MA Archaeology and Language & Linguistics
About this course
MA in Linguistics and Archaeology, combining language studies with the investigation of past human societies. Core topics include Communication & Writing, Fieldwork, and Research Methods. The course includes a final-year dissertation and practical fieldwork elements.
Written by AI from the university's course page and module list. It can get details wrong, so check the official course page before you rely on it.
Entry requirements
A level: BBC IB: 32 points including 5, 5, 5 at HL. SL in English is also required. SQA Highers: BBBB. BTEC Level 3 Extended Diploma: DMM in related subjects. Note: BTEC Level 3 Extended Certificate (Subsidiary Diploma) achieved at Distinction level, is normally acceptable in lieu of one A Level at grade B.) GCSE English (or equivalent) is required at Grade C/4 or above. GCSE Mathematics at Grade C/4 is also required for Accountancy, Economics and Finance programmes. Irish Leaving Certificate: Five subjects at Higher at H3.
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What students say
Based on about 44 final-year students who answered, across similar courses at this university
- Teaching on my course: 96%
- Learning opportunities: 93%
- Assessment and feedback: 88%
- Academic support: 97%
- Organisation and management: 90%
- Learning resources: 96%
- Student voice: 88%
Do students stay on the course?
Based on about 70 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- Continued on course: 90%
- Left higher education: 9%
- Moved to a lower qualification: 1%
What graduates do next
Based on about 13 graduates who answered, across similar courses at this university (a small group: a rough guide only)
- Working: 65%
- Working and studying: 10%
- Further study: 15%
Most common jobs
- Administrative occupations: 15%
- Secretarial and related occupations: 15%
- Customer service occupations: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Leisure, travel and related personal service occupations: 10%
- Find their work meaningful: 50%
- Feel on track for their future plans: 30%
- Use what they learnt on the course: 30%
Where graduates work (5 years on)
Based on about 100 graduates, across similar courses at this university
- North East: 2%
- North West: 4%
- East Midlands: 1%
- West Midlands: 2%
- East of England: 2%
- London: 13%
- South East: 3%
- South West: 2%
- Wales: 1%
- Scotland: 69%
- Northern Ireland: 3%
Who gets in
Based on about 95 students who started, across similar courses at this university
- A levels: 91%
- A degree: 1%
- Other HE qualification: 8%
Modules
- Getting Started at the University of Aberdeen
- Archaeology in Action
- Academic Writing for Language & Literature
- The Flow of Time: Introductory Field Trip
- Living Language
- English Past and Present
- Caves to Kingdoms: an Introduction to Prehistoric Archaeology
- Language Structure and use
- Test Tubes and Trowels: an Introduction to Archaeological Science
- Language in Society
- Past Lives
- The Archaeology of The North: Lifeways & Cultural Change
- Elements of English
- Prehistoric Britain: from Boxgrove to Bede
- Professional Archaeology i: Field Methods
- Professional Archaeology II: Post - Excavation Analysis and Employment
- Archaeological Research Project Part 1
- Current Issues in Archaeology
- Dissertation in Language and Linguistics
- Archaeological Research Project Part 2
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Archaeology and Language & Linguistics at University of Aberdeen earn?
The median salary is £26,500 after 15 months, £22,500 after 3 years, £28,000 after 5 years. After five years the middle half of graduates earn between £23,500 and £36,500. The £28,000 median after five years is £2,000 less than the UK median for Linguistics.
What do graduates of MA Archaeology and Language & Linguistics at University of Aberdeen do next?
90% were in work or further study 15 months after finishing (Graduate Outcomes 2023-24).
Are students happy with the teaching on MA Archaeology and Language & Linguistics at University of Aberdeen?
96% of final-year students were positive about the teaching in the National Student Survey 2025-26.
What grades do I need for MA Archaeology and Language & Linguistics at University of Aberdeen?
The typical offer is BBC at A level, or 32 points in the IB. The average entrant had 163 UCAS points.
Does MA Archaeology and Language & Linguistics at University of Aberdeen include a placement year or year abroad?
The course has an optional year abroad.
How many students continue on MA Archaeology and Language & Linguistics at University of Aberdeen?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 9% left higher education.