MA Archaeology

About this course

Archaeology is the study of how people in the past interacted with their world through the material evidence they left behind. Objects, sites, buildings, landscapes, human remains and biological residues are all sources that archaeologists learn to read, applying scientific techniques alongside interpretive judgement to reconstruct societies that cannot otherwise speak to us directly. The discipline spans the full breadth of human time, from the earliest stone tools to the post-medieval period, and operates across every region of the globe. It is at once a rigorous empirical science and a deeply humanistic endeavour, concerned with understanding human experience in all its variety. At Glasgow this programme is offered part time, giving you the flexibility to pursue a demanding academic discipline alongside other commitments. A year abroad is built into the degree, offering the opportunity to study or undertake fieldwork in a different cultural and archaeological context, which can significantly broaden your experience of different periods, regions and methodological approaches. At Glasgow you will engage with the theory and practice of archaeological investigation, including excavation methods, finds analysis, environmental archaeology, landscape archaeology and the history of the discipline itself. You will also develop the interpretive and writing skills needed to turn material evidence into persuasive accounts of past human life. Archaeology graduates pursue careers in commercial and field archaeology, heritage management, museum curation, conservation, education, government historic environment agencies, academic research and science communication. The analytical and research skills the degree develops are valued in many professional contexts beyond archaeology itself. For those who want to continue studying, postgraduate degrees in archaeology, heritage management, archival science or a regional or period specialisation provide clear pathways, and doctoral research in archaeology at Glasgow benefits from the university's strong fieldwork and research traditions.

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