Programme structure

The online programme is currently available for students wishing to study part-time, with courses commencing in September. You will study at your own pace, completing the degree in two to four years. You can exit the programme at any stage with the qualification you have earned, which is determined by the number of credits successfully achieved at the required level (180 credits are requierd to complete the MSc). Many of our online students balance their studies alongside other commitments. The programme’s flexible structure supports this, allowing part-time students the opportunity to take fallow semesters, in which you remain on the programme but do not register for courses.

Taught by academic staff who are experts in their field, you will benefit from our research-led teaching approach. Teaching is centred around two 11 week semesters each year, mid-September to December and mid-January to April. There are no courses offered from May to August (inclusive).

Degree certificates do not state that the programme is delivered online nor do they reference '(Archaeology and Classics)'.

Why is the final qualification an MSc rather than an MA?

The ancient Scottish universities (including the University of Edinburgh) traditionally offer the Master of Arts (MA) as an undergraduate academic degree. Our postgraduate History, Classics and Archaeology degrees are designated as the Master of Science (MSc) to distinguish them from undergraduate degrees.

Studying for a single course

Studying a single course will take a semester.

Studying for the Postgraduate Certificate

The certificate is expected to take up to three semesters.

Studying for the Postgraduate Diploma

The diploma is expected to take up to six semesters.

Studying for the MSc

The full MSc is expected to take between two and four years to complete. You must complete all requirements for the Diploma before undertaking the dissertation.