Programme details
A profusion of optional courses covering all aspects of archaeology complement in-depth research training.
The Neolithic settlement at Skara Brae in Orkney, first excavated by the archaeologist V Gordon Childe during his time at the University of Edinburgh
The MSc/Diploma in European Archaeology offers students from the UK and overseas an opportunity to study archaeology at an advanced level and to progress towards an in-depth understanding of the subject within a comparatively short period of time (one or two years). Our aim is to enable you to acquire a sound knowledge and understanding of archaeology, with special regard to:
- the history and development of the discipline in Europe
- links with the historical, social and natural sciences
- contemporary theoretical approaches
- current methodology and practice and, most importantly
- the study of specific regions or themes which may be of particular interest to you at doctoral level.
Structure
In order to complete the diploma stage of the degree, you are required to take six courses over the two teaching semesters (September-April), equivalent to 20 credits each (normally 22 hours contact time). These consist of one compulsory core course (Research Sources and Strategies in Archaeology) and five additional courses selected from the list below.
(Please note that some courses are taught in alternate years, and availability is subject to change. In certain circumstances, students may be allowed to choose a masters course from within another subject area in the University.)
In order to obtain the Masters degree (MSc), on completion of coursework (above), students are required to produce a 15,000 word dissertation (worth 60 credits) for submission in August.
Due to the time constraints of a one year degree, fieldwork is not offered as part of this programme. However, if time permits, outside the teaching semesters, students may be able to participate, on their own initiative, in an excavation or other type of fieldwork.
Optional courses that may be available (all 20 credits)
| Archaeological Illustration |
| The Archaeology of Cyprus; insularity, identity and internationalism |
| Archaeology of Gender |
| Bronze Age Civilisations of the Near East and Greece |
| Conceptualising the Neolithic |
| Etruscan Italy, 1000-300 BC |
| Experimental Archaeology and Ancient Technology |
| From Foraging to Farming, the Beginnings of Agriculture in the Mediterranean and Europe |
| The Hellenistic City |
| Hellenistic Art and Archaeology |
| Island Worlds: prehistoric societies in the western Mediterranean |
| Isotopes and Archaeology |
| Ritual and Monumentality in Atlantic Europe, mid-6th to mid-3rd Millennium BC |
| Ritual and Monumentality in North-West Europe, mid-6th to mid-3rd Millennium BC |
| Roman Funerary Art |
| Roman Archaeology |
| Theoretical Archaeology |
| The Scottish Lowlands: Archaeology and Landscape before the Normans |
| War and Society in Dark Age Scotland |
Possible dissertation topics
Staff in Archaeology cover a wide range of specialist fields and periods of study and are happy to supervise dissertations in these and related areas. We can also draw on the expertise of colleagues in History and Classics within the School.
Transferable skills
Studying archaeology at postgraduate level will equip you with a good set of academic and transferable skills including: reporting, writing and research skills, the ability to construct and communicate ideas, interpretations and arguments, and acquire confidence and initiative in leading discussions and giving presentations.
Thanks to its interdisciplinary nature and links with both the Humanities (Arts) and Sciences, as well as scope for acquiring special analytical skills (for example, computer skills, recording, lab work), and for working in the field with research, governmental and heritage agencies, archaeologists are generally well trained and experienced in leadership, collaborative and team-working roles. The study of archaeology can also foster a good understanding of a very wide range of human societies and cultures, their similarities and differences.
This article was published on Oct 16, 2012