Archaeology MA

The MA Archaeology at Reading provides the opportunity for you to advance you knowledge in archaeology, gain research training in preparation for PhD study, and to advance your knowledge, dedication and capacity for independent learning in a competitive job market.

Through the MA Archaeology you will:

• Develop and enhance your knowledge of archaeology through a selection of specialist modules that suit your chronological, geographical and thematic interests
• Experience flexible degree that prepares you for a career in research, the commercial sector, heritage management or beyond
• Become part of a world-leading Department with an international reputation for excellence in teaching and research
• Take thematic and skills-based options that integrate social and scientific techniques to answer big social questions
• Benefit from dedicated laboratories and state-of-the-art facilities

What will you study?

Conmpulsory modules include: 

• Dissertation 
• Research Skills and Career Learning

Optional Modules include:

• Theoretical Approaches in Archaeology 
• Issues and Debates in Bioarchaeology 
• Statistical Approaches: making sense of your Data 
• Our Closest Cousins? Archaeology of the Neanderthals 
• Interpreting Neolithic and Bronze Age Britain 
• Themes and Approaches in the Study of Mesopotamia 
• Climate Change and Human Societies
• Material Cultures and Identities in the Roman Empire
• The Archaeology of Money: Coins, Power and Society 
• Viking Interactions in the West 
• Colonisation and Cultural Transformation: the archaeology of crusading
• Human Bioarchaeology 
• Food and Culture 
• Zooarchaeology 
• Coastal and Maritime Geoarchaeology 
• Applications of Micromorphological Analysis 
• Vegetation History and Archaeobotany 
• Climate Change and Human Communities

Placement and Career Options

• Archaeological Graphics 
• Research and Enterprise Placement
• Research and Enterprise Micro-Placement 
• Management of Heritage Assets

Please see our modules outline for further information.

Please note that all modules are subject to change. Please see our modules disclaimer for more information.

What career can you have?

Our graduates go on to full-time employment within archaeology and related consultancies or units, museums and government agencies. Up to one third continue their academic career through doctoral research. In recent years, graduates have been successful in obtaining appointments with heritage agencies (Historic England, National Trust) and universities, including Bristol, Cardiff, Durham, Exeter and Newcastle. Archaeology is a multidisciplinary subject. You will learn invaluable skills and techniques that are transferable to many careers in any sector.

Visit the Archaeology MA page on the University of Reading website for more details!