MA Archaeology and Gaelic Studies
About this course
MA in Archaeology and Gaelic Studies, an interdisciplinary degree combining the study of Scottish history, material culture, and the Gaelic language. Core topics include Research Methods, Fieldwork, and Communication & Writing. The course spans four years and includes practical training through field methods and archaeological analysis. The first year introduces foundational themes through modules such as Archaeology in Action, Gaelic Scotland, and Caves to Kingdoms: an Introduction to Prehistoric Archaeology. The second year continues with Prehistoric Britain: from Boxgrove to Bede and Test Tubes and Trowels: an Introduction to Archaeological Science. The third year builds professional competencies through Professional Archaeology i: Field Methods and Professional Archaeology II: Post - Excavation Analysis and Employment. The final year involves advanced study via Gaelic Language B and Current Issues in Archaeology, with options to complete an archaeological research project or a dissertation.
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.
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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
- Secretarial and related occupations: 15%
- Teaching Professionals: 10%
- Elementary occupations: 10%
- Administrative occupations: 10%
- Sales 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
- Academic Writing for Language & Literature
- Archaeology in Action
- Gaelic Scotland
- Caves to Kingdoms: an Introduction to Prehistoric Archaeology
- The Flow of Time: Introductory Field Trip
- Gaelic for Beginners 1a
- Gaelic for Beginners 1b
- Prehistoric Britain: from Boxgrove to Bede
- Test Tubes and Trowels: an Introduction to Archaeological Science
- Professional Archaeology i: Field Methods
- Professional Archaeology II: Post - Excavation Analysis and Employment
- Archaeological Research Project Part 1
- Gaelic Language B
- Current Issues in Archaeology
- Archaeological Research Project Part 2
- Dissertation in Language and Linguistics
Questions about this course
How much do graduates of MA Archaeology and Gaelic Studies 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 £2,500 more than the UK median for Archaeology.
What do graduates of MA Archaeology and Gaelic Studies 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 Gaelic Studies 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 Gaelic Studies at University of Aberdeen?
The average entrant had 163 UCAS points.
How many students continue on MA Archaeology and Gaelic Studies at University of Aberdeen?
90% of students continued into their second year, and 9% left higher education.