with their environment, archaeologists ask the big questions that can provide us with the tools to tackle modern day issues such the effects of climate change, designing the ‘perfect’ diet, or investigating the spread of epidemics.

Aberdeen is ranked 3rd in the UK for Anthropology and Archaeology (Guardian University Guide 2025)
Ranked 1st in Scotland for Overall Student Satisfaction in Forensic and Archaeological Sciences (National Student Survey 2024)
Global Top 100 for Archaeology (QS World University Rankings by Subject 2024).
Linguistics at Aberdeen is ranked 1st in Scotland for Overall Student Satisfaction (National Student Survey 2024)