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.

Our emphasis at the MPhil level is on research-led teaching so that staff and students interact in lectures, seminars, language classes, and laboratory-based practicals with the aim of mastering the basics of theory and method while also engaging students as participants in ongoing research projects.

Specialisations:

Students may choose to specialise in any of the following options if available - a check should be made with the Department before application to find out which options are available that 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 goals: 

1. 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.
2. 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.
3. 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.