Archaeology of the North (Taught)

The MSc Archaeology of the North is the only programme of its type in the world, investigating the material culture and heritage of the far northern hemisphere. With an emphasis on colonisation and culture contact, lifeways and world-views, this programme will help you develop knowledge and critical awareness of issues specific to northern archaeology, providing a solid foundation for further study or professional employment.

Developing the research skills required to investigate the material culture and heritage of the far northern hemisphere, a region that includes Scotland and the circumpolar region from Mongolia to the Canadian Arctic.

With an emphasis on colonisation and culture contact, lifeways and world-views, every graduate is provided with a thorough knowledge of the theory and practice specific to northern archaeology, together with the foundation for further study or professional employment.

In addition, every graduate will have acquired detailed competence in a specialist regional or chronological field, chosen from a range of options across the entire northern world.

The degree can be taken as preparation for higher research, as a professional qualification or purely for interest.

View all modules on the programme page to find out more about what you will be studying and when. University of Aberdeen modules are designed to give you breadth and depth to your master’s degree. The range of modules you study will allow you to become proficient in all subjects which are directly relevant to your degree giving you greater career options.

Assessment for each 30-credit taught module is on the basis of one 3000-word essay and one project on topics relevant to the course, chosen in consultation with the course coordinator. The nature of the project may vary from course to course and include reports, exercises and presentations.

Following successful completion of the taught modules, students are allowed to advance to the dissertation, which involves in depth original research on a topic chosen in consultation with the advisor.